The River Exe rises near Simonsbath on Exmoor in Somerset and flows south for around 60 miles before reaching the sea at the Exe Estuary. The river is graded 1–2 overall, with several weirs between Bickleigh Bridge and Haven Banks Quay that require attention. There are also grade 2–3 sections in places, and popular playspots at Flowerpots Weir and Four Pynes for squirt boating. The change in character from sparse Exmoor moorland through to tidal estuary and mudflats gives paddlers a wide range of environments across a single trip.

The most popular paddling area is the stretch linking Exeter Quayside to the Exe Estuary via the River Exe and the parallel Exeter Ship Canal. The complete circuit from Exeter Quay to Turf Locks and back covers 17 km and typically takes a full day. Two self-guided loops can be combined or paddled separately, with most people allowing 5–6 hours per loop. Because weirs and lock gates interrupt both the river and canal, portages of around 100–150 m are required at several points to cross between the two waterways. Waymarker posts with a canoe symbol indicate the portage routes. Key access points include Exeter Quay (with a quayside slipway), the Countess Wear Car Park (EX6 6LR), and a slipway off the sewage works access road near Countess Wear. During lower tides on the estuary section, paddlers should follow the main buoyed river channel, as low water exposes extensive mudflats.

Hazards to plan around include the large weirs on the upper river section, tidal conditions on the estuary, and variable water levels — levels can be low in summer, which may affect fin clearance for SUPs. Checking weather reports, river levels, and tide tables before setting out is strongly advised. A quick-release leash is recommended on both the canal and moving water sections.

Wildlife along the river and estuary is a notable feature of any trip. Herons, kingfishers, egrets, and a variety of wading birds are regularly seen, particularly on the mudflats at low tide. Otters are present on the upper river, and seals have been recorded in the estuary. The river also supports wild brown trout, perch, and eels, and the estuary reed beds form part of a designated nature reserve — paddlers are asked to keep at least 100 m from feeding, resting, or breeding birds and to avoid lingering below fish passes on weirs.

Hire and guided trips are available from several operators based at Exeter Quay and the canal basin, including single and double kayaks, canoes, and SUPs. The Double Locks pub, roughly halfway along the canal, has a pontoon suitable for mooring. The Turf Hotel at the southern end of the canal marks the junction with the estuary but is not road-accessible and closes during winter months.