The best walks and hikes around Holcombe Burnell

There are over 400 hiking routes around Holcombe Burnell, offering a wide variety of options for different skill levels and preferences. These trails have been explored by more than 9,000 hikers using komoot.

The region around Holcombe Burnell offers diverse terrain. You'll find trails traversing open moorland, particularly as you approach Dartmoor National Park, as well as scenic paths along river valleys like the River Teign and River Exe, and through ancient woodlands. Some routes also feature agricultural land and more urban sections near Exeter.

Yes, Holcombe Burnell offers a significant number of easy hiking routes. Out of over 400 trails, 234 are classified as easy, making them ideal for beginners, families, or those looking for a relaxed stroll. These often follow gentler river paths or well-maintained tracks.

Many of the trails around Holcombe Burnell are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. An example is the View of the River Exe – Exeter Quayside loop from Exeter St Davids, which offers a moderate 8.2 km experience.

Hikers can discover several interesting natural features and landmarks. The area is close to Dartmoor's granite tors and ancient woodlands. Along river routes, you might encounter historic bridges like the Countess Wear Bridges or the picturesque Fingle Bridge. The Exeter Ship Canal and Exe Estuary Trail also offer scenic points of interest.

Yes, many trails are suitable for families. With 234 easy routes available, you can find paths with gentle gradients and shorter distances. Riverside walks and woodland trails often provide engaging environments for children to explore safely.

Many trails in the Holcombe Burnell area are dog-friendly, especially those through woodlands and open countryside. However, it's always advisable to keep dogs on a lead, particularly when passing through farmland with livestock or in nature conservation areas. Always check local signage for specific restrictions.

The best time to hike around Holcombe Burnell is generally from spring to autumn (April to October) when the weather is milder and the landscapes are vibrant. Spring brings wildflowers, while autumn offers beautiful foliage in the woodlands. Summer provides longer daylight hours, though trails can be busier. Winter hiking is possible but requires appropriate gear for potentially wet and muddy conditions.

While Holcombe Burnell itself is a small parish, its proximity to Exeter means many trailheads are accessible via public transport from the city. Routes like the Exeter Quay – Exeter Quay loop from Exeter St Thomas start directly from urban areas with good transport links.

The hiking trails around Holcombe Burnell are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from over 800 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the varied landscapes, from tranquil river paths to the wilder edges of Dartmoor, and the well-maintained nature of many routes.

Yes, for experienced trekkers seeking a challenge, there are 11 difficult routes available around Holcombe Burnell. These trails often feature greater elevation changes and cover longer distances, providing a more strenuous workout and rewarding views, particularly towards the Dartmoor fringes.