Walks & rides

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. This route links up with routes 1 and 2 (see route map) for greater route flexibility. This is one of five horse-riding circuits in the Blackdown Hills AONB – route 3

Grid reference: ST231039

Nearest postcode: EX14 9DD

A moderate 17.5-mile ride with some challenging uphill and downhill sections on main route, or an optional shorter route of 12 miles.

Look out for:

• Dunkeswell Abbey: take a short detour to visit the ruins of the Abbey, founded in 1201 as a Cistercian Monastery.
• Churchinford: note the seven way crossroads!
• Otterhead Lakes: a short detour will take you to this former Victorian estate. Now a local nature reserve with a mile of lakes, woodland, grassland and some surviving heritage features.
• Upottery Airfield: One of three local airbases used by the Canadian and US air forces in the second world war.

Grid reference: ST213127

Nearest postcode: TA3 7QU

This challenging 20-mile cycle route will take you past:

• Iron-age hillforts – Stockland Great Castle, Stockland Little Castle and Dumpdon Hill
• Honiton: famous for lace-making and antiques

Grid reference: ST160006

Nearest postcode: EX14 1LT

Click on the link on the right to download a pdf of this route.

A moderate ride with one challenging uphill climb and several moderate uphill sections.

Look out for:

• Otterhead Lakes: once a thriving Victorian estate, now a local nature reserve with a mile of lakes, woodland, grassland and some surviving heritage features.
• Upottery: a fine example of an estate village, former seat of Henry Addington, Viscount or Sidmouth and Prime Minister 1801-04.
• Robin Hoods Butts: Unusual tumuli with associated folklore. Robin Hood was said to have used these three barrows for target practice. Another legend is that they were formed by giants throwing clods of earth at one another. The largest mound supposedly conceals a hoard of gold, but this is unreachable as any holes dug fill up again!

Grid reference: ST213129

Nearest postcode: TA3 7QX

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

Look out for:

• Stockland: a delightful Devon village with many buildings dating from the 15th and 16th centuries.
• Beckford Bridge: A packhorse bridge over the river Yarty dating from the 18th century.
• Yarcombe Inn: originally built as a lodge for visiting monks from Otterton Priory.
• Sheafhayne Manor, associated with Sir Frances Drake and his descendants.

Grid reference: ST245046

Nearest postcode: EX14 9EF

This walk takes you from the westerly edge of Stockland parish, along the old Devon-Dorset border. Enjoy delightful sheltered woodland and a fast-flowing stream.

The route is mostly flat, with some steps and stiles. Some short sections can be wet.

Access the walk from Broadhayes or Ridge Cross, off the Stockland Seven Mile Straight.

There is some very limited parking near the start of the walk at the bottom of the hill. Alternatively park on the hill and walk down to the bridge.

Grid reference: ST212021

Nearest postcode: EX14 9HE

One of a series of six walks near Stockland – Walk 1