Roundball Wood and Honiton Bottom Nature Reserve
My first intention for this post was to visit Honiton Bottom Nature Reserve – which I did. However, lovely as it is, it’s not very big! So my friend suggested a walk and what a cracker it turned out to be. If you are local to Honiton I’m sure you know of Roundball Wood and Roundball Hill, but I didn’t and that’s the whole point of this blog – for me to find great new walks and places to get outdoors and then tell you all about it.
Enjoy this short walk near Honiton in East Devon.
Honiton Bottom Nature Reserve – A Short Walk From Honiton Town
For a short walk with children then Honiton Bottom Community Nature reserve is lovely. There is a stream through the reserve, space to run around, picnic tables and it is pushchair or wheelchair accessible.
The East Devon wildlife team put on events like pond dipping for children to enjoy. It’s a peaceful place to sit, enjoy the fresh air and wildlife or even a picnic, knowing you are not too far from civilisation.
The other side of the road it’s a flat walk along the River Gissage heading into Honiton Town which is the direction you may come from. There’s a play park near Littletown Primary School.
THE WALK TO ROUNDBALL HILL
This is a circular walk lasting about an hour. Start with a walk through the nature reserve (away from the main entrance) and it pops out onto Brand Lane. Turn right (away from the town).
After a minute or two turn right again onto Roundball Lane and over a little hump bridge (in the top picture). The road meanders uphill, gently to start with but then it does get stepper.
The road is quiet and there was no traffic which was ideal. Look to the left where the fields are unspoilt and the views are lovely .
Just over the brow of the hill on the lane there is a set of steps on the right and that lead up to Roundball Hill.
WOW! What a View across Honiton
There a last little hike up the hill but there you are treated to great views looking North over Honiton and East up over the Blackdown Hills and Dunkeswell. It was a bit cloudy (now there’s a surprise!) so the pictures are not too great, but this would be lovely on a clear day. Be warned that from the Spring these fields may have cattle in them so keep your dogs on a lead.
From the top of the hill walk straight across and then there is a steep drop down into Roundball Woods. These are lovely ancient woods with a circular walk . The paths were clearly marked but very muddy, not surprising with all the rain recently.
When you first enter the woods for a longer walk turn right and this will loop all through the woods. There are some little wooden bridge walkways on the route.
There is a leaflet – click here – with more details.
Roundball Wood in Honiton East Devon is a Great Family and Dog Friendly Walk
There are two ways out of the woods. Walk about 3/4 of the way round and you will see a a gate that leads onto an open field with a large oak tree in it. This route down the fields is a fairly steep walk and leads back to Battishorn Way, just by the entrance to the nature reserve.
Alternatively keep following the path around through the woods over another little bridge and then head off right. This routes take you into a cul de sac just off Battishorn Way a little further up the road.
Overall a really lovely walk and one I will definitely return to. The woods will soon be awash with colour, bluebells, spring flowers and trees in full leaf. It will be really beautiful then.
Overall a great walk for anyone who can manage a couple of miles – although if you are not so keen on mud I’d leave it a few weeks! The dogs had fun as well. Please be aware there were styles and steps on this walk.
A massive thank you to my school friend Kathy for showing me the walk – despite living only 10 miles apart we had managed to not see each other for 25 years!
After our walk Kathy and I felt we deserved a nice cuppa. Now we had planned to go into Honiton and I am pleased to say there is a good choice of dog friendly cafes in the town.
So what are you waiting for – get out and enjoy East Devon at its best!
Directions To Roundball Wood
The walk is on the south side of Honiton. The best place to park is Honiton Bottom Road. The postcode is EX14 2FP.
Driving from Axminster turn left at the castle house on the edge of the town and follow Waterleat Avenue and Weatherill Road (as if you were going to Tesco). From the other side of town come via Honiton Tesco along Battishorne Way. Look out for Honiton Bottom Road for parking.
You can also extend this walk in towards Honiton town via the area along the River Gissage which is another popular dog walking area and takes you as far as Littletown Road.
Hi! I am Clare and I live in glorious East Devon with my family.
Join me in finding new places to explore in the West Country as well as further afield.
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That looks fab! I’ll have to visit sometime.
I wander ifyou can help me I am trying to locate a farmer who lives near by east Devon tree care EX5 1HE. I live in Aberdeenhire and have bought a small truck from EX5 1HE and need to find someone with a telehandler to lift the truck on to a lorry. Sorry to bother you but would appreciate if you could help me
Hi sorry for not replying sooner. It’s a little way from me but if you are on facebook there is a Buy and Sell in Sidmouth group that someone might be able to help if you ask. There is also an agricultural college nearby called Bicton that may be able to help. I’m not sure what else to suggest.
Hi, we did this lovely walk today and really enjoyed it. Although my girls were a little disappointed that there didn’t seem to be any play equipment any more that the beginning of the walk – just thought you’d like to know.
We’re really looking forward to trying some more of your walks soon.
Amy
Thank you for letting me know – I will investigate. Glad you enjoyed the walk.
We did this walk today and really enjoyed it though it was mostly mud glorious mud! Many thanks for your clear instructions and pictures..They made the route easy to follow. Will go again in Spring when possibly less muddy!