5 Lovely Woodland Walks in East Devon
A walk in the woods is one of my favourite things to do. I am always in awe at the variety of trees and how they mark the seasons in the UK like nothing else. My favourite time of year is May when the beech trees turn bright green with their new foliage, the sound of busy birds, carpets of bluebells and the promise of summer.
Our dog loves the woods as well, it’s just sometimes hard to see where she has gone! There are lots of beautiful woodland walks in East Devon and here are five of the best.
Shute Woods – near Axminster
I am being biased but I am starting with my closest woodland, Shute Woods near Axminster. This large woodland covers a hill and if you are lucky you may even find the historic Shute Beacon that has offers views out across the Axe Valley (it’s rather well hidden, What 3 Words may help you). This woodland is a mix of giant evergreen pine trees, lovely areas of beech, wild purple rhododendrons and pockets of bluebells in the Spring. If you are happy exploring it offers something for all seasons.
There are two main off road type tracks that cross through it from Kilmington to Shute as well as many footpaths, but no real signage. The whole woodland is surrounded by local lanes which means there are various places to park and to make a circular walk if you do find yourself getting lost! Head to Kilmington for pub lunch or the farm shop. I have suggested some walks on my post about Shute Woods here, and recommend using a walking app if you are not confident with your sense of direction!
Trinity Hill – on the Devon Dorset Border
Trinity Hill offers a few options for walks. Here land is owned by the Forestry Commission, the more wooded section with good tracks. It also links up to the lovely but more open Trinity Hill Nature Reserve, both have parking areas.
The Forestry Commission site has some well maintained wide paths and this is popular with local dog walkers and suitable for a sturdy pram. Walk away from the car park and main road for about 1km on the good track. Trees here are tall pines and you will go past some areas that have recently been logged. After that it starts to go steeply down hill for a short section, the quality of the track follows suit!
You may want to retrace your steps at this point but if you keep going for a few more hundred metres (back up hill) then there is footpath on your right that loops back round to the main track. It goes along an unmaintained track through an area of lovely beech trees. This part really does require wellies as even in the summer can be wet. In total it’s about 1.7 miles
Trinity Hill Nature Reserve
This nature reserve has it’s own carpark but you can link to the Forestry Commission area to extend your walk. This is open heath land where you may find cattle grazing. Cross the road for fabulous views of the Axe Valley in the daytime, watch the sunset or enjoy the stars after dark. More details here.
Harpford Wood and Core Hill near Sidmouth
Harpford Wood is a beautiful old woodland, dissected by a stream in a steep gully and also by an old railway line which provides a good walking track. It’s very atmospheric and quite lovely. Reach the woods from various directions; Harpford Village (we parked near the Church and found the footpath), the Bowd Inn or a small parking area about 1km past the Bowd Inn on the road to Ottery St Mary.
It’s a mixed walk with sign posted footpaths and is also crossed by the East Devon Way (a National Trail). The old railway line path is suitable for pushchair and bikes, but the rest of the woods are not so flat or accessible.
There are well marked footpaths and the option to extend the walk along the old rail way line to Tipton St John and back via the River Otter. Pub walk options include the Bowd Inn or the Golden Lion at Tipton St John. Alternatively to get the heart racing a bit more, head up the hill to the area that includes Harpford Common, Fire Beacon Hill and Core Wood. From here there are fabulous views out across Lyme Bay.
Hembury Hill Fort near Honiton
This has been recommended to me on quite a few occasions. Hembury Hill Fort is officially an ancient monument and has been the site of many archaeological excavations and digs which have revealed its Iron Age neolithic history. Like most hill forts, there are no physical remains to be seen apart from evidence of defensive ramparts of banks and ditches. Post holes where huts would have been, pottery and sling stones have been found.
For modern day man the relatively flat top of the hill offers a lovely area for walking and there are well marked tracks and footpaths plus wonderful views. This is part of the Blackdown Hills AONB.
You can access Hembury from the small carpark at Witness Moor (cross the lane to Hembury Fort) which is off the A373 Honiton to Cullompton Road. EX14 3LA; Grid ref: ST 113 037; W3W///recover.decently.heap.
Ashclyst Forest near Exeter
Last but certainly not least on the list is Ashclyst Forest. By far the largest area of woodland on this list and fact in East Devon, Ashclyst is part of the old Killerton House Estate and is managed by the National Trust. There are a range of habitats and types of woodland making for interesting walks. You will find bluebells here as well in the Spring but I’ve been told to head a little further to White Down Copse or Paradise Copse for the best displays.
The forest has waymarked trails and a choice of car parks making this a great option if you are less confident map reading.
More Devon Woods to Explore
I hope you like this list and have time to enjoy some of them. I also have suggestions for bluebell woods which is always a popular choice for a walk in the Spring, usually mid April to early May.
Where Do Your Wellies Take You?
[AD] I my case it’s pretty much everywhere! Daily dog walks, even in the summer as there is often dew on the ground. They are something quick to slip on if I need to pop out with the rubbish or grab in the washing.
Comfort is vital for me so I was delighted to be able to test out a pair of wellies from the Wide Welly Company.
This small UK business has designed wellies that suit the wider leg or leave plenty of room for thick trousers and socks. They are good solid feeling boots and even came with a free pair of insoles which I thought was a lovely touch. Based on reviews I went up a size and that does mean I need thick socks (a half size would have been perfect), the foot area is reasonably wide as well. There are lots of styles to choose from there’s something to suit everyone. It’s great to help promote a smaller business and I am delighted with my pair. Head to the Wide Welly Company for all the details.
More Great Walks
If you enjoyed this post please take a look some other lovely walks for inspiration such as the Best Coast Path Walks in East Devon or River Walks along the Rover Otter.
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Hi! I am Clare and I live in glorious East Devon with my family.
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