The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Bicton

There are 13 family-friendly hiking trails around Bicton, with 8 of them being easy and 5 of moderate difficulty, making them suitable for various family preferences.

The East Devon National Landscape, which surrounds Bicton, is beautiful year-round. Late summer is particularly lovely when the heather and gorse bloom across the heathlands. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant colors in the woodlands. Winter walks can also be enjoyable, especially on crisp, clear days.

Yes, many trails are suitable for beginners and young children. With 8 easy-rated routes, you'll find options that are shorter and have gentler inclines. For example, the East Devon Pebblebed Heaths – Little plank bridge loop from Woodbury Common is an easy 6.3 km hike with minimal elevation gain, perfect for families.

Absolutely! Many of the family-friendly routes around Bicton are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point without retracing your steps. This is ideal for families with children. For instance, the East Devon Pebblebed Heaths – East Devon National Landscape loop from Bicton is a popular circular option.

You can expect a diverse range of natural beauty. The region features the expansive East Devon Pebblebed Heaths, serene woodlands like Hayes Wood and Wheathill Plantation, and tranquil riverside paths along the River Otter. You might also catch glimpses of the dramatic Jurassic Coastline in the wider area.

Yes, several trails offer access to interesting points. You could explore the Otter Estuary Nature Reserve, known for its birdlife, or visit Orcombe Point and the Geoneedle for stunning coastal views. The Exe Estuary Trail also offers family-friendly sections.

While Bicton Park Botanical Gardens offers its own extensive nature trails and beautiful landscaped areas, it's a separate attraction. You can certainly plan a family hike in the surrounding East Devon National Landscape and then visit the gardens for a more relaxed stroll, making for a full day out.

Many trails in the East Devon National Landscape are dog-friendly, but it's always best to keep dogs on a lead, especially in areas with livestock or ground-nesting birds, such as the Pebblebed Heaths. Always check local signage for specific restrictions.

Yes, parking is generally available at various trailheads and popular starting points around Bicton and the East Devon Pebblebed Heaths. Specific parking information is usually detailed on individual route pages on komoot, such as for the Hawkerland Bridleway – East Devon Pebblebed Heaths loop from Bicton.

The terrain varies, offering a mix of experiences. You'll find well-maintained paths through woodlands, sandy or gravel tracks across the heathlands, and sometimes grassy riverside trails. Some routes may include gentle inclines, but most family-friendly options avoid steep or challenging terrain.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.59 stars. Reviewers often praise the peaceful atmosphere of the woodlands and heathlands, the well-marked paths, and the stunning views across the East Devon National Landscape. The variety of routes suitable for different fitness levels is also frequently highlighted.

While many trails are natural paths, some sections, particularly along the River Otter or within Bicton Park Botanical Gardens, might be more suitable for pushchairs. For dedicated pushchair-friendly routes, look for trails explicitly marked as accessible or those with wider, paved surfaces like parts of the Exe Estuary Trail.