The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Mid Devon

Mid Devon offers a fantastic selection of over 240 family-friendly hiking routes. More than 115 of these are classified as easy, making them ideal for families with young children or those looking for a relaxed stroll.

Yes, Mid Devon has several easy and relatively flat trails perfect for families with young children or pushchairs. The Exe Valley Way: Bickleigh Loop is a great example, offering a gentle path along the River Exe. The Grand Western Canal also provides an easy, flat path ideal for families, with opportunities for wildlife spotting and even horse-drawn barge trips.

Mid Devon's family-friendly trails wind through diverse and beautiful landscapes. You'll encounter rolling hills, lush river valleys like the Exe and Culm, and expansive woodlands. The Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) offers unspoiled scenery, including heathlands vibrant in late summer. Many routes provide opportunities to enjoy tranquil waters and picturesque countryside.

Absolutely! Circular routes are often ideal for families. Consider the Blackdown Common loop to Culmstock Beacon for panoramic views, or the Wellington Monument Circular Walk which combines history with scenic paths. These loops ensure you end up back where you started, making logistics simpler for families.

Many of Mid Devon's trails are dog-friendly, allowing your furry companions to join the adventure. However, it's always best to check specific route details for any restrictions, especially around livestock or nature reserves. Remember to keep dogs on a lead where appropriate and always clean up after them.

Mid Devon is rich in history and interesting sites. On your family hikes, you might encounter the historic Wellington Monument, offering great views. The Blackdown Hills feature the iconic Culmstock Beacon. You can also explore areas near Hemyock Castle or the beautiful Knightshayes Court estate with its woodlands and gardens.

While many trails are best accessed by car, some areas in Mid Devon do offer public transport links. Villages like Hemyock serve as starting points for trails within the Blackdown Hills, and bus services connect various towns and villages. For detailed public transport information, it's advisable to check local bus timetables for the specific trailhead you plan to visit.

Most popular trailheads and scenic spots in Mid Devon, especially those suitable for families, offer designated parking areas. For example, trails around the Blackdown Hills AONB, the Grand Western Canal, and near attractions like the Wellington Monument typically have parking facilities. Always check the specific route details on komoot for parking information at the start of your chosen hike.

Mid Devon is beautiful year-round, but spring and summer offer the most pleasant conditions for family hikes, with warmer weather and blooming wildflowers. Late summer is particularly vibrant in the heathlands of the Blackdown Hills. Autumn brings stunning foliage, while winter can offer crisp, clear walks, though some paths may be muddy. Always check the weather forecast before heading out.

Yes, several family-friendly routes in Mid Devon pass by or are close to places offering refreshments. For instance, the area around Bickleigh Mill, which is part of the Exe Valley, has options for food and drink. Many villages along the trails, such as Hemyock or Culmstock, also have local pubs or cafes where families can refuel.

The komoot community highly rates the family-friendly hiking experiences in Mid Devon, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the region's diverse and unspoiled landscapes, the well-maintained paths, and the sense of tranquility. Many highlight the suitability of trails for all ages and the opportunities to discover hidden gems and historical sites.

Mid Devon's varied habitats are home to a range of wildlife. Along river valleys, you might spot kingfishers, otters, or various waterfowl. In woodlands and heathlands, look out for deer, badgers, and a variety of bird species. The Blackdown Hills AONB is particularly rich in biodiversity, offering excellent opportunities for nature observation.