The first Exeter Ship Canal was built in 1568 to bypass the silted River Exe and allow trade to return to Exeter Quay. Join John Monks and Jon Bell on the site where John Trew first broke ground, where he built Trew’s Weir and where the river feeds the canal still. They will also look at the rich history of Exeter as a port, taking in the Quays, the Basin and the Customs House.

John Monks is president and founder chair of the Friends of Exeter Ship Canal. He was instrumental in securing Exeter’s designation as a Heritage Harbour and is a member of the Maritime Heritage Trust National Heritage Harbour Group. Jon Bell qualified in 2019 as an Exeter Red Coat Guide and became Chair of the organisation last year. In addition he is an independent trustee of Exeter Canal & Quay Trust and Chair of the Exeter Heritage Harbour Group.

This will be an active walk with a good deal of standing. Details of where to meet and the itinerary will follow.