Visit

The first two miles are on quiet lanes before crossing fields to the abbey site. The return is on a hilltop path with superb views.

Leave Hemyock on Culmbridge Road, passing the post office and parish hall. Just after the bridge, the road bends right. At Fourways cross turn right, signposted to Madford. The road takes you along the attractive valley of the Madford River. Take the right fork at Fivebridges Cross and walk on to the T-junction at Madford Cross. Turn right then immediately left. A short distance beyond some stone cottages and a barn take the footpath on your right, dropping down to a stile and bridge in the bottom left corner of the field. Cross the next two fields to gates opposite and then over a wooden bridge on your left. Head towards the right-hand end of the church and into the churchyard of Holy Trinity church, built in 1842 on the site of the former Abbey Church. What a lovely location for an abbey. The ‘Short History’ (available in the church) says that ‘the claustral buildings covered 6 acres’. Sadly, very little remains, but it is well worth lingering to imagine the monks at work and prayer and to enjoy the atmosphere of tranquillity. 

Walk along the box-edged path and through the gate to the Abbey hamlet, noting the former school on your right. At Abbey Cross, turn right and follow this lane to a T-junction, where you turn left. It’s uphill for a while now. 

When you are almost at the top of the hill, take the footpath signposted on your right and immediately fork left through a gate. This delightful hilltop path leads straight ahead, through several fields and gives wonderful views of the Blackdown Hills at their best. The path eventually bends a little and at a gateway with a large beech tree in front of you, turn sharp right down a wide stony track. This descends to a lane, where you turn left and then right to return to Hemyock, which itself contains features of historical interest. 

A lovely, varied walk passing the site of some of the whetstone mines and a chapel where many miners worshipped. There are two steady uphill sections and some superb views. Approx. 5 miles (8 km). 

It’s a good idea to start by reading the story of Blackborough and the whetstone mines, displayed in what was once the church notice board. Then cross the road to take the footpath on the left-hand side of the end house. Almost immediately turn right, with the path running behind the houses. Follow it upwards as it becomes a higher woodland route. It was along here on your left that the entrances to many mines were situated. 

When you are level with the last houses, you should see the road below on your right. Take the right fork in the path to join it and turn right. At the road junction turn left, downhill, passing the village hall (once the school) and the former Ponchydown Inn. Near the sign as you leave the village there are two gates on your left. Go through the second one and walk along the top of the field to another gate. Immediately beyond the little barn, go through a gate on your right. Drop down this lovely field to a gap in the hedge at the bottom. It’s often muddy here, but keep ahead into and across the next field, aiming at the buildings in Sainthill. Go through two gates to emerge on the lane opposite the Baptist chapel. In the churchyard, many gravestones bear the names of the mining families. It’s a lovely place to linger a while. 

Opposite The Manse take the lane uphill, passing the church hall. Now there is some harder work as you head uphill towards the woods, but a seat invites you to rest awhile. Good idea – the rest of the path becomes really steep as you enter the woods to join a wide and level path. There were more mine entrances to the left and right along here. Cross the path to a choice of bridleways and head to the left, uphill again. You soon find a field on your left and will come to a road. Cross it and take the wide track, slightly on your right. 

This track is about half a mile long. At the end, bear left and walk a similar distance on the road. At the bottom of the hill follow the footpath sign which doubles you back to your left but first stop and enjoy the view. When this drive bends left, take the narrow footpath on your right. You will see holiday chalets on your left. Climb the stile at the end and turn left along the edge of the field to a gate at the bottom. In the next field, head for the farmhouse, where a gate will bring you into the farmyard. After just a few steps turn left in front of a barn and proceed between houses. This peaceful and attractive spot is Bodmiscombe. In front of the modern bungalow, turn left. 

It’s now uphill all the way back to Blackborough. Sorry! However, the lovely countryside and sense of remoteness and quiet are good compensation for the effort. Hope you’ve enjoyed an encounter with a unique former industry. 

The route begins at the stile by the phone box just north of The Lamb and Flag. Walk across Blagdon Green to a stile and turn left along Curdleigh Lane. Bear right at a fork and follow this lane to its end, where it reaches Curdleigh Farmhouse. Turn right, on a footpath. At the top of the first field the path enters woodland. Keep ahead, with a little stream on your left. Further on, ignore a track on the left and keep gently and then more steeply uphill.

At the top you meet a wide forest track, where you turn sharp left (unless you would like to visit the Holman Clavel Inn, just a few hundred yards ahead). This forest track takes you down through open habitat. Ignoring all paths to the left, the track eventually narrows and zigzags down to cross a small stream and to take you to a T-junction of paths at the wood’s edge. Turn right and follow this path up to the B3170.

Tun left and after only 15 yards, left again down the lane signed for Feltham. Enjoy the views to the hills beyond. Walk past the houses and up the hill to the end of the wood. Here a path turns off through a gateway on your left. The path soon divides, but stay on the higher path, with fields on your right. Further on, the path takes you down through Adcombe Wood and to the Woodland Trust sign at the bottom.

The path can now be a bit like the bed of a stream in a jungle, but not for long. Pass a house on your right and at a junction of ways, follow the footpath between hedges to the left. Cross the first field diagonally to the left. Just to the left of the bottom corner of the field the challenge is to find a stile and a little bridge well concealed in the hedge. Cross the next field, heading slightly to the right of the little spire of Pitminster church. Cross two small bridges as you approach the church and a metal gate.

Through the gate, turn left up a wide track to a field. Go through a gate and turn sharp right along the edge of the field to a stile. After a few yards you descend a set of steps to a bridge and more steps. The route crosses the next field, slightly left, to a hedge corner and then straightens out to a stile. Continue ahead, across fields to return between houses to Blagdon Hill. The start of the walk is regained to your left.

A superb walk with magnificent views and the special atmosphere of this picturesque village. Firstly uphill, then a flat section and finally a good downhill stretch. Approx. 4.5 miles (7 km).

From the village centre walk down to the River Tale, cross the bridge and turn right. Follow this lane past some lovely cottages and look for a stile on your left, opposite Hembercombe Farm. Follow this footpath in a straight line up two fields towards Bowerwood Farm and then pass it on your right. Keep the hedge on your right in the next field and then pass through a little wood to reach the final field. Continue on the same line to a stile ahead. After this steady uphill walk, please turn and enjoy the view to Hembury Fort. 

Having crossed the stile, turn right. As you gain further height, there are lovely views down to Broadhembury. Keep on the path to a metal gate which gives access to the Devon & Somerset Gliding Club field at the top. Bear right, along the edge of the field towards the large beech trees. You will pass between the caravans and glider boxes and round the back of the clubhouse and sheds. The path becomes a tarmac road and bears right, over a cattle grid. Stay on this road, which is the vehicular access to the Club – and also a public bridleway. At one point along here, you can see the sea at Sidmouth. 

At the end you will join Golden Lane, where you turn right. You are only on this road for a short distance before you see a bridleway signed on your right. Go through the gate and along the wide grassy track. It turns left through another gate. The route is clear – flat at first, then it drops and goes between trees to a metal gate. Walk straight across the sloping field to a gateway opposite. In the next field, keep the fence on your right and go through the lower of the two gates ahead, right in the bottom corner of the field. 

The path now changes to a narrow track between fences, with field on your left and steeply sloping woods on your right. When you come to the road, turn right for a walk of over a mile down Stafford Hill back to Broadhembury. A pleasant little diversion at the end is to walk through the churchyard and pause by the porch to look across the village and soak in the timeless feeling. Continue through to the lane and down by the Drewe Arms. A lovely walk! 

From Castle Neroche the route is downhill all the way to Curland. The second half then takes you steadily back up to the height of around 850 feet above sea level where you began. A particularly good walk in the bluebell season. 

Leave the car park, following the waymarked Herepath Trail path into the woods and turn right onto the track along the top of the woods. There is a very steep drop on your left. The path soon bends to the left and takes you sharply downhill. The red waymarks and the Neroche Herepath and Millennium Walk signs show you the way. Join a wider path and keep ahead to a gate. Continue straight ahead: your path is signed for Curry Mallet Drove. 

You are on the edge of the forest, with fields on your right. Further on, the fields and forest seem to swap sides. Ignore a wide track on the left. Eventually there is a short section where the woods are on both sides of the path. As you step clear of the woods, turn left on a wide track. It soon bends right, but you keep straight ahead. As you progress, there is a good view on the left to the hill where you started and a pleasant open view to your right. The wide drove is easy to follow and leads you to a road where you turn left. 

Walk through Curland village, keeping to the left of the little triangle of green by the old post office. Leave the village and just beyond a turning to the left, there is a footpath sign and stile. Walk up through two fields with the hedge on your right. At the top of the second field, veer slightly left to a stile. Now follow the hedge on your left through two more fields. There is a good view all round which includes the handsome church tower at Staple Fitzpaine to your right. At the top of the second field look for a narrow stile and follow the hedge round to the right. It leads to a track beside the tiny and now redundant church of all Saints, converted to a dwelling. 

On reaching the road, turn left. Cross the turning to the left and just a few yards beyond, turn into the bridleway through a gate. This stony track leads you steadily uphill. Cross a wide track and keep heading upwards. At the top cross a little grassy area on the left and don’t miss the splendid view across Taunton Vale to the Quantocks. Over to your right, you can trace some of the ramparts of the old iron age fort before returning to the car park where you started. 

Cross the area of grass adjoining the car park to reach a lane. Turn right and walk along for about 150 meters. Take the footpath on the left, signed for Chaffcombe. Cross the field to a footbridge and stile. Continue across the next field and over a stile and stay ahead to another stile. Turn left on a wide track. Ignore a footpath option to the right, at the top of a rise, and follow the track with the reservoir increasingly nearby on your left.

When the track meets a road, you turn right. After about 600 metres turn sharp left and climb steadily upwards to Sprays Hill. At the top, take the footpath on your right to follow around the edge of the wood which crowns the hill. If you have brought any refreshments with you, this would be a good place to enjoy it as the panoramic view is splendid. It takes in the Quantock Hills, the Brendon Hills, Ilminster and of course the Blackdown Hills and Chard.

Continue between the gorse bushes to a stile. In the next field, with Chaffcombe House on your right, to footpath descends to a stile just to the left of the bottom right-hand corner. Head downhill through the copse, to a footbridge. Continue to another stile ahead and then follow the right-hand edge of the field to a lane. Turn right. You are soon in Chaffcombe village. Look for a handsome little medieval church and a totem pole carved and painted by a local artist, from a broken cedar branch from the churchyard.

At the war memorial turn left and follow the road ahead, ignoring the ‘No Through Road’ sign. You will see Avishayes over on your left. When you meet the end of the drive, take the turning on your right. This takes you through a small area of woodland. Turn right along the lane signed ‘Restricted Byway to Chaffcombe Road’. Very soon you will see the car park on your left. You could, if you with, divert across the field to the reservoir before you leave.

Route checked: January 2024

The walk to Chardstock is delightful and contains a wide variety of scenery. The return, on quiet lanes, provides good views in all directions.

The route is described from the starting point of St Mary’s Church, Chard.

From the church head gently uphill along Church Street. Turn right into Summerfields Road and then left into Mintons Orchard. Turn into Alun Rees Way and after about 10 metres take a footpath on your right, between houses. At the end, climb a stile. Ahead and slightly to your right, follow a clear wide footpath up the left-hand edge of a field. At the top, you will join Bounds Lane. 

Turn left and very soon you will see a gateway, from which two footpaths begin. Take the left-hand option, diagonally across the field and then beside the hedge. At the end of the field turn left and then almost immediately right. At the bottom of a dip, climb a stile in the hedge on your left and follow this field edge down to join a wide track. Turn right. After about 300 yards and precisely on the county boundary, a track doubles back on your left. Follow this for half a mile to a lane. 

Keep ahead, following a sign for Farway at Hook Cross. With the sound of running water never far away, the lane bends right and then left. Just before a road junction take the footpath on the left. It descends to a bridge over a little stream and then climbs, slightly left, to a gate. The views behind you and to your right are excellent. Now it’s straight on through gates and across fields towards the church at Chardstock. 

In the village, turn left and then left again at the George Inn. At Harestone Cross stay ahead and later ignore a lane on your right. You are up on one of the plateaus of the Blackdown Hills, and there are fine views to enjoy. At the next road junction turn left (for Cotley) and soon after bear right at a fork. This lane returns you to a familiar spot from earlier in the walk. Turn right to retrace your steps back to Chard, which will soon spread out in front of you. 

Please do not be put off by the length of this walk. It is an absolute pleasure, combining many footpaths and quiet lanes. The scenery and surroundings are attractive throughout and the hilly sections are not too demanding.

The route is described from the starting point of Chard Museum.

Start at The Guildhall (Town Hall, Tourist info, building with a portico), walk uphill and turn right into Combe Street and then right into Crimchard. Continue past Touchstone Lane and turn left into Laurel gardens. Continue straight uphill on the bridleway. At the top, where you meet Catchgate Lane you turn right, but first cross and look over the gate at the view over to Combe St Nicholas. 

Follow this lane down to a crossroad and turn left on to a minor lane, where a lovely wide view soon opens out. At a bend in the lane, take a footpath on your right (keep to the left-hand side of the field) down to the Church Road by some houses at Chardleigh Green. Turn left and walk along the road for about 200 metres and turn right down Pudleigh Lane. As you drop down towards houses, ignore footpaths to right and left, but turn up a narrow lane on the left, after about 400 metres, just before a red brick terrace. 

Go through two gates and follow the lane to a T-junction where you turn left. After about 50 yards take a footpath on the right to cross two fields up to another lane. This is Clayhanger Lane, which you cross. Slightly to your left is another path, signposted for Greenway. Take this and head uphill following the hedge on the right, pass through a gateway and in the top field enjoy the view and then bear left to a gate. In the next field pass through a gateway and head down towards Combe St Nicholas. In the next and larger field walk along the top to a gate hidden in the corner. Bear left down a grassy track to the road. Turn right and walk to the village centre, where you will find an inn, a couple of shops, and a seat on the green. 

Resume by turning off the main road into New Road just below the church and school. Around the bend take a sharp left turn and look for a footpath before the first house on the right. At the lowest point, the path turns left, through a gate, to a stile, and then to a gap in the hedge. Follow the yellow arrows to another hedge gap leading to a stile which gives access to Brocole Lane. 

Turn right and up the slope look for a stile on the left. This footpath drops straight down to a lane. Turn left and left again at a T-junction at the edge of Wadeford. Soon, as the road bends left, you need a footpath at a gateway on the right, signed for Rackstile. Keep right in this field to emerge on the right of some houses over a stile and onto another lane. Turn right and head uphill for some impressive views. 

At the top, a clear stony track on the right points you back to Catchgate Lane. (To return quickly to Chard follow the lane round to the left, over the crossroads and down to Crimchard, then turn right to return to the start.) This track takes you over Foxdon Hill. At the end of the first field climb a stile on the left and turn left. The path then bears right and returns you to the lane, on which you turn right. At the top, turn left on to the footpath back to Chard. 

The route is fairly flat throughout and features a pleasant combination of town and country.

The route is described from the starting point of the town centre.

However, if you prefer a shorter walk, start from the Thorndun Park Drive area and pick up the route by the Bowls Club.

Walk up Fore Street and turn into Coombe Street, the first turning on the right. Cross Cambridge Street and Zembard Lane and at the top, bear right to pass the Bell & Crown. Walk along Crimchard and turn right, into Glynswood. Take the footpath between numbers 264 and 262. Cross two residential roads, but turn right, on the next track. Cross Elizabeth Way at the lights and continue along the footpath with the school on your left. Immediately beyond the school field, turn left alongside the play area and continue on the footpath, which soon turns left beyond some houses. Cross an open area, with the Bowls Club on your right. 

Keep the hedge on your left and head towards a bungalow, where you go through a kissing gate on its left-hand side. The lane leads to a road at Cuttiford’s Door. Cross to a footpath opposite, which bears left to join a road. Turn right and walk down to Nimmer. 

Ignore the first footpath on your left, but take the second, by a post box in the wall. Walk between houses, up steps and across a bridge to continue with a little stream on your left. At the road, turn right and pass the sewage works, to bear right at the road junction. Take the next turning on your right and just round the bend is this lane, look for the footpath signed for Hornsbury Mill. Regrettably, this footpath carries a mud warning! 

When the footpath eventually reaches a lane, turn right and then right again at a wider road. After just 100 metres take the footpath on the left. It soon bends right then left and you will have the industrial estate on your left. Continue straight along until you reach the houses ahead. Follow the footpath around the rear of the estate until you reach the Scout Hut and the Bowls Club. The access road soon leads to a dog walking area on your right. Cross this and at the far end turn left on to a footpath, from which you can retrace your route to where you began. 

A constantly undulating walk through typical Blackdown Hills scenery. Most of the route is on footpaths and bridleways, with small sections of quiet lanes.

The route is described from the starting point of the town centre.

Start at The Guildhall (Town Hall, Tourist info, building with a portico),Walk up the Fore Street then up High Street (pavement all the way) passing the museum and John Stringfellow’s house (121 High Street). Just beyond this turn left on the footpath (path starts opposite Snowdon Cottage Lane), through a quaint little turnstile. Cross a lane and continue on a path through Snowdon Park. After the park the path follows the edge of fields and runs adjacent to houses. (Do not take on right path uphill which passes next to the farm buildings) Through a gate turn left and almost immediately right up a track behind houses (just before path joining from Brutton Way). At a field boundary, with a stile at the left, turn right (before the path joining from Alun Rees Way) up a wide path along the field edge, with a hedge on your left. At the top, by some trees, you come to Bounds Lane. Turn left. 

After 50 metres a footpath on the right gives a choice of directions. Take the left options, heading diagonally across the field and then along its edge. At the top of the field go left then right, still with a hedge on your left. In the dip, look for a stile on the left. Cross it and walk to the bottom of the field and meet a wide stony track. Turn right. After a while the track rises to a junction on the bend of a road. Keep ahead and ignore a right turn. This road bends right then left and takes you downhill. At the bottom of the hill there is a footpath on the right, signposted to Wambrook, 1 mile away. 

Go through a gate and across the field, enjoying the view on the left. Pick up a more pronounced track which bears right, uphill, to another gate beside a small area of woodland. Just beyond the gate, the path splits. Take the left hand option, downhill. At a concrete farm path turn right then immediately left up a stony track. At a T-junction of paths at the top, turn left and follow this bridleway to a road. Turn left for just a short distance into Wambrook, where you will find a little medieval church and an inn. 

There are several possible return routes. This is the shortest, but if you would like a longer walk, the map shows a number of lanes and paths from which to choose. 

Retrace your steps up the lane. At the top, beyond the bends, look for footpaths on your right (the sign is not obvious). Take the left option, which maintains the same line as the lane. The route crosses the field to a signpost, just to the right of a small windblown tree. However, there is also a wide hedge side alternative. Cross a lane to another footpath. The hedge is on your left, then after a gate, on your right. With a large tree in front of you, bear left along the field edge. The path dips, then rises to meet another path. Here you turn right to turn back down to the town, emerging between houses back on to the Honiton Road. 

This trail takes you past features associated with water, from streams to minor seepages. Nearly all the plants and animals mentioned on this walk depend on water. 

Mill House Farm at the crossroads is one of four old mills on this little stream. The source lies about 800m upstream. Despite this short distance, it provided enough water to power the mills. You may see Moorhens on the ponds of Mill House Farm. Before setting off, go to the upstream road bridge (road sign to Burridge). Just a few metres into the wood you can make out the dam of a mill’s old pond which the stream has now cut through at the left-hand end.  The stones in the stream are mainly chert derived from the Upper Greensand which is the underlying rock of the very steep valley sides in the whole parish. There are also a few flints in the stream, all that’s left from the chalk that has now been almost entirely eroded away in the parish. 

The trees by the stream are grey willow (sallow) with their dull green leaves, and tall straight alders whose roots dangle in the water. The attractive North American dames violet is taking over the whole stream bank, making striking show of purple in May. Water gushes out at Hook Springs, providing one of the parish’s important water sources. Soggy ground is covered with opposite-leaved golden-saxifrage whose lime-coloured flowers are conspicuous in early spring. You will see this little sprawling plant in shaded permanently wet patches on the rest of the walk, along with many other wetland plants along the wet lane verges. 

By the fenced water-works building, a permanent trickle runs under the road. Fool’s watercress is the lush plant growing here. It’s an umbellifer, like hogweed – its flowers form an umbrella-shaped top. It’s another plant you will see in all the wet trickles. Turn left at the road fork, down the steep hill signed to Farway. Pendulous sedge grows out from the shaded wet margins down this lane to the River Kit.  Stop at the road bridge over the River Kit. Under the shaded upstream copse is ramsons or wild garlic (smelly in spring when in flower!) which is a good indication of lime-rich conditions, despite the steep slope you’ve just walked down being acid greensand. If you’re lucky, in June you may see brook lamprey spawning just below the bridge – pale brown pencil-sized fish which use the fine gravel here to make their ‘nest’. Otters use the stream – their young (kits) may be the origin of its name – but you’d be most fortunate to see one. 

In the field across the stream (downstream of the bridge), you can just see a very flowery wet patch with lots of flag iris and hemlock water-dropwort in flower in early summer. There are few such undrained fields left. From the gate 50m further on, you can see the remnant of Farway Marsh, now just an under-drained rushy field. 

The road ditch on the uphill side near South Riding bungalow has the flat plates of liverwort growing near water level where they stay permanently moist. These ancient plants are closely related to mosses. At the gateway uphill of this bungalow is a permanent trickle with watercress – the real thing this time. It’s in the cabbages family with flowers in a loose spike. But don’t be fooled – fool’s watercress is abundant here too. Turn off the road at Myrtle Farm through their driveway; ignore the next footpath sign to the right and go left downhill. Note the deep gully by the track – erosion is fast on the soft greensand. 

Go through two gates by sheds and cross two paddocks. At the stile in the first proper hedge, the ditch dug to provide soil for the bank is dry, but the ditch at the next hedge is a proper stream. The stones are all chert; both fool’s watercress and real watercress are growing here. The footpath runs alongside an old leat – a sign that a mill must be ahead. The Kit is now considerably larger than when you crossed it a mere 900m upstream. Above the bridge, the reddish roots of alder are quite happy sopping up water directly from the stream. Below the bridge water crowfoot – an aquatic buttercup – waves about in the current. Trout and grey wagtails can be seen here and, if you are lucky, kingfisher and dipper. In midsummer the vivid blue demoiselle damselflies, whose larvae live in running water, fly here, while on the water surface rafts of water skaters row against the current.  

Take the footpath alongside the stream going downstream. Linger at the footbridge. The stream is less powerful here than on the upper slopes so there are deposits of shingle on some banks, rather than the big stones at the start of the walk. You may have had to pick your way across a boggy patch to get to the footbridge. These constant seepages from the greensand provide scarce homes for wetland plants such as brooklime.  Don’t cross the bridge but walk diagonally uphill towards the village.  You are crossing one of the most herb-rich County Wildlife Sites in the parish, with abundant leaf rosettes and lots of flowers in summer – delicate pignut, uncommon corky-fruited water-dropwort and the purple flowers of betony. The lumpy ground is probably caused by waterlogging leading to minor landslips. 

Go through the gappy hedge at the top over a trickle, skirt the uphill hedge on your left. Look back across the valley to see alders lining the River Kit. Go through the gate in the field corner, across the next field, past the conifers, between the stone walls, across the churchyard and out to the main street which you cross directly and down to the end of the lane opposite, into pasture and follow the path along the contours. Look across the valley to see a natural ‘ridge and furrow’ landscape moulded by little streams arising where the greensand sits on the impervious Jurassic clay or mudstone. At the bungalow below Stockstyle Farm, go through three gates in quick succession, then steeply downhill across the middle of the field to the bridge over the stream. At the footbridge, the stream has cut into soft clay, which form lenses in the greensand, and is visible when the rank summer vegetation has died down. 

Continue uphill to the lane and retrace your steps to Hook crossroads. 

Devon’s hedges are among the best in the country, and Chardstock parish has plenty. Park at the road bridge over the River Kit west of Chardstock (ST305044). Take the footpath sign downstream. After 100m cross the river at the footbridge, walk uphill, bearing slightly left and aiming left of the middle of the bank of trees ahead, when a waymark post will soon be seen. Cross a usually dry stream bed at the bottom end of the wood and continue uphill. 

Pasture near the bottom end of the wood is agriculturally semi-improved, with only occasional richer patches with a variety of herbs, such as cat’s-ear and ribwort-plantain. As you go uphill, the herbs become fewer and the grass lusher as a result of greater muck-spreading. Keep going uphill with the wood on your right, across two fields and through two gates. 

The wood on your right is Parks Coppice, an ash-oak wood with hazel understorey. Some larch and a few Douglas fir have been planted. In spring a mass of bluebells and white ramsons can be seen from the path, but both die back by midsummer. There’s plenty of holly in the understorey of the wood and in its boundary, a characteristic of woods on the slightly acid soils of the parish. Half-way up, there’s a splendid beech with smooth grey bark.  

On the bank at the stile into the third field, there are the tiny remnants of a heathland flora that would once have been extensive here – bell heather and billberry. The bank on the left is also composed of remnant heath vegetation, with much gorse, birch, holly and rowan, whereas the usual hedge species – hawthorn, blackthorn – are scarce. This field is improved grass, re-seeded and well fertilized, and short of interesting herbs. Cross the road, through the gate directly opposite and uphill. 

The first steep field on greensand is noted for its acid grassland flora. Recent fencing makes the sward difficult to appreciate but on the track margins are leathery-leaved wood sage, trailing yellow tormentil and pignut, and blue pom-poms of devil’s bit scabious in late summer. In spring there is a huge expanse of bluebell which grows in the open here, with bracken providing it with shade in place of woodland. At the top, the flat plateau on the glacial head deposits (clay-with-chert or flint) is suddenly better pasture, which is worth agriculturally improving, resulting in dense dull grass. The footpath doglegs through the hedge; proceed along the topside of the same hedge. 

This hedge has both well-trimmed and tall straggly sections, the first good for nesting birds and the second for food – flowers for insects, berries for birds. The double comb (two rows of shrubs) is very obvious but the hedge seems to have lost much of its earth bank. At the gateway, continue diagonally across the middle of the field to the gate in the far corner. Over the field to your right is a wiggly line of isolated oaks, perhaps the remnant of a hedgerow but there’s no Devon bank showing now. 

The hedges you are approaching by the gate are especially diverse; even from the footpath, you can spot blackthorn, hawthorn, ash, hazel and holly, with bramble, dog rose and honeysuckle scrambling over them. Once through the gate, gorse and broom are seen in the right-hand hedge. As with many Chardstock hedges, there’s bluebell under them. Go gently downhill, through the next gate into a green lane. 

Green lanes are unsealed farm tracks bordered by a hedge on both sides. They are especially valuable because the hedge facing the track is much more sheltered from wind and warmer in sunshine than the field side. You’re more likely to see a butterfly here than in the open fields above. This is a very good example with lots of plants in the banks – wild strawberry, violets and primrose in spring, and a profusion of ferns all year; six types of fern have been found here. The infrequency of nettles and cleavers suggests the bank has low nutrient levels, which is much better for wild plants. 

The old apple orchard on the right before the house is one of the few remaining in the parish. What’s left is a reminder of their once-important function in providing cider for farm workers. Old apple-trees can be full of wood-boring insects. Pass Yard Farm and go down the lane. This lane is almost as good as the green lane you’ve just left. The exposed sandy bank is home to mining solitary bees whose little holes with piles of fine soil are obvious in spring. Mistletoe may be visible on an apple tree on your right as you progress down the hill, particularly in winter after the hedge has been cut. At the house, turn left over the stile on to a very stony track. 

This shaded tunnel has an extraordinary old holly hedge with lots of dead wood with beetle burrows. Further up, multi-stemmed sycamore, ash and maple show that this was once a laid hedge. Through the gate, keep left at the field of Beacon Hill (uphill side; ignore the grassy path going right), to the gate at the top of the slope. You are on almost pure sand with all the lime removed, which suits the bracken and gorse scrub. At the top of the slope on the right is a banked enclosure of trees, probably where a cottage stood. Cubes of red-rotten heartwood decay can be seen on an old cherry. Many dead-wood beetles like this type of rot. 

It’s easy to go wrong in the next 200m so pay attention! Take the gate through the top hedgerow, keep the hedge to your right and pass a fenced ring of small trees by some gorse which is the site of the old beacon warning system, giving its name to the hill here. Go down to the corner (often unclear and with temporary electric fencing in the way) onto the track; turn right, through a gate, stick to the hedge on your left, and take the left wooden gate into a green lane, through another gate and over the stile immediately on the left, along the top by the wood, into the second field and strike diagonally downhill. 

Even in arable fields there can be something interesting. Arable annual ‘weeds’ that escape the herbicide can see found by the gate at the bottom of the field, such as vivid scarlet pimpernel and fuzzy grey marsh cudweed. This heavily improved pasture generates sloppy cow dung; furry yellow dung-flies are abundant on this in summer as they are unaffected by chemicals used to treat gut parasites of cattle, which get passed out in the dung. Go through the gate into a green lane and bear left at the drive. 

The hedge by the drive has numerous scramblers – honeysuckle, black bryony, dog rose and more. In front of the thatched house, the stile is in the drive corner; walk through the orchard into pasture. The rather dull pasture often has many molehills; this is the work of just a few very busy animals, perhaps rather fewer than 20 in this 2-hectare field. Turn right down the lane. 18 Sparse oaks, perhaps 80 years old, now line this lane which was probably once hedged. Polypody ferns are particularly frequent on this bank, along with several less distinguishable species. 

Bear right at the fork, towards Alston. Just before railings by a stream under the lane, look up at an oak on the right, where polypody ferns are growing aloft on horizontal branches. These are one of our few big epiphytes (plants growing on trees). Turn left down the track. Take the left path where it forks after the houses. Gorse in the narrow hedge on the left is western gorse, in flower in late summer, unlike the common gorse which flowers in cold months. The gateposts of Gozleford are topped with stone acorns which are perhaps not the right representation of the pedunculate oaks either side of it, which have stems to their acorns.  

At the gate posts, take the gate on the left, diagonally down the field, into the garden, bearing left at the cattle grid, between clipped hedges, and sharp right before the gate to the field, down to the river. From the footbridge over the River Kit, the view upstream shows the ‘pool and riffle’ sequence, with both features separated by the classic interval of about seven times the river’s width, although the stone gabions spoil the effect. Stop long enough and you may see grey wagtails, dipper and kingfisher. The large fuzzy plant in the stream is an aquatic moss, Fontinalis. Ramsons grows on the banks, indicating slightly lime-rich conditions. 

Return to the gate into the field by the clipped hedges, through it and go diagonally uphill a little to the left. The lumpy terrain is due to land-slipping of the soft greensand and clays, aided by poor drainage. Across the valley you can see more such bumpy ground. Looking around from this field, it is clear that many trees in the hedgerows are lolly-pop-shaped, open-grown with no need to grow tall and straight as do those in woods. At the lane turn right downhill.  At the River Kit, the capstones of the old footbridge are probably Ham stone, as used in St Andrews church. Plates of liverworts cover the footings of this bridge at water level where it is always humid. Continue uphill, taking the gate on the left beyond the houses, taking you back to nearly the starting point.

This walk shows the high diversity of habitats in a small part of the parish. 

The River Kit enters Chardstock parish here, lined with alder trees. The wet pasture downstream of the bridge has lots of flag iris indicating very wet conditions. You may see dipper here. Take the lane running up the valley bottom. On the left at the start of the lane is a remnant of old woodland. It has a well-developed structure, with a ground layer of plants such as ferns and brambles, a clear shrub layer of hazel, blackthorn and holly, and is topped by big oaks and ash. This what a good wildlife wood should look like. Just before a track uphill where the lane becomes concrete again, take the signed footpath on the left into the wood across a small wooden bridge, cutting diagonally across the wood. The path is not clear but keep left of the middle fir (50m from the wood’s top edge), then through scrubby woodland back to the lane. 

This is a beech plantation and a fantastic bluebell wood in spring. Other woodland plants have been eliminated by the dense beech foliage and fallen leaf litter. Its structure is minimal, so apart from bluebells there is little ground cover and almost no shrubs. By the open area with newly planted trees beyond, a solitary large alder buckthorn is in flower in June, resembling a crab apple at first sight. Walk uphill when you reach the lane. On the Devon bank on the right there’s a Scots pine – long needles and pinkish bark – not a native to these parts. Turn left at footpath signpost down a drive, then left in front of Holly Cottage and eventually into a field, bearing right and slightly diagonally across the field to the bottom near the right-hand corner. 

The edge of this field is unkempt but the wide band of brambles and nettles provide food for butterflies and their caterpillars.  Cross the small stream. The wet wood at the valley bottom is typical of recent woodland that has taken over when grazing stopped. The lolloping, self-layering sallow is good food-plant – pussy willows for bees in spring and leaves for caterpillars. The sheltered glade is abuzz on a warm day. In summer, there’s a large patch of hemlock water-dropwort – poisonous to animals when it’s cut but the big white flowers are loved by insects; later in summer similar angelica attracts them. 

Continue through the rough glade, across another small stream and into a field, aim diagonally slightly to the right and over the slope. In midsummer, the field has a ginger hue due to sorrel flowers, and later glaucous green of Yorkshire fog grass. It’s typical countryside for various brown butterflies. The hedgerow is studded with white rough chervil early in summer, and later on yarrow is scattered through the grassland. Go through the gate then diagonally uphill, aiming just left of the block of tall trees on the horizon, through another gate and to the house. 

The farmhouse of Woonton Farm was built in about 1700. It sits on an outcrop of hard sandy limestone (Foxmould); several big lumps are on display. Fossils bivalves and calcite crystals can be seen in them, although may be covered in moss; they are about 100 million years old, from the Upper Cretaceous (when dinosaurs ruled). The hard stones in the track here are flints, not chert, a reminder that there’s one of the few remnants of chalk nearby. There’s a fine walnut tree by the rocks. The wood on your left is in a steep gully that stops abruptly at the farm’s drive. It is the rapidly eroding source of one of the River Kit’s tributaries, cutting deeply into the soft greensand just under the layer of chalk and the sandy limestone. 

Before the drive turns left, take the bridlepath right up a narrow path. This muddy path is no fun to walk but its hedges give shelter to insects and birds that is not available on the exposed uphill side. Go through the gate, straight across the field to the far pointed end. As you cross this dull pasture, look back across the valley to see the beautiful views and just how many trees there are in the hedgerows, and copses dotted about, as well as the large wood (Brockfield Bottom) below in the same valley. It gives a good idea of the patchwork that makes the parish so interesting and valuable to wildlife. Just before entering the wood, there’s a bank on the left with bracken and bramble on top – just to show that a Devon hedge doesn’t have to have a conventional hedge of shrubs. Almost anywhere in the parish, but more often on higher ground, you may see ravens or hear their odd honks and croaks. 

Enter the top of the wood. This is another tributary source, arising where water percolating through the permeable greensand meets some clay – such as the layer that the path follows (which is why it’s such a muddy walk at times!). In spring you may hear the persistent squeak-squeak of greater spotted woodpecker chicks in a rot-hole in one of the old trees. In spring there’s a profusion of flowers in this wood. Past the few houses, the hedgerow has lots of scramblers – bramble, dog rose, honeysuckle – which provide flowers for insects and fruits for birds. You may see hummingbird hawkmoth at the honeysuckle on sunny days. Stop at the road to note how arable farming occupies the higher plateau of better agricultural land, with pasture on the wetter slopes below. 

Turn right down the lane back to the parking place. The hedges along the lane are very old as can be told by the large number of tree and shrub species in it. As you walk down back to the start of the walk, you should be able to spot all these: ash, beech, blackthorn, cherry, elder, elm, hawthorn, hazel, holly, maple, oak, rowan, sycamore and, at the very bottom, sallow. Even if you cannot name these, you will notice many different leaf and twig shapes. 

This is a quick tour of the edge of Chardstock village.

Several old walls in the village have small tough ferns growing in them, making use of the lime-rich mortar between the chert stones where they have not been re-pointed with hard mortar. Most are maidenhair spleenwort which is abundant in the churchyard wall and nearby, and rusty-back fern grows a few metres downhill of the church gate by the road. On the church itself, wall rue can be seen where gutters leak up high, especially on the south side. On damp walls everywhere in the village, ivy-leaved toadflax scrambles out of cracks.  Take the road right to Alston, first left at the bend, and first right after 100m.  

This is Egg Moor Lane which sits on the spring-line where greensand overlies less permeable rocks (clay or perhaps Jurassic mudstone). It’s always wet here and plants that need saturated soil with water seeping through it do well, such as the giant gunnera from South America and great horsetail (very frondy, ‘black-and-white’ stems). Follow the footpath through the gate into the field. The field has two stock-proof hedge plants, first hawthorn with prickly stems then a length of solid holly with prickly leaves. 

Turn down by the plantation. The conifer plantation here has deciduous larch – more obvious in winter when it’s lost its needles – as well as Sitka spruce (wavy scales on its cones), Scots pine (bark with orange patches) and Douglas fir. You can usually find the cones of these trees on the path. Turn right up the lane and left into the field just past the houses. These fields are fairly well fertilised, which helps grass but not the herbs, leaving just common plants like daisy, dandelion and buttercup. Looking down the valley, the River Kit has just reached an embryonic floodplain and has a chance to meander – just a little. 

Keep to the hedge at the top of the hill, stopping just before the gate ahead. Ignore the path through the gate and start off downhill.  Across the valley you can see the alders snaking along the River Kit, many large oaks and ash in the hedgerows, and the undulating topography presumably moulded by small streams. Looking closer, the gappy hedge on your right has some large beech with smooth bark, old oak with fissured bark, and smaller hazel and field maple. In the hedge running down the tiny trickle are three old sycamore with smooth bark like the beech. 

The field you enter as you cross the little trickle is a Country Wildlife Site, special because of its abundance of flowers. You can see lots of leaf rosettes, even in winter, the fronded leaves of pignut in spring and the nearly identical burnet-saxifrage later in the season – neither to be confused with the white-flowered yarrow with more fern-like leaves. Light cattle-grazing is important to keep these plants growing well, even if their flowers are eaten off.  As you get near the stream, the ground gets wetter and different plants appear here, such as brooklime. Ramsons grows along the banks, indicating lime-rich rocks here. 

Retrace your steps up the hill and go through the gate that we saw earlier. The splendid solitary silver birch was almost certainly planted. Birch is uncommon in this part of the parish compared to Bewley Down. Another Douglas fir plantation (softer, longer needles, cones with a 3-pointed ‘tongue’). Not much other than nettles grows below them in the soil made acid by their dead needles. Head to the corner, between the stone walls to the churchyard. 

You can wander around the well-kept churchyard. Both huge and tiny, interesting plants live here. Cedar of Lebanon has a flat top whereas the deodar (another type of cedar) next to the path is pointed. The traditional churchyard yew is in the top corner but is probably not particularly old. Plenty of flowers grow in the grass, including spring primroses and celandines. The church’s wall is made of Ham stone quoins with chert infill; lichens grow only on the Ham limestone. Lichens also don’t like the granite headstones but cover those made of sandstone and limestone. In spring, nesting rooks make a raucous racket in the tall trees in neighbouring Chardstock Court. Signs of five species of bats have been found in the church.  

A moderate 17.5-mile ride with some challenging uphill and downhill sections on main route, or an optional shorter route of 12 miles. One of eight cycle routes in the Blackdown Hills National Landscape – Route 5.

 Main route (1 – 15) 

1 Turn left out of the car park and follow road for 4 miles to Upottery 

2 In Upottery turn right, signposted Hemyock, 50 metres before the Sidmouth Arms 

3 At Mathayes Cross turn right, signposted Hemyock 

4 Turn left at Riggles Cross 

5 At junction turn left, then right, signposted Madford, Hemyock 

6 At crossroads (Fourways Cross) turn left 

7 At Culm Bridge turn right (sharp) 

8 Take right fork and follow for 1.5 miles 

9 Turn left at Lilycombe Cross, signposted Churchstanton 

10 At junction turn right on to ridge road 

11 Turn first right, signposted Burnworthy 

12 At junction turn right, signposted Churchstanton 

13 At crossroads go straight over, signposted Churchinford 

14 At crossroads go straight over, signposted Churchinford 

15 At junction turn left on to main road and then right into car park 

Shorter route – 12 miles (replaces stages 1 – 6) 

a Turn left out of car park and then right into Red Lane opposite the York Inn 

b At crossroads go straight over, signposted Hemyock and follow for nearly 4 miles 

c Turn sharp right at Culm Bridge 

Go to instruction 8 

Maps: This route is based on OS Explorer maps and is intended as a guide to cyclists. Refer to Explorer 128 or Landranger 192 and 193 when planning your visit. 

General Information: For information about safe cycling and further information to help plan your visit, see www.blackdownhillsaonb.org.uk 

Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the route directions and descriptions, responsibility cannot be accepted for any errors or omissions. If you discover any errors, please let us know. 

A moderate ride with one challenging uphill climb and several moderate uphill sections. Along the way, you’ll see a lakeside nature reserve, the seat of a former prime minister, and maybe a pot of gold! One of eight cycle routes in the Blackdown Hills National Landscape – Route 7. 

 Main route (1 – 15) 

1 Turn left out of the car park and follow road for 4 miles to Upottery 

2 Turn left, signposted Chard, just after the Sidmouth Arms 

3 At crossroads use dedicated cyclist crossing to southwest of road junction, cross over the main road, signposted Stockland, Axminster 

4 Turn left, signposted North Hill at Rising Sun Cross 

5 At junction turn left into Stockland 

6 Turn left at Stockland Village Cross 

7 Turn left at Road Ends Cross, signposted Yarcombe and follow for 2 miles 

8 At junction turn left on to the main road, and then first right, signposted Marsh, after Yarcombe Inn 

9 At junction (Sheafhayne Cross) turn right, signposted Howley, Chard 

10 Turn first left after Howley Tavern, and follow under the bridge into Marsh 

11 Turn right after the Flintlock Inn (just before no entry signs) and follow for 1.5 miles 

12 At fork in road, bear right down hill 

13 At junction turn left into Bishopswood 

14 At crossroads go straight over, signposted Churchinford, Hemyock 

15 At junction in Churchinford turn right and right again into car park 

Maps: This route is based on OS Explorer maps and is intended as a guide to cyclists. Refer to Explorer 128 or Landranger 192 and 193 when planning your visit. 

General Information: For information about safe cycling and further information to help plan your visit, see www.blackdownhillsaonb.org.uk 

Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the route directions and descriptions, responsibility cannot be accepted for any errors or omissions. If you discover any errors, please let us know. 

This route is constantly undulating and is on footpaths, lanes and then back onto footpaths. The Blackdown Hills scenery is excellent throughout. 

From the lay-by head left, down the road and turn right at the fork. After about 250 yards, as the roadside woods give way to a field, look for a little bridge on the left across the ditch to give access to a footpath. Keep the hedge on your left down through fields to a gate. Stay ahead on the tarmac drive towards the right-hand side of the house. Along here you cross the infant River Culm before heading up a short gravel path to a footpath up through the trees. 

On emerging from the trees cross a stile and keep to the right-hand side of the field. Look for a stile on your right. Walk up this field to the far end, through the gate and then cross the next small field. Follow the path up through the trees beside a pheasant pen fence. Veer left to reach a farm track which brings you to Burnworthy. As you approach the near corner of the buildings and perimeter fence bear left. After about 70 yards turn left again, so that the farm buildings are now behind you. You should have a hedge on your right and some woodland up ahead. As you enter the woods, bear left and follow this path, which opens out to a field. Keep ahead, with the field on your left until you come to a lane. Turn right. 

A little way beyond the bend, go through a kissing gate on the left, into Ringwood Nature Reserve. Turn immediately right, into the field and walk down the left-hand edge of this and the next one. Keep ahead through a little scrubby wood until you come into another field. Here you must veer right, diagonally down to Wiltown Valley stream, where you cross from Somerset into Devon. Walk ahead, with a pond on your left and up through the trees, ignoring left forks. Proceed over little plank bridges and up some simple steps to a small field, which you cross uphill to a gate onto the road. 

Turn left. The next mile or so is on quiet lanes. On your right is Applehayes, connected with the Camden artists. Enjoy the lovely scenery as you drop down to cross the Culm again and re-enter Somerset. It’s now uphill past Brimley Cottage to a T-junction, where you turn right. Soon afterwards, turn left and continue uphill until you reach Craigend Cottage. Beside the gate, follow the footpath sign through the yard. Cross a stile and turn left to walk along the top of two fields to a metal gate. Stay ahead along the clear track to the far corner of this field and head down through the farmyard to a road. 

You are now in Stapley, where once a silk mill employed over a hundred people. Turn left and after a short distance, left again into Grabham Farm. The path leads to the right of the houses and uphill to a choice of gates. Go through the second on the right and walk between hedges to a field. Keeping the hedge on your left, look for a gate and stile to cross into the adjacent field. Continue on a similar line to an access midway along the opposite hedge boundary. Follow the waymark diagonally left across the next field to a double stile where you enter the final field. The footpath stays along the edge of this one, with the hedge on your right. You may see the tower of Churchstanton church over to the right. At the road, turn right to reach it. 

This triangular route is reasonably demanding, but rewards the walker from start to finish with a range of delightful scenery and some superb wide views.

The route commences and finishes in the centre of Combe St Nicholas.

Start the walk on New Road, which turns off the main street through the village, beside the school and opposite the play area. Almost immediately there is a fine view to the left. Follow the lane round and take the second footpath on the right, signed for Chard Road. This wide track climbs to two stiles, crosses a wide drove and continues to two more stiles. Cross the road and continue on the next footpath to Combe Lane, where you turn left. 

As the lane bends to the left, a wide footpath on the right takes you down to the attractive hamlet of Whitestaunton, with its fine manor house and church, both of which are medieval. You reach the road at a bend. Bear left, but soon take the wide stony lane on the right, opposite a gateway with a cattle grid. Beyond a walled garden the track crosses a ditch and becomes an uphill footpath, signposted to Howley. 

In the large top field bear left towards a gate beside a concrete trough. Continue down the edge of the next field. Cross the track to another stile and turn left along this narrow field to drop to a right turn at a gap in the hedge. Walk down this field with the hedge on your left and go through a gate into the next field. Pause here and look down to a gate on to the lane which you can see descending from the right. 

When you reach the lane, you can divert a short distance uphill to the left if you want refreshment at the Howley Tavern. Otherwise, turn right on the lane to cross Laps Water and almost immediately take the bridleway on your right, signed for Woodhayes Farm. Go up to a gate and then bear left, with a tiny stream on your right. It can be muddy along here. At the third gateway, bear slightly left to emerge on to a lane opposite two stone barns. 

Turn left, then straight away another footpath leads off to the right. It soon enters the field on the right, via a gate, and heads up to a gate just below Cinder Hill Copse. Turn right, and if it is the spring, enjoy the bluebells. At a road junction, bear left along Giants Grave Road. At the second part of a double bend, take the footpath on the right, down three fields to Higher Beetham. Here, you turn right and walk about a mile and a half on this quiet lane, back to the start of the walk. At both crossroads, you simply continue ahead. Just before the steep hill, there is a wonderful view to keep in the memory. 

This is an easy-to-follow and flat walk, mostly beside the River Culm and incorporates a visit to the working wool mill. Approx. 5 miles (8 km).

Cross the road from the inn and take the footpath beside the Culm. Follow it through several fields, with the river on your left. You will reach Hunkin Wood. At the far end of this millennium project, cross the river and bear right. The clear path again leads you ahead through several gates and fields towards Uffculme. Look out for kingfishers, dippers and grey wagtails along here. 

The path eventually takes you through a kissing gate on your right and back over the river on a high bridge. Turn left along the lane and left again up a set of wooden steps on to the riverbank. Walk along here to the road. Cross the road and cross the bridge and immediately descend a flight of steps to another riverside path. This leads you to the road, where you turn right to walk to Coldharbour Mill. You can visit the mill and enjoy lunch or tea there. 

To vary the return route, cross from the mill car park to a metal gate which leads you on to the former Tiverton Junction – Hemyock railway line. Walk along here, ignoring the first path off to the left. By the animal feed mill, the path bears left between buildings to emerge onto Bridge Street through a wrought iron gate beside the village hall. 

Turn left and follow the road round to the village square. Cross the road and walk past the post office and up some steps. Turn right and pass the tall redbrick building which was Furze’s steam brewery. Walk on to the edge of the village, where the road forks. Take the right-hand option and follow this for over half a mile, enjoying views down to the meanders of the Culm. Just after Five Ford Farm, the road goes down a short hill. A footpath is signposted to your right. This leads you back into Hunkin Wood, where you bear left to re-join the outward route as you head back to Culmstock. There is a fine view of Culmstock Beacon ahead… a good walk for another day! 

With 2/3rds “off road” this 9-mile circular takes in miles of peaceful countryside, the picturesque village of Dalwood & the various aspects of the River Yarty. There is an optional link at Horner Hill with steep gradients. Cantering opportunity through Yarty Copse.

Riding Instructions (clockwise) 

– Orange line on map e.g. Start Point Beckford Bridge (ST265015) 

 1 Cross River Yarty, crossroad at Beckford Cross, follow unmetalled RD (Dalwood Lane) uphill, becomes grassy/little muddy mid/upper section and join metalled lane at top to Dane Hill Cross 

2 L on metalled road to BW sign in about 1/3 mile 

3 R down BW, caution through 2 BGs midway keeping to steep gully, continue down field edge thro’ 2 more Gs to Millwater Farm 

4 R and R again along lower lane into Dalwood village, past PH and L at BW sign just prior to bridge over River Yarty 

5 Proceed thro’ alley and VH car park and thro’ 3 Gs to lane 

6 R along lane to Ham, then 1st R after village 

7 Follow lane and L at TJ and R at next BW sign in about 1/4 mile 

8 Ascend BW to BW TJ, then take L, and follow BW thro’ woods and Gs to RD 

9 R then L after about 100 meters onto green lane (unmetalled RD) 

10 Proceed down green lane to road, R then next L signed “unsuitable for motor vehicles” 

11 Use ford to cross River Yarty (use Case Bridge if in full spate), and then up lane, fork R, continue uphill, fork R, and immediate R into BW 

12 Follow edge of field to G, immediate R thro’ 2nd gate and follow wide drive for about 1/3 mile to BW marker sign 

13 ST thro’ woods, then steep descent & ST to track thro’ Yarty Copse (ignore steep descent track R to Yarty Farm), then down narrow track (unmetalled RD) to lane. Last section can be muddy 

14 R and R again and follow lane down back to Beckford Bridge 

Link Route (south to north) – Yellow line on map 

Dane Hill Cross to Horner Hill 

2 R along lane, and L at BW sign and continue for about 200 meters 

15 R at BW sign and markers, up steep gradient, and along single track, fine views to L, till steep gradient down to BW junction to rejoin the circular 

Alternatively, after (2) continue northbound along RD for about 1 mile till unmetalled TJ at (10) to avoid steep gradients.

At 20 miles this is by far the longest, and probably the most varied route taking in the valleys of the Otter tributaries and the wooded escarpments of the region. Relatively easy riding, with some magnificent lengths of bridleways to the west. There are cantering opportunities especially between Knowles Wood and Blackbororough. Keep strictly to the field edge through the gliding club. There is an unavoidable three-mile road section to the south. Dunkeswell Abbey & The Old Inn at Ashill are worth a detour. This is one of five horse-riding circuits in the Blackdown Hills National Landscape – route 5 

Riding Instructions (clockwise) 

Orange line on map e.g. Start Point Stafford Hill (ST 1180542) 

1 Proceed north along BW through gates to road 

2 L at road & next L (signposted BW & Gliding Club), past buildings on L then buildings on R, then ST keeping to L edge of field 

3 Ignore BW to Broadhembury, & proceed to end BG, then through 2nd BG and onto car park at road 

4 L downhill then R at BW/light traffic car park (watch for traffic) & proceed along wooded BW for about one and a half miles to next road 

5 L at road and almost immediate R onto single track BW behind Blackborough cottages and back to road, continue north for about 3/4 mile to 2nd road on right at Allhallows Cross 

6 R past Allercombe Farm, ST at next X roads at Rull House, over stream, keep L and L again up to Hackpen X 

7 R at Hackpen X, up Hackpen Hill, and proceed along straight road for about one and a half miles, cross over Dunkeswell-Hemyock road Gypsy X (watch for traffic), then next R & past Moorhayes Farm, over stream, and ST through Madford (NB Dunkeswell Abbey nearby) 

8 Up past Abbotsford Farm, then next L and 200m R using single track through copse (Routy Lane) 

9 R at road then next L, then ST X roads at Jack’s House (watch traffic) 

10 Immediate R past Gullyhayes Farm, & after about 1 mile, L at Combeshead and down the hill to next junction 

11 Sharp L along BW past Fairview Farm, follow round to R keeping to BW marker signs, downhill forking L at BW junction, down to road 

12 L over stream, uphill and, immediately after hairpin R at Hillend, take L up into green lane 

13 R at road, follow downhill through common, take 2nd right (signposted Luppitt) 

14 After about 200yds, fork L down a green lane to Hillside X roads, ST onto road and across stream, uphill, and ST next X roads, uphill again to plateau and follow straight road west for about 3 miles back to start point (1), crossing Luppitt Common and Dunkeswell-Honiton X roads (watch for traffic) 

This walk starts in a lovely valley road and climbs into the hills, before returning on a scenic bridle path. Approx. 6 miles (10 km). 

From Godford Cross walk away from the main road on the lane signed for Wolverstone. You will see the Blackdown Hills up ahead and to both sides of this delightful and quiet road. As you gently gain height, ignore signs for anything other than Wolverstone. Beyond farm buildings the gradient increases (good for the heart!). The views are lovely. Near the top, look back over your left shoulder along the ridge that ends with Hembury Fort. 

Turn right at the T-junction and walk to Turbury Cross. Here you turn right for a less scenic final road mile or so to Wolford Chapel. Turn right at Wolford Cross and take extra care on this road as it is busier than those you have walked already. Wolford Chapel is along here, clearly signposted on your right. As you walk along the track it’s good to see the maple leaf flag flying. 

When you have finished at the Chapel, return to the road and turn right. Walk for about 300 yards, then take the bridleway on your right. After a bend or two you leave the tarmac road at Old Wolford Farm entrance and descend down the stony track, with woods on your right. This path is well (blue) waymarked, through a gate (lovely view) and down a field with the hedge on your left, and later, another with the hedge on the right. Bear right, on to a stony track, down to Grange Farm. Go through the farm gates and cross the farmyard with the farmhouse on your left. After the bottom gate, turn left along the track. 

Enjoy the views of St. Cyres Hill on your left and Hembury Fort, further away on your right. When you meet the road, turn left to return to your starting point at Godford Cross. You have set foot in a little bit of Canada en route. 

A gentle 3 mile (4.5 km) walk crossing several braids of the river Culm. This walk can be linked to the Hemyock to Owleycombe route (walk 5).

From the car park next to the Baptist church, turn left along Fore Street past the village pump to the Catherine Wheel pub. Take the road signposted to Dunkeswell, past the pub on your left and St Mary’s church and the castle on your right. After 300 m take the footpath on the right, opposite a bungalow. Cross three fields keeping close to the right-hand edge in the first and third fields, and close to the left-hand edge in the second field. This leads to a short stretch of grassy track and then onto a lane. Turn right here, past the entrance to Conigar Farm. After about 200 m you will come to a four-way junction of tracks and paths: take the right-hand track and continue downhill for 100 m to a lane. 

Turn right on to the lane, past Tedburrow Farm and on to the Culmstock Road. Cross over the road (which can be busy) and take the footpath opposite, walking straight downhill across the first field, through a gate, then diagonally across to the left-hand corner of the next field and over a bridge. Keeping the river on your right and ignoring the first, very narrow bridge, cross two more fields and two further bridges. Walk uphill across the final field, over a stile and onto a lane by the side of a thatched cottage. Turn right and almost immediately right again, past Whitehall mill and remnants of Whitehall Halt and the railway line that once ran from Tiverton to Hemyock. About 0.5 km further on you will come to the Culmstock Road again: turn left and return to Hemyock. 

A fairly gentle 7.5 km (4.5 miles) walk along quiet lanes and tracks, with an opportunity to visit a nature reserve and a pub.

Walk out of the village along Lower Millhayes. After 1km take the first lane on the left, signposted to Ashculme. Continue along this lane for a further 1 km (ignoring two lanes off to the right) as far as Middle Ashculme Farm. Take the footpath on the right through the farm, keeping to the right of the farm building, an onto a track through the fields. Keep on this track for 1 km until you come to a barn. Turn right here, and, following the footpath signs, go over a stile, across a field, another stile and a bridge. Turn left and walk across two fields towards some barns, where you will come to a bridleway track. 

(If you wish to visit Ashculme Turbary Nature Reserve, turn left, over a cattle grid and on to a house driveway. As the driveway bends right, the bridleway continues straight ahead into the reserve. The turbary is important for wet heathland and bog and has unusual flora and fauna. However, walking conditions are wet and difficult!) 

If you don’t wish to visit the reserve, turn right on the bridleway and go uphill along a tree-lined track for 1 km to a lane. Turn right and go 0.5 km to a bridleway with a cattle grid on the left. Follow this for 200 m past a house on the right and onto a driveway. Keeping a low stone wall on your left, go through a gate on to a path. This brings you to Clayhidon church and the Half Moon Inn – a wonderful spot to rest. When you leave the pub, turn right, over a crossroads, to a lane on the right with an ‘unsuitable for motors’ sign. Follow this all the way down to the bottom where you re-join the Ashculme lane. Turn left and retrace your steps back to Lower Millhayes. 

A wonderful, varied walk of fields, woods and heaths, with the added bonus of glorious views.

Starting from Millhayes as described, the walk is about 11 km (7 miles) long. However, the best part of the walk is from Whitehall and, if you start from here, the walk is just over 7km (4.5 miles). There is a place to park cars on Withy Lane about 0.5km west of Whitehall.

From Lower Millhayes, cross the main road, go a few metres uphill and take the lane on the left signposted Withy Lane. Ignore a right turn after 1km and proceed for a further 1km to the little hamlet of Whitehall. Continue a few metres past a left turn with a post-box set in a wall, and take the lane on the right, opposite a thatched house, signposted to Culm Davy. Ignoring first a right-hand and then a left-hand turning, walk uphill 1km to Culm Davy: another little hamlet with a delightful Elizabethan chapel. Continue past the chapel for 100 m and take the second lane on the left by a post-box, heading uphill. This soon becomes a track going through woodland. Follow the track for 1.5 km (ignoring a right-hand fork), to a gate opening onto heathland. Make a note of the gate, because you will be returning by the same track! Go straight ahead for a few metres onto a wide, grass track. (You are now on Blackdown Common, which is criss-crossed with many paths that you are free to walk). Turn left on the grass track and walk 0.5 km to a stony track. Bear left, by a pond on your left, and take the second track on the left. After 0.5 km this brings you to Culmstock beacon; a circular, stone building that was part of a nation-wide system used in times of peril such as the Armada (there is an information board to tell you more). From here there are wonderful views west to Dartmoor. 

To return, take the right-most of the several paths that converge at the beacon, and that follows the edge of the hill looking over the Culm valley back towards Hemyock. This will bring you back to the gate and woodland track. Retrace your steps to the post-box and then take the narrow lane immediately on your right. After 300 m, take an even narrower lane on the right (which soon becomes a track) with a footpath sign. Walk down here to a lane. Turn left and continue for a further 1 km to a T-junction and turn left again. You have now returned to Withy Lane, which will take you back to Whitehall and then Millhayes. 

A fairly gentle 3 miles (4.5 km) walk with lovely views across to Culmstock Beacon and beyond. This walk can be linked to the Culm Valley walk (Walk 6) to give a combined length of 4.5 miles (7 km).

From the car park next to the Baptist church, turn left along Fore Street past the village pump to the Catherine Wheel pub. Take the road signposted to Dunkeswell, past the pub on your left and St Mary’s church and the castle on your right. After 300m take the footpath on the right, opposite a bungalow. Cross three fields keeping close to the right-hand edge in the first and third fields, and close to the left-hand edge in the second field. This leads to a short stretch of grassy track and then onto a lane. Turn right here, past the entrance to Conigar Farm. After about 200 m you will come to a four-way junction of tracks and paths: take the right-hand track and continue downhill for 100 m to a lane. Turn left and continue for a further 1 km, ignoring a lane to your right. About 200 m after the lane bends sharp left, take the straight, stony track on the left. At the end of the track go right and pick up the path that take you through woodland for about 0.5 km. Near the end of the path, go through a gateway onto a track going downhill for 100 m. This brings you back to the four-way track / path junction where you turn right to retrace your steps back to Hemyock. Alternatively, turn left to join the Culm Valley walk. 

A strenuous 9 km (5.5 miles) walk well rewarded with lovely views of the Culm valley looking west and spectacular views of the Quantocks and beyond from the Wellington Monument.

From Lower Millhayes, go up some steps and past a children’s play area into Higher Millhayes; go left, then take the footpath on the right going between a house and a bungalow. Walk straight uphill across two fields keeping close to the right-hand bank. Cross over a stile into a third field (the very wet ground here is due to a springline) then straight ahead to another stile and onto a main road. Turn left and, after 100 m, take the first lane on the right. 

Continue along the lane for 1 km until it turns sharp right. Take the footpath on the left and continue straight ahead for a further 1.5 km. This is a lovely, level stretch going through fields and woods with views across to Blackdown Common and, towards the end, a glimpse of the Wellington Monument towering over the trees. The footpath ends at a stile on to a main road. This is the ridgeway: an ancient route along the northern edge of the Blackdown Hills. It is now a fast road, so look out for traffic! Walk on the outside of each bend so cars can see you (this means crossing the road several times- take care!) 

Turn left and go 0.5 km to a stile with a footpath sign on the right (this is in a thick hedge and quite easy to miss, but it comes just after a gated track on the left. If you reach a bridleway on the right, you have gone too far). Take the footpath across a field to a line of trees, then follow the trees uphill to the Monument. You are now standing on the northern scarp of the Blackdown Hills looking out over Taunton Vale to the Quantocks and Exmoor beyond. 

To continue the walk, retrace your steps back to the main road, (blind bend- beware!) turn right and walk 0.5 km to a crossroads where the main road turns sharp right. Take the lane on the left signposted Culmstock. 

After 1 km take the first lane on the left which goes downhill for 0.5 km. Just before Goodhall’s Farm on the right, take the footpath on the left, which goes down a grassy track to some old stone barns, over a small stream and into a field on the right. Follow the obvious path across two fields and an orchard and onto a lane. Turn right and walk to a T-junction, turn left (signposted Hemyock) to another T-junction. Turn right (this is a busy road, so beware of traffic) and then second left into Lower Millhayes. 

A moderate to challenging 22-mile ride, with two optional shorter routes. This route takes in a 16th century village, Devon’s finest prehistoric hillfort and evidence of whetstone mining. One of eight cycle routes in the Blackdown Hills National Landscape – Route 2 

Main route (1 – 23) 

1 Turn left out of the car park and left just after the Catherine Wheel pub 

2 Turn right at Lickham Cross 

3 At crossroads go straight over, signposted Leigh 

4 At junction turn left 

5 At junction turn right and then go over ford 

6 At junction turn left, signposted Hayne, Bodminscombe, Sheldon and then first right 

7 At junction turn left 

8 Turn right at Downlands Cross, signposted Kerswell, Cullompton. Just past Knowles Wood car park, take the unsigned road on the left 

9 Turn left at Windwhistle Cross 

10 At crossroads (Causeway End) turn left, signposted Broadhembury 

11 Follow through Broadhembury then turn right at Broadhembury Cross 

12 At junction turn left on to main road and left again, signposted Dunkeswell 

13 At crossroads (Turbary Cross) go straight over, signposted Blackborough 

14 Turn second right at Golden Lane Cross, signposted Sheldon, and follow for 3 miles, passing through Sheldon 

15 Turn right, signposted Ashill and follow for 3/4 mile, then turn right signposted to Leigh and go over the ford 

16 Turn first left and continue until reaching T-junction 

17 At junction turn right, signposted Culmstock 

18 At junction with Uffculme Road turn right into village and continue over river 

19 Turn first right after Culm Valley Inn into Harts Row, through residential area 

20 At junction, turn right 

21 Turn right at Whitehall Cross, signposted Hemyock 

22 At junction turn left, signposted Hemyock 

23 Turn right and return to public car park 

Shorter route (A) – 7 miles (replaces stages 4 – 16) 

At junction turn right then go to instruction 17 

Shorter route (B) – 12 miles (replaces stages 8 – 14) 

Turn second left at Golden Lane Cross, signposted Sheldon, then go to instruction 15 

Maps: This route is based on OS Explorer maps and is intended as a guide to cyclists. Refer to Explorer 128 or Landranger 192 and 193 when planning your visit. 

General Information: For information about safe cycling and further information to help plan your visit, see www.blackdownhillsaonb.org.uk 

Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the route directions and descriptions, responsibility cannot be accepted for any errors or omissions. If you discover any errors, please let us know. 

A 4 miles (6.5 km) walk with lovely views of secluded Madford valley and a visit to the ruins of a Cistercian abbey.

From the car park next to the Baptist church, turn left along Fore Street to the village pump. Turn left here (High Street) and walk uphill for 0.5 km to a lane on the left with a no through sign. Go along here for 200 m, past Mountshayne Farm, and take the footpath on the right, which follows a muddy path to the top of the hill. Go through a gate on your left and follow the path along the edge of a hill for about 1 km, crossing several stiles and keeping the hedge bank on your right. This is a lovely, level stretch of walking with views over the Madford valley. At the end of the path, you will come to two gates, close together, leading on to a lane. Go through both gates, turn left on the lane and walk downhill for 1 km. 

Take the first lane on your right (signposted Dunkeswell Abbey). As you come to the hamlet, just before crossing a stream, look through a gate on your right: the grass-covered embankments are the remains of the Abbey’s fishponds. Go a little further and turn left at a T-junction, then follow the path towards the church and Abbey ruins. At the iron gates go left across the graveyard, over a stile and into a field. (Before doing so though, do take a little time to look around the ruins and church. Inside the church is a very good information board about the Abbey and the Cistercian order of monks who lived there). 

Follow a stream, then go over a bridge and through a gate. Follow the direction of the footpath arrows across two more fields to a bridge, then one more field to a lane. Turn left, and soon after, right to Madford Cross. Go left here, past a thatched barn with a post-box in the wall, and continue for 1 km. About 100 m past a bungalow on the left you will find two footpath signs on opposite sides of the lane. Take the left-hand path across a field with a ditch running through it, to a bridge hidden in the right-hand corner of the field. Cross this and go straight ahead for 100 m to the first gate on your left. Go through this gate and immediately through a second, then continue uphill to the top right corner of the field where there is a stile onto a lane. Turn right and return via Mountshayne Farm and High Street. 

A leisurely ride, with a climb near the start. On your way you’ll see Coldharbour Mill, a yew tree growing out of a church tower, and the beacon house on Culmstock Common. One of eight cycle routes in the Blackdown Hills National Landscape – Route 1 

Main route (1 – 17) 

1 Turn left out of car park and left just after the Catherine Wheel 

2 Turn right at Lickham Cross 

3 At crossroads (Leigh Cross) go straight, signposted Leigh 

4 At junction turn right 

5 At junction turn left 

6 At junction turn right, signposted Ashill, Uffculme 

7 At junction (cemetery corner) turn left onto main road, signposted Uffculme 

8 Turn right at Uffculme just before the Ostler Inn 

9 At Penslade Cross go straight over, signposted Penslade 

10 At junction turn right 

11 At crossroads (Higher Cross) go straight over, signpost Nicholashayne 

12 Turn first right 

13 At crossroads turn right on to main road, signposted Culmstock 

14 Turn left at village hall in Culmstock and then first right by red phone box 

15 Turn right at Whitehall Cross, signposted Hemyock 

16 At junction turn left, signposted Hemyock 

17 Turn right and return to car park 

Shorter route – 7 miles (replaces stages 5 – 14) 

a At junction turn right, signposted Culmstock 

b At junction turn right 

c Turn first right after Culm Valley Inn and go through residential area to reach main road 

d Turn right onto road 

Go to instruction 15 

Maps: This route is based on OS Explorer maps and is intended as a guide to cyclists. Refer to Explorer 128 or Landranger 192 and 193 when planning your visit. 

General Information: For information about safe cycling and further information to help plan your visit, see www.blackdownhillsaonb.org.uk 

Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the route directions and descriptions, responsibility cannot be accepted for any errors or omissions. If you discover any errors, please let us know. 

A moderate 11-mile ride with challenging uphill and downhill sections, suitable for experienced cyclists with a good level of fitness. Visit Wolford Chapel and Combe Woods along the way. Stop off at St Mary’s Church in Luppitt, to see one of the oldest fonts in Devon. One of eight cycle routes in the Blackdown Hills National Landscape – Route 4. 

Main route (1 – 9) 

1 With Magistrates Court on left hand side of street (you should be facing away from Honiton 

2 Go over road bridge and then turn right at Turnpike Cottage, signposted Egland, and up St Cyres Hill (recommend walking it!) 

3 At staggered junction take road ahead, signposted Luppitt, Smeatharpe. (To visit Wolford Chapel turn left and continue along Limers Lane to reach Wolford Lodge, where the Chapel is signed.) 

4 Turn right at second crossroads, signposted Luppitt, Beacon 

5 Turn right at Barn Cross, signposted Honiton 

6 Turn right at Mill Cross, signposted Combe Raleigh 

7 At crossroads (Combe Raleigh Cross) go straight over, signposted Combe Raleigh 

8 At junction turn right on to Honiton High Street 

9 At second set of traffic lights turn right, signposted Cullompton A373 and then the Magistrates Court is on the left-hand side. 

Maps: This route is based on OS Explorer maps and is intended as a guide to cyclists. Refer to Explorer 128 or Landranger 192 and 193 when planning your visit. 

General Information: For information about safe cycling and further information to help plan your visit, see www.blackdownhillsaonb.org.uk 

Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the route directions and descriptions, responsibility cannot be accepted for any errors or omissions. If you discover any errors, please let us know. 

A challenging 20-mile ride or an optional shorter route of 17 miles. Explore the Blackdown Hills countryside, with its iron-age hill forts. There is a railway station at Honiton, so this is a good ride if you’re planning to access the Blackdown Hills by train. One of eight cycle routes in the Blackdown Hills National Landscape – Route 6.

Main route (1 – 19) 

1 Turn left out of the car park and left at traffic lights and follow to the end of the High Street 

2 At roundabout turn left, signposted Exeter and London, and then right after 50 metres, signposted Cotleigh, Stockland 

3 At top of hill turn right and then left after 50 metres, signposted Cotleigh 

4 At junction turn left, signposted Cotleigh, then first right 

5 At Stockland Hill, go straight over, signposted Heathstock, Broadhayes 

6 Turn right at Shorehead Cross, signposted Heathstock, Ford, Stockland 

7 At junction (Ford Cross) turn left, signposted Heathstock, Stockland 

8 At junction (Cookers Elm Cross) turn left into Stockland 

9 Go through village and turn right just next to Lark Rise House 

10 At crossroads at top of hill turn right 

11 At crossroads use dedicated cyclist crossing to southwest of road junction. Cross main road, signposted Upottery 

12 At junction in Upottery turn right, signposted Churchinford, then first left after 75 metres, signposted Hemyock 

13 At junction (Mathayes Cross) turn left, signposted Beacon 

14 Turn right, then left at Beacons Cross, signposted Wick 

15 At junction bear right 

16 At junction turn left on to main road 

17 At junction turn right, signposted Honiton 

18 At roundabout turn right on to Honiton High Street 

19 At second set of traffic lights turn right, signposted Cullompton A373 and then right into car park 

Shorter route – 17 miles (replaces stages 5 – 10) 

At crossroads (Broadhayes Cross) turn left on to main road and then go to instruction 11 

Maps: This route is based on OS Explorer maps and is intended as a guide to cyclists. Refer to Explorer 128 or Landranger 192 and 193 when planning your visit. 

General Information: For information about safe cycling and further information to help plan your visit, see www.blackdownhillsaonb.org.uk 

Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the route directions and descriptions, responsibility cannot be accepted for any errors or omissions. If you discover any errors, please let us know. 

This walk, on the easterly side of the parish close to Dalwood village, takes a circular route on paths and country lanes through the turbary on Horner Hill with resplendent views of the Corry Valley and beyond to the Channel at Axmouth. There is also a chance to visit Beckford bridge on the River Yarty – a packhorse bridge long used by travellers and livestock before the days of vehicles. Approx. 4 miles 2 hours – some flat sections but some fairly steep ascents and descents – some sections can be muddy. 

Begin this walk at Sandpits (grid ref ST251025) beyond Beacon Hill which can be approached from Stockland and Heathstock, or from Dalwood and Danes Hill – some limited parking at the roadside. Follow the signs for Bridlepath 37 close to the entrance for Sandpits, following the track until you turn right through a gate at some woods at Holcombe Pit. The path follows downwards through another gate and then skirts southwards across the ‘Bomb Field’ – (during World War Two, a German bomber jettisoned some of its lethal weaponry in this field and the local boys had a field day collecting the shrapnel straight after school. Several wise men in the village suggested it was a direct consequence of Toby Stapleforth’s practice of checking his livestock at night with a Tilley lamp!).

At the next gate you are now in the turbary and the path levels through the woods, past three derelict cottages uninhabited since the 1930s but believed to have housed workers in the Flax Mill in the valley below. There was a roadway here and the remains of gardens can be seen. Roe deer are close and the sound of buzzards above is never far away in the spring and summer. Follow the path still further upwards avoiding the right-hand path which takes you down to the valley floor. The path then gets slightly steeper until you leave the woods and are in more open heathland with bracken and gorse and spectacular views to the Channel in the south and the Corry Valley closer. Much conservation work has taken place over the past few years to regain dry areas of dry heath by removing bracken and replacing with Foxgloves, Greater Stitchwort and Sweet Vernal Grass. This work is ongoing.

The path continues uphill with a welcoming seat until you return into woods and then begin a short but steep descent towards the lane near Starveacre and Hawks Hill. You may see early purple orchids in this lane in April. 

Turn left on the lane or, alternatively if you want to visit the Tucker’s Arms at Dalwood, turn right at through a metal gate at the footpath, and into the grounds of Baggaton Inn (an old smuggler’s and cider inn) following the path downwards for approx. 600 yards until you reach the road. Turn right and you are on the edge of Dalwood village with the pub further on over the bridge on your left. Retrace your steps back over the bridge and follow the footpath on your right uphill. Tun left at the top at the road back to the start of the diversion – distance two miles.

Turn left at the wider lane and follow for a few hundred yards and turn right at Footpath 24. You are now descending towards the River Yarty along an old lane to Cuckoo’s Pit where more cottages were located. Older maps state that this was Cuckold’s Pit! You then follow the path over a stile, downwards through woods, and to another gate to Lower Farm, which is another old farmstead famed for its cider. Follow the farm track to the lane and turn right for Beckford Bridge which is a short walk away and an ideal spot for picnicking by the stream.

Retrace your steps up the road and then continue up the Yarty Valley for approx. one mile until you reach Three Ashes Cross. Here turn left at the sign for Unmetalled road. Follow this straight upwards and then bear left a little further. The path then meanders upwards. Look back to check the wide views across the Yarty Valley and beyond to Dorset and Somerset. Some sections here can be muddy especially in the winter, but you have completed a walk using some old route ways with some of the finest views in the parish.

The first mile is uphill to Hartridge. Then it is on to Dumpdon Hill for a splendid panoramic view, followed by a gentler descent. Approx. 6.5 miles (11km). A picnic on Dumpdon Hill might be good. 

From the phone box walk back towards Honiton. At the edge of the village, turn right down the track to a footbridge over the River Otter. Cross the field diagonally to a stile in the left-hand corner. Continue ahead on the track uphill past the Otterfalls Holiday Complex. The track bends left, then right. Just to the right of the gate to Whippins Cottage there is a stile leading to a narrow path. The path bends and crosses a small bridge. 

After the next stile the path bears right and continues uphill. This area is owned by the monks and nuns of the nearby Buddhist monastery, and they use it for contemplation. Go through their top gate and continue on the same line across the next field to another gate. Turn left and almost immediately left again. You are now on Hartridge and you continue on this track for about a mile. Go through a gate and keep straight on, enjoying the view ahead down to the coastal hills near Sidmouth. The increasingly stony track meets a road. 

Turn left on the road, into the hamlet of Beacon and continue downhill to a signpost ahead. Take the road to Wick, enjoying the view of tree-topped Dumpdon Hill ahead. Ignore the next signpost and turning to Wick and keep ahead to a little National Trust car park on your right. As soon as you step into the car park turn right, to a gate ahead. Cross a narrow field and walk up the wide grassy track to the hilltop. Enjoy the terrific view, the earthwork ramparts, the sense of history and of course the picnic. There are 62 acres to explore. 

Return to the road and walk back to Beacon. At the signpost take the Upottery road for less than 100 yards and turn right, passing houses and a former Baptist chapel. Follow this lane downhill to a T-junction at Pound Farm. Turn left, signed to a bridleway and go through the gateway to Mohun’s Ottery. As you approach the house on your right, note the handsome medieval gatehouse. The bridleway, however, bears left along a stony track. 

Continue ahead, through gates and across fields in a straight line until, with Rawridge over to your right, you rejoin the outward route. Turn right, to pass the holiday homes again as you return to the starting point. A very fine walk! 

Wild and remote in parts, this 12-mile ride links some of the most picturesque villages in the Blackdown Hills. Hartridge and Luppitt commons provide a sharp contrast to the valley pastures.  There are magnificent views across the Otter tributaries. Easy riding throughout but beware of traffic on the Upottery-Rawridge road. The ford across the River Otter may not always be passable. This is one of five horse-riding circuits in the Blackdown Hills National Landscape – route 4.

Riding Instructions (clockwise) 

Orange line on map e.g. Start Point Hartridge Common (ST 182072) 

 1 Next R, down green lane, R at road and follow left round and down the hill, across stream and next R up BW over soft ground 

2 Fork R at BW junction, and follow BW & way markers uphill & round to left, past Fairview Farm and along to RD 

3 Sharp R at road, R at TJ and follow for one and a half miles past Gullyhayes to next TJ 

4 R at TJ, then R at next TJ, and next fork L and follow road down to Upottery 

5 R at village and next L behind PH, keep L and follow RD becoming unmetalled road for about 1/2 mile 

6 R at TJ and keep R following green lane and fording River Otter, then continue along the green lane, then R onto RD till next junction 

7 Cross junction then L at major road (Upottery-Rawridge-watch for traffic) 

8 Next R, across River Otter along past Budgells Farm, then sharp L & pass between Odle and Tanahiort Farms and follow till it becomes a green lane and starts descending 

9 Continue onto BW trough gates and past Mohun’s Ottery onto metalled road, R at Pounds Farm and onto Beacon 

10 ST Beacon keeping right through common land and uphill to start point (1) availing fine views across the River Otter tributaries 

This scenic 14-mile circular ride boasts wonderful views and glimpses of the sea. There is plenty of off-road riding through wooded valleys and along hill crests. This ride encounters mixed terrain, several gradients and various styles of gates. There are cantering opportunities at Coyle Acre Lane, Burridge Common and Brinscombe top. Watch out for roe deer. One of five horse-riding circuits in the Blackdown Hills National Landscape – route 1 

 Riding directions (clockwise)

1 South on Green Lane then L at TJ, then ahead on unmetalled RD, after about 1/3-mile fork right through Burridge Common 

2 Join RD in direction Brockfield 

3 At Brockfield fork L through Ford to Holy City 

4 At road junction, take 2nd L in direction Alston for about 1 mile 

5 R into BW, over Beacon Hill, down RD into Churchill and up to TJ 

6 L down Smallridge Road for approx. 1/2 mile passing village sign 

7 R at small green, uphill then down to BW, then up long hill to top, muddy in places 

8 R then L on top road and follow for 1/4 mile to bridleway sign 

9 R into BW, down through Hasland Farm cobbled yard, through 2 gates and down edge of steep field 

10 L for 1/2 mile along road, then 1st R signposted Membury 

11 L into unmetalled road, up past Lea Farm Hotel and up Goyle Acre Lane 

12 Can R down past church to take in Membury, 1st L out again 

13 L then R into continuation of unmetalled RD, then R at end 

14 Fork left at Furley X roads (signposted Furley) down narrow road 

15 R into BW, through woods, meadow and past Ford House 

16 R into BW, up hill, thro’ 2 remote controlled gates (care over slippery tarmac) 

17 R (watch traffic) then L signposted Cotley (alternative start point) 

18 L into BW, and follow for about 1/2 mile through Bewley Down woods 

19 ST when bridleway becomes metalled RD and follow to TJ 

20 R at TJ and follow road past Cotley Inn 

21 R and up into BW, thro’ Gs then ahead along to Green Lane (to complete the circular) 

 Link Routes (west to east) – yellow lines on map 

Furley Cross to Holy City 

14 ST at Furley X roads past Challenger Farm on left, and up to TJ 

22 ST at TJ onto BW, after approx. 150 yards after 2nd gate, immediate L keeping to the edge of field to north corner 

23 Follow hedgerow past WT and G, then make directly down to HG at RD, cross RD through 2nd HG and continue approx. 200 yards up field side 

24 – either fork R across field to G, follow blue BW markers over top field, thro’ 2 Gs and down to 2 BGs, past Ransome Farm to RD and Holy City (4) 

– or continue ST thro’ Gs, following blue BW markers till BG at Whitehouse, then R along RD to Holy City (4) 

 Bewley to Holy City 

18 Continue down RD to bridleway sign on R 

25 Follow BW thro’ G, edge of field, across thro’ BG past Woonton Farm on left 

26 R at access drive and L at RD to Holy City (4) 

A figure of 8 walk – so you can do either one or both loops. The first loop explores typical Blackdown Hills features: the plateau cut by a river valley. The short route is a gentle amble around Otterhead Lakes, ending at a picnic area. At Otterhead Lakes, dogs should be kept on a lead. 

From the car park, return to the road and turn left to Otterford church, ignoring the first footpath sign on your right. The second sign directs you into the churchyard, which you leave by a gate at the top. In the field head for the top right-hand corner, where a gate takes you into the adjoining field and another leads to a lane. Go straight on along the lane for just over 100 yards to a footpath sign and gate on your right. Walk diagonally across this field and go through two more gates. Cross the next field, aiming for a gate to the right of the houses. 

Turn left along the road for a very short distance and take the lane on your right. You soon cross a second (often busier) road to follow the lane as it winds downhill into the Yarty valley. Before you reach the river and a house, look for a footpath and stile on your right. This path goes straight ahead, through gorse bushes and then a gate. Just before the next gate, which leads to farm buildings, bear slightly left by a single tree. Stay alongside the fence. The next gate leads you to a small field, with a stile opposite. Steps take you down to a lane. Turn right and walk up to the main road. 

Cross carefully and continue ahead, with houses on your right and the Bronze Age burial mounds, known as Robin Hood’s Butts, on the left. Cross the stile and stay straight ahead to another stile at the far end of the field. Keep the hedge on your left through two further fields back to the road and the car park. 

Now for the second loop. Descend the steps from the car park and turn left long the wide downhill track. Ignore a path uphill to the left. Part of the old walled garden of the former Otterhead Estate is visible on your left and you soon reach the first lake, on your right. Just before the bridge take the path on your left. The River Otter will be first on your right, then on the left. This path leads to the second lake, known as Royston Water. Continue along the lakeside path to a small gate. This is as far as you can go. 

Turn right and cross the little fenced bridge. Head up to a crossroads of paths, where you turn right. Walk straight through the woods, which then give way to a more open space ahead and to a kissing gate leading on to a track. Turn right, (the building opposite is the old coach house and stables) and after only a few yards a kissing gate on the left leads into the picnic area. This is where a mansion once stood, with a delightful view across House Lake. It was built in 1845 and demolished in 1952. You may find a small number of clues as to its former existence. After your picnic, return over the bridge and up the track to the car park. 

A beautiful nature reserve on the site of a former Victorian estate. This circular walk will take you around the various semi-natural habitats including wet woodland, dry deciduous woodland, grassland, and freshwater streams. 

Dormice, badgers, and bat species live in the woodland. The lakes and streams support otters and birds including kingfishers, dippers and wagtails. There are signs that beavers are making use of the reserve too! 

Many birds nest on the ground here, so please keep your dog on a lead. 

The route is mostly flat, although there is a gradual slope from the car park down to the lakes and a steep section of a few metres half-way round. Bear in mind that some of the pathways are a little bumpy and, at times, can get quite muddy. 

 Download Otterhead Lakes walk map and instructions [pdf]

The first mile of the walk is downhill, so it’s no surprise that later on there is a steady uphill section, passing close to the highest point on the Blackdown Hills. The route coincides with parts of the East Deane Way, the Neroche Millennium Walk and the Staple Fitzpaine Herepath. 

There are two exits from the car park, almost side by side. Ignore the kissing gate and sign to the loop walk and go through the metal gate to the right, signed for the Herepath. Walk past the turning to the left and down a steep track through the woods to a gate. Bear left through this gate, leaving the Herepath and then pass through a second gate at Mount Fancy Farm where the track becomes a lane. Proceed down this lane for about ¾ of a mile, passing South Hill Farm. Immediately beyond the next house on the left, turn left on the signposted footpath. It takes you straight ahead, along field edges to a bridge. Keep straight ahead across the next field and then again along a hedge to a lane. 

Cross to another footpath opposite and continue the same line across the first field. Keep the hedge on your right in the next one. By the stream, bear gently left to a stile, a bridge and a lane. Turn left. 

Immediately beyond Staple Park Farm, stay ahead on a bridleway, which is part of the East Deane Way and the Herepath too. Follow these signs, which take you left off the track through a field gateway. Follow the field edge and continue around the paddock into woodland. At the gate turn left. You are now on a wide track which leads gently uphill through Staple Park Woods. After a while it bends left and a little further on it reaches a gate onto Underhill Lane. Turn right and prepare for the steepest part of the walk. 

The lane enters woodland again at a gate. Continue ahead, and at a junction of paths stay ahead on the Herepath route. At the next sign turn left to complete the circuit and return to the car park. As you make this final turn, you are very near the highest point of the Blackdown Hills at around1,000 feet above sea level. When you are almost back at the car park, you have the option of a short diversion through a kissing gate to the viewpoint. On a clear day, it’s too good to miss. 

This is the highest point in the Blackdown Hills, from here you can see spectacular views across the Vale of Taunton. On a clear day you can see all the way to Wales! 

As the name suggests, Staple Hill Easy Access Trail allows everyone, including those with limited mobility, to enjoy the beautiful countryside the Blackdown Hills National Landscape has to offer. The kissing gates are big enough for wheelchairs and pushchairs, there is a wide, compacted pathway with no steep gradients and the viewpoints have picnic benches and seating. 

Staple Hill is part of the Forestry England woodlands and one of the points on the Staple Fitzpaine Herepath. 

The woodland at Castle Neroche is great fun for your family to explore – including your four-legged friends! Peek through the trees for spectacular views. 

Download Staple Hill Easy Access Trail map and instructions [pdf]

More about Staple Hill Easy Access Trail on the Forestry England website

This 12-mile circular is a relatively easy ride with few gates, using mainly green lanes and quiet roads which link the hamlets and farmsteads of the Corry and Yarty valleys. C3 also links up with routes C1 and C2 (see route map) for greater route flexibility. This is one of five horse-riding circuits in the Blackdown Hills National Landscape – route 3.

Riding Instructions (clockwise) 

Orange line on map e.g. Start Point Millhayes (ST 231039) 

1 Proceed along metalled road down across stream & up to TJ 

2 L along Groundhead Road to TJ at Hornshayes Knap X, crossroad (watch for traffic) ST along track till next metalled road 

3 ST at metalled road, bear L in 1/4 mile, & R over bridge in 1/2 mile 

4 Uphill and ST, R at TJ in 1 mile & next L down track to Lower Lye 

5 Proceed R past Lower Lye Farm to RD 

6 L at RD and continue over bridge to X roads 

7 L and after 3/4-mile, R up grassy track, then continue up the field and through Trebblehayes Farm buildings and across to RD at top. (If in doubt, follow parallel route on RD also marked in orange) 

8 ST and follow RD through Godsworthy Farm, down to bridge and L behind Ford House, and through field gate onto BW 

9 Keep level and to the R (do not follow more evident track up to L) and follow BW thro’ meadow and woods, then ST at metalled road up to Farley X 

10 Fork R, after 3/4-mile fork L down to Waterhouse Farm & cross ford (use Case Bridge if River Yarty in full spate), & R at TJ 

11 Take next L at “3 Ash Cross” up unmetalled road, fork R in 1/4 mile up unmetalled East Horner Lane, and along narrower grassy section (boggy at times) to RD at Heathstock 

12 Cross RD to Heathstock Farm on right, then fork R (Dencroft Lane) down track and R at road 

13 L thro’ Ford hamlet then uphill & R at TJ 

14 L along unmetalled road to the lane at the top 

15 R downhill, then 1st L down to Millhayes to complete circular 

A circular walk with extensive views of East Devon across the Corry Valley to Axminster and to West Dorset. Approx. 4 miles (about 2 hours) across the highest points of Stockland Hill, Bucehayes turbary, down to the Umborne Brook and through Wood Copse. Then uphill and back via Quantock – over country lanes, footpaths and turbary paths. One moderately steep incline and, at times, wet underfoot. Waterproof shoes recommended especially in winter. 

This walk starts at the northwest corner of the parish not too far from the A30 – suggest you turn at Rising Sun Cross and follow signs for North Hill and park on the road verge at ST 221061 near Nichol’s Reeds. Equally there is a pleasant walk from Stockland village, but this is likely to double the length of the walk – see WALK 5.

From Nichol’s Reeds Walk west to the Rising Sun crossing the Seven Mile Straight. Descend westwards to Cook’s Moor South and turn left just past the house at the marked footpath sign. You are in Upottery Parish but soon turn back into Stockland past the outbuildings onto FP 7 through various field gates and across open farmland, and five fields. There is a dogleg in the field before Bucehayes Farm but make for the gateway in the corner of the farm buildings and the path then takes you to the left of the buildings through more gateways until you are in Bucehayes Common part of the parish turbaries. You may see roe deer if you are quiet, whilst overhead there are buzzards and ravens.

You will reach a crossroads of footpath signs and take the right path (southwest) over a stile and past Bucehayes Cottage. Then go through a gate and across an open field until you reach a quiet lane; turn right downhill over the Umborne Brook into Cotleigh Parish and take the next footpath on the left in a southerly direction, across two fields until you reach Wood Copse. Follow the path on a level course until you are joined by a path from your right and walk downhill and recross the Umborne Brook by the new footbridge and then follow the path (FP 31) uphill through the woods and fields to the lane near Naroche. This is a steady incline of about 300 ft.(Spectacular bluebell woods in April / May but are delightful all year round. Charcoal was made here within living memory, with kiln and saw bench.)

From Neroche turn right onto the lane and then take another left almost immediately, back towards Bucehayes Cottage along the lane to the edge of the turbary, for a few hundred yards. Then retrace your steps to the Footpath Crossroads in the turbary (ST 215049). Here, take the path uphill to the east (FP 15) across a field and to Barn Park Farm where the path skirts to the left of the buildings until you reach the Seven Mile Straight again. Turn left then immediately right to Footpath 16. (The Seven Mile Straight may be of Roman origin but was extensively widened and improved during World War Two to transport stone etc from Kilmington to the new American airfield at Dunkeswell.)

Go through the gate north easterly across the fields until you reach an old track way (on a clear day you can see for miles from here in most directions towards Somerset and Dorset) – follow the gentle contours downhill via a muddy gateway toward Brimpit Farm. Before you reach the farm and bungalow turn left on the roadway through the edge of Quantock Turbary until you reach North Hill Lane – turn left, walk uphill and you are back where you started!

A circular walk along old lanes and tracks including footpaths on Stockland Hill with fine views. First part is fairly gentle with some ups and downs then rising quite steeply over the footpaths and back downhill to the village. Distance is approximately 4 miles; time 2 hours. Can be wet in places! 

Begin at Stockland Village Hall (ST246047). Turn right and then immediately left; follow the lane around the back of the church, turning left at the end of the lane towards the footpaths. However, just before the field gate, turn right and follow an old ‘green lane’ (White’s Lane or locally known as Clay Lane) for approx. half a mile until you reach the Honiton to Stockland road. Turn left and walk uphill for another few hundred yards until you reach the top of the hill. Here at Hornshaye Knap, turn right along another old track or green lane for another half a mile until you reach the next surfaced road. Turn left and walk downhill past Lake Farm; continue up the hill until the road incline levels out. Just before you reach a junction with a grass triangle in the middle of the road, you will see two footpath signs close together on your right – take the second, through the gate and walk along a track which follows fairly steeply upwards for three fields. Continue until you reach the Seven Mile Straight at the top. 

Turn right taking care along this busy road, for a few hundred yards and take the first footpath on your right. This follows downhill alongside the hedge and then diagonally across an open field – stop here to catch your breath, the views will keep you going! You then reach a track which takes you down through the woods until you reach Featherlake, at the southern end of Quantock turbary. 

Continue down the concrete road until once again you reach the grass triangle on the lane. This time turn left and walk downhill on the lane past Langbeer Farm on your left. (King Athelstan in the 10^th century massed his army at Langbeer Down to fight the Danes – this may be an old name for Stockland Hill?). 

At the bottom of the hill, after passing Hornshayes Farm, you will cross the Honiton to Stockland road to the footpath opposite. This will take you along the Corry Brook, across a wooden bridge, across a lane and further along the brook until you reach Millhayes. Along the way the path follows an old mill leat (water channel to the mill), through a garden until the lane is reached. Turn left, and then shortly afterwards right again to follow the path along the stream for another few hundred yards until you reach a gateway. 

Here turn left onto the lane and walk steeply uphill to Groundhead Road – there is a fine panoramic view of the village from here. Turn right, and you have a choice of routes. The first footpath you encounter on your left will take you straight back through open field to the church. Alternatively, you can continue on this road to Rodway Cross and turn left downhill until you see the footpath sign on the left. Follow this footpath which brings you out back at the church via Langlands Lane. (Until the 1950s, at least, this path was used as a shortcut to Stockland School for many of the pupils from the outlying farms and hamlets.) 

Leave the village hall turning right and then immediately left towards the church, following the lane until you see the signs for footpath (FP 9). Go right as you leave the first gateway across the field, through another gate and then make towards a gap in the hedge with a small bridge across a ditch. Follow the path uphill through another field with a gateway and then upwards to another gateway where you will meet Groundhead road. 

Turn right onto thew road and then turn immediately left downhill towards Millhayes. Leave Lower Seavington Farm on your right and turn left just past Mayes Cottage where you will find the footpath (FP 12) a few hundred yards on your right. Take the gateway through two fields and over two stiles and ditches to Horseplot where you will meet another Devon lane. Follow the lane alongside the woods of Shorebottom turbary then uphill past a wood yard on your right and nursery on your left until you come across another footpath on your right (FP 13). This is a shortcut across the field back to the road, but you will get a chance to see the wonderful Lucombe Oak of Broadhayes on your right. Follow the path until you hit the road again turning right into Broadhayes with a series of very fine old, listed buildings. Follow the road uphill again until you reach another footpath on your right (FP 14) (Stockland Great Camp is just a short distance uphill from this path and can be viewed from the road with its substantial ditches and defensive works – you can also view it from the footpath). 

Leave the entrance to the footpath and walk straight across the field towards its shortest point where there is a stile that takes you onto Ewecroft Lane (FP 34), a delightful hidden byway that will take you to the top end of Shorebottom. Turn left on to the road past Mount Pleasant Farm on you left and, after another 600 yards or so, take the next footpath on your right (FP 22). On you left is a fine view of Stockland Little Camp although there is no access beyond the footpath. 

On reaching the road turn left down into Millhayes past the old Methodist Chapel on your right (now called Chapelcroft) downhill back towards Mayes Cottage again, only this time follow the footpath at the bottom of the hill to the left along the Corry Brook (FP 11). This path follows the old mill stream through a series of fields, across another lane, then through a garden, and field until you reach the lane at Huntshayes. Follow this until you reach the wider road at Hornshayes bridge and turn right uphill for another 500 yards past a road junction on your right. After a few hundred yards you can take the first lane on your right along White’s Lane back to the Church at Churchstyle – or if you wish you can follow the road back to the village – they are both the same distance! 

From the westerly edge of the parish, along the old Devon-Dorset border following FP 21 through woodland and the Umborne Brook – return via Bridlepath 40 and across open country – approx. 2 miles (1 hour) – mostly flat, some steps and stiles, some short sections can be wet. Delightful, sheltered woodland and fast flowing stream.  

1. Access from Broadhayes or Ridge Cross off the Stockland Seven Mile Straight – follow signs west for Cotleigh via atmospheric woods. Some very limited parking near the start of the walk near the bottom of the hill (ST212021) – otherwise park on the hill and walk down to the bridge.
2. FP 21 leaves just before the bridge; and walk on the roadway between Pidgeons and Brook Cottage following the signs that take you left of the thatched cottage. The path goes into woods for about the next mile or so with differing vegetation – some is ash woodland, but later near the floodplain are hybrid black poplars and further on there is semi-natural broadleaf woodland with oaks, larch and ash.

There is a series of steps through the wood and the path undulates until you reach the level of the brook which marks the Stockland Parish boundary, and until 1844 it was the old Dorset / Devon County boundary! Here the path is more defined and goes slightly upwards until you reach the lane near Hayne farm. 

3. On reaching the lane turn left and take another quick left turn along BP 40 following the path past farm buildings through a gate and then across the next open field to the gateway. There are good views across to Cotleigh and you should be able to make out on your left the old southern railway line in the Cleave cutting on its way to Honiton. Follow the path across the next field to the next gate leaving Little Hayne on your left following the trackway past Court Farm back to the lane just above where you started.

A moderate cycle ride with challenging climbs, and some interesting buildings to see along the way. The shorter route includes an exhilarating downhill section and a steep climb. One of eight cycle routes in the Blackdown Hills National Landscape – Route 8. 

Main route (1 – 16) 

1 Turn right out of car park and first right at Stockland Village Cross 

2 Turn left at Road Ends Cross, signposted Yarcombe and follow for 2 miles 

3 At junction turn left on to main road and then first right, signposted Marsh after Yarcombe Inn 

4 At junction (Sheafhayne Cross) turn right, signposted Howley, Chard 

5 Turn first left after Howlet Tavern 

6 Turn right up hill just before stream and road bridge 

7 Turn first right 

8 At junction turn right 

9 At junction turn right and follow for one mile 

10 At junction turn right on to main road 

11 Turn left, signposted Membury, Stockland, Animal Sanctuary 

12 At junction turn right, signposted Membury, Stockland – follow for almost 3 miles 

13 Turn right at Star Cross, signposted Membury and follow for nearly 2 miles 

14 Turn right, signposted Kilmington, Axminster 

15 At junction (Beckford Cross) turn right, signposted Stockland and follow for 2.5 miles 

16 In Stockland turn right just after the school into the village hall car park 

Shorter route – 12.5 miles (replaces stages 13 – 16) 

a Turn first right, signposted Stockland and follow for 3 miles 

b At junction (Stockland Village Cross) turn left, and first left into village hall car park 

Maps: This route is based on OS Explorer maps and is intended as a guide to cyclists. Refer to Explorer 128 or Landranger 192 and 193 when planning your visit. 

General Information: For information about safe cycling and further information to help plan your visit, see www.blackdownhillsaonb.org.uk 

Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the route directions and descriptions, responsibility cannot be accepted for any errors or omissions. If you discover any errors, please let us know. 

From Thurlbear church, walk along the road downhill past Church Farm. Continue and about 50 yards beyond a cottage on the left, there are field gates on the right signposted for the Herepath. Go through the gate signposted for Netherclay and keep to the left-hand side of the field to the road. Cross carefully and head down the lane opposite. Beyond the equine centre the road becomes a track. Follow this, ahead through a field with the woods on your right. At a fork just beyond a gate, keep left on the main track. 

This is an attractive and secluded part of the walk. At a crossroads of paths turn right (where the Herepath goes to the left). As you follow this track down to a lane, there are some fine mature trees in the fields on your left. 

At the road, by Mill House, turn right and walk for about 3/4 of a mile along the lane. There is a good view of Taunton racecourse ahead, and of the edge of the Blackdown Hills behind you. Along this lane, you will pass a waterfall on Broughton Brook and will gain a view of the tower of Orchard Portman church. A little way beyond Orchard Portman Farm, there is a sign pointing to the 13^th century church. Here, you also find a stile on the right. Cross it and bear diagonally left across the field, passing just to the right of an electricity pole. 

Cross a little bridge, and an often-busy road, to a stile immediately opposite. Keep the little stream on your left as you cross the fields. With Broughton Farm ahead of you, go through a gate and cross another small stream and turn right. After just 50 yards, go through the gate on your right and turn sharp left. Keep by the left-hand hedge as you walk for about a mile until the footpath brings you to the road at Greenway Farm. On the way, you will see the landmark of Thurlbear church tower. At the highest point of the path, shortly before the farm, there is a very pleasant view, which even includes the distant Wellington Monument. At the road, turn right, to return to the starting point. 

The 12-mile (19 km) Valleyheads Way walk takes you from Hemyock to Staple Hill, along public footpaths and quiet country lanes. The route skirts the valley sides of the Culm, Otter and Yarty rivers, the three main rivers of the Blackdown Hills National Landscape.

It will take the average walker around six hours to complete, covering varied terrain including some muddy and stony paths and some steep ascents.

You’ll need to wear waterproof walking boots and bring with you warm, rainproof clothing, plenty of water and suitable refreshments.

We recommend that you use the OS Explorer Map 128 (Blackdown Hills) for reference. The route is waymarked throughout and can be followed in either direction (although these instructions are from the Hemyock end).

This striking monument stands as a tribute to the Duke of Wellington and his victory at the Battle of Waterloo. Standing at 175 feet, it is the world’s tallest three-sided obelisk! The Monument is surrounded by a wildlife-rich meadow. On fine days there is ample space around the Monument to enjoy a picnic or fly a kite.

Walk options

There are several ways in which you can walk to and around the Wellington Monument, shown on our downloadable map: Download Wellington Monument Meander walk map and instructions [pdf]

Easy: 1 mile (1.6km)

Walk from the car park to the Monument and back, along the level gravel pathway lined with beech trees.

The complete walk is approximately 15 minutes each way. At the end, you’re rewarded with a view of this impressive monument.

There is the occasional bump or dip in the path but no steps, styles or steep gradients.

There are around 30 parking spaces close to the start of the walk.

Slightly more challenging: 2 miles (3.2 km)

At the Monument, take the steps down to the right, loop round anti-clockwise through the woods, and climb the steep slope back up.

Walk from Wellington town

Footpaths from Wellington town centre will take you all the way to the Monument via Wellington Castle Fields, a Somerset Wildlife Trust nature reserve. Please take care as you cross the A38.

The walk is particularly beautiful in the autumn, when the leaves turn all shades of brown, red and gold. Very windy days are best avoided as it can get quite blustery up by the Monument. In the winter, be aware that the path can get rather muddy.

The information boards are easy to read and include details of the Monument’s history and a map showing nearby walks.

Find out more about what to see and do at the Wellington Monument

A circular route from Wellington town to Hemyock and back, via Buckland Wood. On bank holidays from April to August you can visit Hemyock Castle too. One of eight cycle routes in the Blackdown Hills National Landscape – Route 3 

Main route (1 – 21) 

1 Start at Wellington Library, head towards junction with South Street, turn right at lights into South Street, signposted Hemyock, Monument, and follow for nearly one mile 

2 At crossroads go straight over, signposted Ford Street 

3 Go under the M5 motorway bridge, then turn left, signposted Blackmoor, and follow for one mile 

4 Turn left, signposted Ruggin, Pitminster Corfe 

5 At staggered junction turn right, then left, signposted Ruggin, Pitminster, Corfe 

6 At junction turn right, signposted Lowton, Blagdon, Corfe 

7 At junction turn right 

8 At junction turn left onto the ridge road, signposted Taunton, Honiton and Chard 

9 Turn first right and then follow road for about 2.5 miles 

10 At junction (Lilycombe Cross) turn right, signposted Hemyock 

11 Straight on to Hemyock 

12 Turn right to Hemyock 

13 In Hemyock go straight on and follow main road out of village towards Culmstock 

14 Turn right at Blackpitt Cross, signposted Whitehall, Culm Davy 

15 At junction turn left, then first right, signposted Culm Davy – steep up hill 

16 At junction turn left – long down hill 

17 At junction turn right 

18 At junction turn left onto main road and go over M5 motorway bridge 

19 At crossroads turn right, signposted Wellington 

20 At staggered junction go straight ahead, signposted Rockwell Green 

21 At junction turn right into Wellington and go straight over first set of traffic lights 

Shorter route – 4 miles (replaces stages 5 – 21) 

An easy ride for all the family with views of the Blackdown Hills 

a At junction go straight on 

b At junction go straight on 

c At junction turn right and take first left signposted Briscoe 

d At junction go straight on 

e At junction go straight on 

f At junction go straight on, taking great care when crossing the busy A38 

g At junction turn right 

Maps: This route is based on OS Explorer maps and is intended as a guide to cyclists. Refer to Explorer 128 or Landranger 192 and 193 when planning your visit. 

General Information: For information about safe cycling and further information to help plan your visit, see www.blackdownhillsaonb.org.uk 

Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the route directions and descriptions, responsibility cannot be accepted for any errors or omissions. If you discover any errors, please let us know. 

This circular walk begins in the village and takes you northwards amongst rolling countryside and close to one of the area’s 18^th century follies – Rower Fort. You return along the Corry valley and then back to the Church. Distance is approx. 4.5 miles, and it will take you about 2.5 hours. Some parts are muddy, so be prepared! 

Park at the village hall (ST246047) and turn right towards the centre of the village turning right again at the first crossroads into Chard Road. After about 200 yards take the footpath on your left through a gate and follow this across a field to another gate. Cross the next field diagonally and pass through the next gate. Immediately through the gate, cross a track and proceed uphill with a circular fenced copse on your right. Continue until you reach a wicket gate and pass through this crossing the next two fields keeping the hedge on your left, to Wytch Lane. There are fine views across the Yarty Valley on your right and over to Bewley Down. 

On reaching Wytch Lane turn left, and follow the lane until you reach the footpath on your right at Wytch Farm. This will take you on the east side of Rower Hill with the folly dominating the top. Where the path forks, follow the left-hand path through the woods beyond Rower Fort (you are now in Yarcombe parish), and then turn left into Blackhayes Lane. (Rower Fort was built in 1827 by the descendants of Sir Frances Drake who were local landowners for their gamekeepers – it is now in private hands). 

Follow the Blackhayes Lane for a few hundred yards and take the next footpath through a gateway; this path more or less follows the Corry Brook which is close to its source at this point. Continue until you cross the brook over a wooden bridge and reach North Hill Lane. Proceed down this lane, turning right at the path at North Hill Farm. Take the left path towards Hornshayes to return to Stockland. 

This follows a straightforward southerly route via Higher Lake, crossing the lane and then across three more fields until you reach another lane. Turn left and past Hornshayes, and then a little further on, cross the Honiton to Stockland road to the footpath opposite. This will take you along the Corry Brook, across a wooden bridge, across a lane and further along the brook until you reach Millhayes. Along the way the path follows the old mill leat (water channel to the mill), through a garden until the lane is reached. Turn left, and then shortly afterwards right again to follow the path along the stream for another few hundred yards until you reach a gateway. 

Here turn left onto the lane and walk steeply uphill to Groundhead Road – there is a fine panoramic view of the village from here. Turn right and the first footpath you encounter on your left will take you straight back through open fields to the church.