I was looking for a nice trail to run while staying in Exeter. The Devonshire Heartland Way fit the bill as I could take the train to the start in Okehampton and finish in Stoke Canon close enough to Exeter for a taxi/pick up. The route lived up to expectations by passing through pastoral Devon and picturesque villages. However, be warned that especially the middle section alternates between longer sections along (very quiet!) country lanes and crossing of fields and meadows without a trail on the ground! The direction of the general footpaths were signposted throughout, but it is not consistently marked as Devonshire Heartland Way (i.e. the logo of a Spindleberry flower).
Weather was almost perfect for running as it was dry and not too warm. The sun came out a few times which was nice especially when the wind blew across the hill tops. The paths weren't too muddy after the recent rainy weather either. I started with about 1.5l of water and enough snacks for the day. I refilled my water from a public tap at Colebrook church.
I didn't have too much trouble finding the route though a lady at Appledore Farm tried to convince me that the public right of way had been permanently diverted around the farm (to coincide with Two Moors Way). I backtracked to avoid the argument, but that "diversion" passes through a churned up horse field and I got zapped by an electric fence. I have checked the Devon County Council's definitive map of public rights of ways and only the Two Moors Way is recorded around Appledore Farm and should probably be followed.