Easy hikes and walks around Ashton
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Easy hiking trails around Ashton lead through the scenic Haldon Forest, characterized by extensive woodlands and gentle hills. The region offers a variety of paths suitable for different abilities, with routes often providing views over the surrounding landscape. These trails are well-suited for exploring the natural environment on foot.
Best easy hiking trails around Ashton
- The most popular easy hiking route is Haldon Forest Viewpoint – View of Exe Valley loop from Haldon Forest Park, a 4.5 miles (7.2…
Last updated: July 1, 2026
4.8
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442
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7.24km
01:58
100m
100m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(5)
282
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(5)
143
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(3)
143
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(6)
319
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
This sheltered viewpoint is on the family friendly, multi-user trail at Haldon Forest. Big views over the flat lands around Exeter and towards the coast at Exmouth.
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Haldon Forest Park opened the new start to the red trail in mid December 2023 and it's fantastic. It's packed gravel with berms at the start, then splits in two. Take the right 'short cut' to cut the entire red in two (or take it to ride back to the start and do the new section again) or stay left to carry on along the new bit and then get onto the usual red. This new section is nowhere near as challenging as the main red, but it's super fast and fun. As it spits you out on the fire track after a short distance, it's great for kids too, who can have a great time on this punchy gravel but bail before the red gets hairy. The way it's set up means it's easy to only do this bit, ride back to the start, and do it again and again.
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Great little hire shop. £20 for 4 hours and decent bikes for the trials around the forest. Don't forget ID
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Nice and very cycle friendly cafe at Haldon Forest. Plenty of outside bike storage, picnic benches etc as well as indoor seating. Good simple menu for food, snacks, and drinks. Perfectly positioned to ride from here on the surfaced trails of Haldon or to include it as a stop in a longer loop. Open every day.
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As you round the corner on Haldon's Discovery Trail, the woods fall back and the views open up. Looking east, the Exe Valley drops down before your eyes and you can see right across to the other side. On a clear day, this view is always exceptional but autumn evenings or early mornings can be particularly special.
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Here you can hire mountain bikes for riding at Haldon Forest Park and enquire about the Segway tours that operate here. It's right next to the cafe, car park, play area and toilets so there's plenty of facilities for all the family. Bike servicing is also offered here, so if your mountain bike could do with a little TLC, it's a great place to come. At the end of the ride, make the most of the bike wash too (a small charge applies), so that's one less thing to clean when you get home! For more information about the hire bikes, availability and pricing, visit: http://www.forestcyclehire.co.uk/
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The pump track at Haldon Forest Park is found next to the cafe building and children's play park, and is best suited to toddlers and young children learning to ride. The aim of the game is to make it all the way around the twisting course without pedalling, which you'll find is particularly hard here! A great place for youngsters to practice riding while you can enjoy a cuppa from the cafe.
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Brilliant little cafe at the heart of Haldon Forest Park, just next to the car park, bike hire and loos. There's both inside and outside seating, so you can sit on the covered deck and watch your bike if you're covered in mud without feeling too bad! I'd highly recommend the soup and cheese scone combo and the homemade cakes for a mid-trail snack.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many easy hiking trails are available around Ashton?
Ashton offers a wide selection of easy hiking trails, with over 180 routes specifically categorized as easy. In total, there are more than 340 hiking routes in the area, catering to various skill levels.
What kind of scenery can I expect on easy hikes near Ashton?
Easy hikes around Ashton primarily lead through extensive woodlands and gentle hills, particularly within the Haldon Forest area. You can also expect panoramic views over the surrounding landscape, including the scenic Exe Valley. The region is known for its rugged mountains, fertile valleys, and significant rivers, with some areas featuring glaciated terrain and dramatic, undeveloped scenery.
Are there any family-friendly easy hiking trails in Ashton?
Yes, many of the easy trails in Ashton are suitable for families. Routes like the Haldon Forest MTB Skills Park – Haldon Forest Viewpoint loop from Ashton, at just 2.0 miles (3.2 km), offer a gentle experience through the forest, perfect for a family outing. The overall network of easy trails is designed to be accessible for different abilities.
Can I bring my dog on the easy hiking trails around Ashton?
While the guide doesn't specify dog-friendly rules for individual trails, Haldon Forest, where many of these easy routes are located, generally welcomes dogs. It's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash and check local signage for any specific restrictions on certain paths or protected areas.
Are there any circular easy walks in Ashton?
Yes, many of the easy trails around Ashton are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the popular Haldon Forest Viewpoint – View of Exe Valley loop from Haldon Forest Park, and the Haldon Forest Viewpoint loop from Haldon Forest Park, both offering convenient loop options.
What are some interesting landmarks or natural features to see on easy hikes?
While hiking the easy trails, you might encounter various natural monuments and viewpoints. Notable highlights in the broader Ashton area include Hisley Bridge, Black Hill Cairns in Dartmoor National Park, and the scenic View of the Exe Estuary. The region is also known as 'waterfall country' with impressive falls like Upper and Lower Mesa Falls, though these may require venturing slightly further from the immediate easy hiking areas.
What do other hikers say about the easy trails in Ashton?
The easy hiking trails in Ashton are highly regarded by the komoot community, boasting an average rating of 4.5 stars from over 700 reviews. Hikers often praise the well-maintained paths, the peaceful forest environment, and the rewarding views over the Exe Valley.
Are there any easy trails that offer scenic viewpoints?
Absolutely. Several easy trails are specifically designed to showcase the region's beauty. The Haldon Forest Viewpoint – View of Exe Valley loop from Haldon Forest Park is a prime example, offering panoramic views of the Exe Valley. Another option is the Haldon Forest Viewpoint loop from Dunchideock, which also provides excellent vistas.
What is the typical duration for an easy hike in Ashton?
The duration of easy hikes varies, but many can be completed within a couple of hours. For instance, the Haldon Forest Viewpoint – View of Exe Valley loop from Haldon Forest Park typically takes about 1 hour and 58 minutes, while shorter routes like the Haldon Forest Viewpoint loop from Haldon Forest Park can be finished in under an hour.
Are there opportunities for parking near the easy hiking trailheads?
Many of the popular easy hiking trails, especially those within Haldon Forest, are accessible from designated parking areas. For example, routes starting from Haldon Forest Park typically have convenient parking facilities available for visitors.
What is the best time of year to go for an easy hike in Ashton?
Ashton's diverse landscape makes it enjoyable throughout the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant foliage, while summer provides longer daylight hours. Even winter can be beautiful, with the woodlands taking on a different charm. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.
Are there any easy trails that pass by mountain biking facilities?
Yes, some easy hiking trails in Haldon Forest run adjacent to mountain biking areas. The Haldon Forest MTB Skills Park – Haldon Forest Viewpoint loop from Ashton is an easy path that winds through the forest, passing by the MTB Skills Park, offering a chance to observe mountain bikers in action.
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