Easy hikes and walks in Blackdown Hills Aonb
4.4
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9,251
hikers
165
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Hiking in Blackdown Hills Aonb offers diverse and unspoiled landscapes, characterized by rolling hills, steep valleys, and ancient woodlands. The region features a flat-topped plateau dissected by tranquil river valleys, providing varied terrain for easy exploration. Heathlands and commons, particularly vibrant in late summer, add to the natural features. This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty provides a network of paths suitable for easy hiking trails.
Best easy hiking trails in Blackdown Hills Aonb
- The most popular easy hiking route is Herepath Trail - Castle Neroche, a 4.0 miles (6.4 km) trail that takes 1 hour 53 minutes to complete, exploring ancient earthworks and offering views.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Blackdown Common Pond & Culmstock Beacon loop — Blackdown Hills, an easy 3.2 miles (5.1 km) path. This route leads to the historic Culmstock Beacon, providing panoramic views over the Culm Valley.
- Local hikers also love the Knowles Wood & Blackborough Common loop, a 4.2 miles (6.8 km) trail leading through ancient woodlands and heathland, often completed in about 1 hour 48 minutes.
- Hiking in Blackdown Hills Aonb is defined by rolling hills, ancient woodlands, and tranquil river valleys. The network offers options for various ability levels, with a focus on accessible and easy trails.
- The routes in Blackdown Hills Aonb are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 260 reviews. More than 1700 hikers have used komoot to explore Blackdown Hills Aonb's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 7, 2026
4.4
(42)
122
hikers
6.40km
01:53
180m
180m
Embark on the Herepath Trail - Castle Neroche, an easy hiking route that winds through the scenic Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You will experience a diverse landscape, from ancient woodlands like Staple Park Wood to open grassy fields, offering splendid viewpoints across Taunton Vale to the Quantock Hills. This circular walk covers 4.0 miles (6.4 km) with an elevation gain of 604 feet (184 metres), typically taking about 1 hour and 52 minutes to complete at a steady pace.
Planning your visit to the Herepath Trail is straightforward, as the route is well-marked with wooden Herepath posts guiding your way. You can easily start your hike from the Castle Neroche car park, which provides convenient access to the trails. There are no specific permits or fees required for this route, making it an accessible option for a spontaneous outing. Consider visiting during bluebell season for an extra treat, enhancing the natural beauty of the woodlands.
The trail offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue, leading you past the earthworks of the historic Castle Neroche Iron Age Hill Fort, now covered in trees. As you hike, keep an eye out for the impressive Giant Oak Tree, a notable landmark along the path. This route is a rewarding experience for most fitness levels, providing a peaceful escape into nature with glimpses into the region's ancient past.
4.7
(22)
143
hikers
5.11km
01:25
90m
90m
Embark on the Blackdown Common Pond & Culmstock Beacon loop, an easy 3.2-mile (5.1 km) hike with 282 feet (86 metres) of elevation gain, typically completed in 1 hour and 24 minutes. This route guides you through the varied landscapes of the Blackdown Hills, featuring broadleaved and coniferous woodland, heathland, and marshy grasslands. You will pass by Blackdown Common Pond before ascending to Culmstock Beacon, where you can enjoy spectacular, far-reaching views across the Culm Valley and potentially as far as Exeter on a clear day. In late summer, the heathland is particularly vibrant with purple-pink heather.
This trail is generally considered easy and suitable for most fitness levels, offering easily accessible paths for all skill levels. While the route is mostly flat, some sections can be short and steep, and paths may become muddy even after dry spells. Therefore, wearing appropriate footwear is highly recommended to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience on your hike.
The highlight of this loop is the historic Culmstock Beacon, a beehive-shaped flint structure rebuilt in 1870. This monument was once part of an Elizabethan early warning system, used to signal threats like the Spanish Armada by lighting fires. You can enter the beacon and look up to where these fires would have burned. The surrounding Blackdown Common is also a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), rich in flora and fauna, offering chances to spot wildlife such as songbirds, deer, and even wild ponies.
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4.7
(10)
45
hikers
6.76km
01:49
80m
80m
Explore the tranquil and varied landscape of the Knowles Wood & Blackborough Common loop, an easy hike through ancient woodlands and open heathland. This 4.2-mile (6.8 km) loop takes about 1 hour and 48 minutes to complete, with a gentle elevation gain of 270 feet (82 metres). You'll wander through Knowles Wood, a small ancient forest with wide, undulating trails, and discover Blackborough Common's forestry woodland, home to gorgeous ancient beech trees. The route also offers rolling hills and open heathland, which are especially vibrant in late summer, and superb views along the way.
Located in the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Devon, the Knowles Wood & Blackborough Common loop is easily accessible for a pleasant outing. Its easy difficulty and generally accessible paths, a mix of unpaved, unknown, and some paved sections, make it suitable for hikers, runners, and walkers of all skill levels. The trail's gentle inclines and lack of significant elevation gain mean you can enjoy the scenery without strenuous effort. Consider visiting in late summer to experience the heathland at its most vibrant.
Beyond its natural beauty, the trail offers glimpses into the area's past, particularly its old whetstone mining history. Within Blackborough Common, you can find remnants of this industry, including Garnsey's Tower, the ruins of a three-story stone building believed to have sheltered miners. The route is also known for its peaceful atmosphere and diverse flora, such as a rare Tom Putts apple tree. Keep an eye out for gliders taking off, with a memorial bench providing a perfect spot to observe them.
4.4
(5)
28
hikers
5.40km
01:31
100m
100m
Embark on an easy 3.4-mile (5.4 km) hike with the Staple Hill loop, offering panoramic views and diverse woodlands in the Blackdown Hills. This route involves an elevation gain of 343 feet (104 metres) and takes about 1 hour and 31 minutes to complete. You will find a wide, compacted, and mostly flat path, making for a comfortable stroll. As you reach the summit of Staple Hill, the highest point in the Blackdown Hills, you can enjoy far-reaching vistas across the Vale of Taunton, Exmoor National Park, and even the south coast of Wales on a clear day. The trail also winds through the towering trees of North Down Plantation, providing a rich woodland atmosphere.
Planning your visit to the Staple Hill loop is straightforward, as the trail is designed for accessibility. The main loop features a wide, compacted surface with only short, moderate slopes, making it suitable for many visitors. You will find accessible kissing gates along the route, enhancing ease of passage. Picnic benches and seating are available at viewpoints, allowing you to relax and take in the scenery. Consider exploring the natural footpaths through pine woods if you are looking for slightly more varied terrain beyond the primary accessible loop.
What sets this trail apart is its exceptional accessibility, built to national 'all ability' standards. This design ensures that a wide range of visitors, including those with limited mobility, can enjoy the natural beauty of the Blackdown Hills. At the summit, you can find a trig pillar marking the highest point. The area also features the
4.5
(2)
7
hikers
5.80km
01:39
130m
130m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Great walks there is many ways to get to the Beacon, it's very cold up there and the ground was rocky wet and very muddy, good boots needed, you can see Dartmoor Exmoor and Somerset on a clear day.
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My only visit to this area so far. Was ok, but not really anything that gripped me.
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If you like finding Ordinance Survey triangulation points Staple Hill is a good one to seek out. It’s located in the woodland on the left of the pathway if you are travelling up from the carpark. Be prepared to seek it out though. It is not visible from the path and blends in nicely against the backdrop of trees.
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Beautiful panoramic views across miles upon miles of countryside.
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Staple Hill is a hill in the English county of Somerset, the highest point in the Blackdown Hills. It is classed as both a Marilyn and a Hardy. This is one of the points on the Staple Fitzpaine Herepath ( I could think of other things to call the Herepath, but i'd get banned ) a part of Forestry England woodlands. There is a loop walk, starting from the car parking area, of 800m taking in a couple of view points with the paths upgraded early in 2009 to be suitable for disabled access.
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Norman castle The earthworks at the site are larger than would normally be found in a castle from the Norman period, raising speculation that it reused previously developed features. The castle was probably built by Robert, Count of Mortain in the 11th century. Archaeological evidence suggests it was built in several stages. During the first a rampart enclosing 7.5 acres (3.0 ha) was built. Soon after the Norman Conquest a smaller inner ringwork was constructed. The site was later converted into a motte and bailey, with a corner of the 20 feet (6.1 m) high motte serving as a barbican. By the early 12th century the castle was no longer in regular use. However, its use was resumed during The Anarchy, a period of civil war and unsettled government during a succession dispute between the supporters of King Stephen (1135–1154) and those of his cousin, the Empress Matilda. Continued use in the later 12th century may have been by administrators of the surrounding royal forest as a base for operations against poachers.
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Castle Neroche is a Norman motte-and-bailey castle on the site of an earlier hill fort in the parish of Curland, near Staple Fitzpaine, Somerset, England. It is a Scheduled Ancient Monument. The origin of the term Neroche is believed to be a contraction of the Old English words nierra and rechich or rachich for Rache, a type of hunting-dog used in Britain in the Middle Ages, giving a meaning of the camp where hunting dogs were kept. This also gives the site its alternative name of Castle Rache. Iron Age The reason for the construction of Iron Age hill forts has been a subject of debate. It has been argued that they could have been military sites constructed in response to invasion from continental Europe, sites built by invaders, or a military reaction to social tensions caused by an increasing population and consequent pressure on agriculture. The dominant view since the 1960s has been that the increasing use of iron led to social changes in Britain. Deposits of iron ore were separated from the sources of tin and copper necessary to make bronze, and as a result trading patterns shifted and the old elites lost their economic and social status. Archaeologist Barry Cunliffe believes that population increase played a role and has stated "[the forts] provided defensive possibilities for the community at those times when the stress [of an increasing population] burst out into open warfare. But I wouldn't see them as having been built because there was a state of war. They would be functional as defensive strongholds when there were tensions and undoubtedly some of them were attacked and destroyed, but this was not the only, or even the most significant, factor in their construction.
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A good few tracks and paths up here to explore, it never gets old
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many easy hiking trails are available in the Blackdown Hills AONB?
The Blackdown Hills AONB offers a wide selection of routes, with over 90 easy hiking trails to explore. In total, there are more than 160 hiking routes across varying difficulty levels in the region.
What kind of scenery can I expect on easy hikes in the Blackdown Hills AONB?
Easy hikes in the Blackdown Hills AONB will lead you through diverse and unspoiled landscapes. You'll encounter rolling hills, tranquil river valleys, ancient woodlands, and open heathlands. The region is characterized by its undulating terrain, offering picturesque views and a peaceful outdoor experience.
Are there any historical sites or landmarks I can visit on an easy hike?
Yes, several easy hikes pass by significant historical sites and landmarks. For instance, the Herepath Trail - Castle Neroche explores ancient earthworks at Castle Neroche Iron Age Hill Fort. Another popular route, the Blackdown Common Pond & Culmstock Beacon loop, takes you to the historic Culmstock Beacon Viewpoint, offering panoramic views.
Are there any easy circular walks in the Blackdown Hills AONB?
Yes, many easy trails in the Blackdown Hills AONB are circular, allowing you to start and end in the same location. Examples include the Blackdown Common Pond & Culmstock Beacon loop and the Knowles Wood & Blackborough Common loop, both offering scenic round trips.
What do other hikers enjoy most about easy trails in the Blackdown Hills AONB?
The Blackdown Hills AONB is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 260 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the tranquility, diverse natural beauty, and well-maintained paths that make for enjoyable and accessible walks.
Are the easy hiking trails in Blackdown Hills AONB suitable for families with children?
Yes, the easy hiking trails are generally well-suited for families. Many routes feature gentle gradients and manageable distances, making them enjoyable for children. The varied landscapes, including woodlands and open commons, provide engaging environments for younger explorers.
Can I bring my dog on easy hikes in the Blackdown Hills AONB?
Most easy hiking trails in the Blackdown Hills AONB are dog-friendly, but it's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, especially when passing through livestock areas or nature reserves to protect local wildlife. Always check local signage for specific restrictions.
What is the best time of year to go on an easy hike in the Blackdown Hills AONB?
The Blackdown Hills AONB is beautiful year-round. Spring brings vibrant wildflowers like bluebells in the ancient woodlands, while late summer sees the heathlands in full bloom with heather. Autumn offers stunning foliage, and even winter walks can be magical, especially on crisp, clear days. Always check weather conditions before heading out.
Are there any viewpoints or panoramic vistas on easy trails?
Yes, several easy trails lead to fantastic viewpoints. The Blackdown Common Pond & Culmstock Beacon loop offers magnificent panoramic views over the Culm Valley. Additionally, the Staple Hill loop provides views across the Vale of Taunton and beyond from the highest point in the AONB.
What are the typical distances and durations for easy hikes in this region?
Easy hikes in the Blackdown Hills AONB typically range from 3 to 4.5 miles (5 to 7 kilometers) in distance. These routes usually take between 1.5 to 2 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery.
Are there places to eat or drink near the easy hiking trails?
Yes, the Blackdown Hills AONB is dotted with charming villages like Hemyock, which often have local pubs and cafes where you can enjoy refreshments or a meal before or after your hike. Many trails start or pass near these villages, offering convenient stops.
Is parking available at the trailheads for easy hikes?
Parking is generally available at or near the starting points of many popular easy trails. Look for designated car parks in villages or at key natural attractions within the AONB. It's always a good idea to check specific route details for parking information.
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