4.6
(56)
280
hikers
47
hikes
Easy hiking trails around Chawleigh are set within Mid Devon's diverse landscapes, characterized by river valleys, ancient hedgerows, and woodlands. The area features green meadows and offers views towards Dartmoor's prominent hills. Chawleigh is situated on the south side of the Little Dart valley, with paths often descending into picturesque areas where streams converge with the River Taw. The terrain is generally gentle, making it suitable for leisurely walks.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
4.5
(10)
47
hikers
5.71km
01:33
80m
80m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
8
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.5
(2)
6
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
5
hikers
4.36km
01:13
80m
80m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
6
hikers
6.61km
01:53
150m
150m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Free parking. Area good for mountain biking and gravel riding. Café nearby at Eggesford train station
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Overlooking the TawValley, at the northern end of Heywood Wood, stand the remains of an early medieval motte and bailey castle. Motte and bailey castles are medieval fortifications introduced into Britain by the Normans. This type of castle was made up of an artificial mound, or motte, on which was built a wooden or stone structure known as a keep. Next to this at least one bailey, a fortified embanked enclosure containing additional buildings, would be built. Although many were occupied for only a short period of time, motte and bailey castles continued to be built and occupied from the 11th to the 13th centuries, after which they were superseded by other types of castle. Heywood CastleAt Heywood the circular motte is about 8 metres high and almost 50 metres in diameter, surrounded by a rock-cut ditch 4 metres wide and 2 metres deep. Around the top of the motte is a bank, up to 4 metres high in places. The crescent shaped bailey which lies to the north-east of the motte is 60 metres long and 40 metres wide and bounded on all sides by a bank 2 metres rising to about 4 metres on the eastern side, where there is an entrance with a causeway across the ditch which extends to the outer bank, which surrounds both the motte and bailey. From the bailey to the motte on the north east side there is the possibility of a bridgeway. On the north side of the bailey a more modern entrance has been formed. https://www.devon.gov.uk/historicenvironment/explore-devons-heritage/heywood-castle-eggesford/
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This place is well worth a visit, it is a huge Norman castle mound. No structures are visible (Probably only a wooden keep now long gone) but really worth seeing, it is still quite imposing 1000 years on. "At Heywood the circular motte is about 8 metres high and almost 50 metres in diameter, surrounded by a rock-cut ditch 4 metres wide and 2 metres deep. Around the top of the motte is a bank, up to 4 metres high in places. The crescent shaped bailey which lies to the north-east of the motte is 60 metres long and 40 metres wide and bounded on all sides by a bank 2 metres rising to about 4 metres on the eastern side, where there is an entrance with a causeway across the ditch which extends to the outer bank, which surrounds both the motte and bailey. From the bailey to the motte on the north east side there is the possibility of a bridgeway. On the north side of the bailey a more modern entrance has been formed. The castle at Heywood possibly took the place of an earlier castle some 500 metres to the south in the grounds of Heywood House, on the steep valley side above the River Taw. An alternative theory is that both date to the 1130s and 1140s, and were built during the civil war between Matilda, daughter of Henry I, and his nephew Stephen." https://www.devon.gov.uk/historicenvironment/explore-devons-heritage/heywood-castle-eggesford/
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With a network of paths, this diverse woodland is a lovely place to explore. Keep a look-out for wildlife, wildflowers, and interesting fungi. Visit throughout the year; it's different in every season.
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This remote church has a peaceful atmosphere and is steeped in history. Whilst parts of the church date to the 15th century, much of it was restored and rebuilt in 1867. Inside the church, there are two 17th century monuments to the Chichester family and a large 18th century monument to William Fellowes in Italian marble.
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Chawleigh offers a good selection of easy hiking trails, with over 30 routes specifically categorized as easy. These trails are generally gentle, making them suitable for leisurely walks through the diverse landscapes of Mid Devon.
Yes, many easy trails in Chawleigh are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. A popular option is the Eggesford Forest loop from Eggesford, which takes you through diverse woodlands. Another is the Riverside Path – Eggesford Castle loop from Wembworthy, offering riverside views.
Absolutely. The gentle terrain and varied landscapes around Chawleigh make many easy trails ideal for families. Routes often pass through woodlands and meadows, providing opportunities to spot wildflowers and wildlife. The Heywood Forest Parking – View of Eggesford House loop from Wembworthy is a shorter, easy option that families might enjoy.
Many of the easy trails in Chawleigh are dog-friendly, allowing you to enjoy the countryside with your canine companion. It's always recommended to keep dogs under control, especially near livestock, and to check local signage for any specific restrictions. The extensive woodlands, like those found on the Eggesford Forest loop from Eggesford, are often great for dogs.
Easy walks in Chawleigh offer a rich tapestry of natural beauty. You'll encounter picturesque river valleys, ancient hedgerows, and diverse woodlands, including the notable Eggesford Forest. In May, Chenson Woods provides a spectacular bluebell display. Many trails also offer stunning distant views of Dartmoor, including prominent tors like Cosdon Hill.
Yes, the area around Chawleigh is rich in history. Along easy trails, you might encounter sites like the ruins of Eggesford House. The All Saints Church, Eggesford – View of the stately home loop from Eggesford passes by the historic All Saints Church, Eggesford and offers views of a stately home. Other points of interest include Heywood Castle Motte and Bailey.
Chawleigh's easy trails are enjoyable year-round, but spring and summer are particularly rewarding. In May, Chenson Woods is carpeted with bluebells. Late summer brings blooming heather on Exmoor, painting the hills in purple, and gorse adds bright yellow to the hedgerows in April and May. The gentle terrain makes walks pleasant even in cooler months.
While many trails start from villages like Eggesford and Wembworthy, which may have limited public transport options, the region is connected to major walking routes like the Tarka Trail. For specific public transport information to trailheads, it's advisable to check local bus schedules or consider starting points that are more easily reached.
Many easy trails around Chawleigh, especially those originating from places like Eggesford Forest or near villages, offer designated parking areas. For example, the Heywood Forest Parking – View of Eggesford House loop from Wembworthy indicates a parking area. The Queen's Stone Picnic and Walking Area also provides facilities and an attractive woodland circular walk.
The easy trails in Chawleigh are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Hikers frequently praise the quiet woodlands, the scenic river valleys, and the stunning views towards Dartmoor. The well-maintained footpaths and the abundance of wildflowers and wildlife are also often highlighted as enjoyable aspects.
Yes, Chawleigh is situated on the south side of the Little Dart valley, and many easy walks descend into picturesque areas where streams converge with the River Taw. The Riverside Path – Eggesford Castle loop from Wembworthy is a prime example, offering pleasant strolls along the river.
Yes, the Chawleigh area provides excellent links to significant walking routes. The 11-mile Little Dart Ridge and Valley Walk, for instance, connects the Two Moors Way to the Tarka Trail and passes through Chawleigh, allowing you to extend your easy walk into a longer adventure if desired.


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