Exe

Exe, river in Somerset and Devon, south-western England, flowing mostly southwards for some 88 km (55 mi), and draining an area of 615 sq km (235 sq mi). The Exe rises on Exmoor, western Somerset, about 8 km (5 mi) south of the Bristol Channel, and flows through the town of Tiverton, to be joined by the Lowman, near where its valley begins to narrow, flowing through scenic wooded hills. At Exton the Exe assumes its southerly course, flowing into its estuary at Exeter, and joining the English Channel at Exmouth. It is navigable for the length of its estuary, about 12 km (8 mi).

The Exe estuary has been used since Roman times, when a naval base was established at Topsham and a connecting road built from there to Exeter. In the middle ages Topsham became an important port; in the 16th century it sent boats to the Newfoundland cod fisheries. Fisheries on the estuary itself have been important since the early middle ages, when a sizeable one was established at Exminster. Some of the Exe's bridges date from the 13th century.

There is still good angling on the river, mainly for salmon and trout. Also economically important are paper mills and flour mills upstream; the estuary is popular with yachts.