Easy difficulty. Distance 2 miles (3.2 km) - approx 1 hour
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
