The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Totnes

There are over 50 family-friendly hiking routes around Totnes, with more than half of them classified as easy, making them suitable for various ages and abilities. You'll find a diverse range of paths, from riverside strolls to routes through ancient woodlands.

The terrain around Totnes is quite varied, offering something for everyone. Many paths follow the tranquil River Dart, providing relatively flat and accessible walks. Other routes venture into rolling countryside and woodlands, which may include gentle ascents and descents. For example, the Dartington Hall loop from Totnes Steamer Quay offers a moderate experience with some elevation changes.

Yes, many of the family-friendly routes around Totnes are circular, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. A popular option is The Franklin Totnes Trail, which is a 8.2 km loop offering varied scenery and views.

Family hikes around Totnes offer several interesting landmarks. You can explore historical sites like Totnes Castle or the impressive Dartington Hall and Gardens. Natural features include the Lydia Bridge Waterfall and the ancient Yew Tree of St Mary & St Gabriel Church. The River Dart & Dartington loop is a great way to experience both natural beauty and historical estates.

While specific pushchair-friendly routes are not always explicitly marked, the River Dart Valley offers many accessible sections. The path from Totnes to Dartington is known for being relatively flat and suitable for pushchairs, scooters, and bikes, with benches for resting and wildlife spotting. Always check the route details for specific terrain information if you have a pushchair or toddler.

Totnes is beautiful year-round, but spring and summer offer the most pleasant weather for family hikes, with lush greenery and longer daylight hours. Autumn brings stunning fall colours to the woodlands. Even in winter, many riverside paths remain accessible, though some trails might be muddy, so appropriate footwear is advised.

Many trails around Totnes are dog-friendly, especially those along the River Dart and in public woodlands. However, specific estates like Dartington and Sharpham may have their own policies regarding dogs, often requiring them to be on a lead, especially near livestock or in formal gardens. Always check local signage and be mindful of wildlife and other hikers.

Totnes town centre has several car parks, which are convenient starting points for many local trails. For routes like the Sharpham & Ashprington loop, you might find parking options closer to the trailheads in surrounding villages, but town centre parking is generally the most reliable for accessing a variety of routes.

Yes, Totnes is well-served by public transport, making it easy to access many trailheads. The town has a train station and bus services that connect to surrounding areas. Many popular walks, including those along the River Dart and towards Dartington, are easily reachable from the town centre, allowing you to start your hike directly from public transport hubs.

The komoot community highly rates the trails around Totnes, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 800 ratings. Reviewers often praise the diverse scenery, the tranquility of the riverside paths, and the well-maintained routes that make for enjoyable family outings. Many highlight the beautiful views of the Dart Valley and the charming historical elements along the way.

For families with older children looking for a bit more challenge, routes like the Ashprington & Bow loop from Totnes offer a moderate experience covering about 12 km with more significant elevation changes. These trails provide a good workout while still being manageable for active families.