Walks & rides

This walk starts in a lovely valley road and climbs into the hills, before returning on a scenic bridle path.

Enjoy delightful views across to Hembury Hillfort and you can pay a visit to Wolford Chapel along the way.

Wolford Chapel, burial place of John Graves Simcoe, first Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada, was donated to the people of Ontario in 1966.  Within the Chapel there area fine examples of Jacobean workmanship.

Park just off the A373 at Godford cross, just west of Awliscombe.

One of a series of six walks in the south western Blackdown Hills – Walk 1

Grid reference: ST131023

Nearest postcode: EX14 3PP

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.

Park at the northern end of Blackborough in the wide area of road along the wall of the former churchyard.

One of a series of six walks in the south western Blackdown Hills – Walk 2

Grid reference: ST095093

Nearest postcode: EX15 2HJ

A superb walk with magnificent views and the special atmosphere of the picturesque village of Broadhembury. Starts with a climb, then a flat section and finally a good downhill stretch.

Broadhembury is a well-preserved medieval estate village dating from the 13th century, although most of the existing houses date from the late 16th and early 17th centuries. The village has changed very little over the centuries.

St Andrews, Broadhembury’s parish church, was consecrated in 1259. It has a tower dating from 1480. Church Gate is probably the oldest house. In is time it served as the priest’s house, a poor house, a reading room and a schoolroom. There is also an Art Nouveau house, opposite the church, which was built at the turn of the 20th century.

The walk will take you from Broadhembury up North Hill to the Devon and Somerset Gliding Club field, with a chance to enjoy views across to Hembury Hillfort and back towards the village.

Refreshments are available at The Drewe Arms and the local shop and tea room in the old vicarage.

Parking in the village centre.

One of a series of six walks in the south western Blackdown Hills – Walk 3

Grid reference: ST101048

Nearest postcode: EX14 3ND