The best walks and hikes in Mid Devon

Embark on the Blackdown Common Pond & Culmstock Beacon loop, an easy 3.2-mile (5.1 km) hike with 282 feet (86 metres) of elevation gain, typically completed in 1 hour and 24 minutes. This route guides you through the varied landscapes of the Blackdown Hills, featuring broadleaved and coniferous woodland, heathland, and marshy grasslands. You will pass by Blackdown Common Pond before ascending to Culmstock Beacon, where you can enjoy spectacular, far-reaching views across the Culm Valley and potentially as far as Exeter on a clear day. In late summer, the heathland is particularly vibrant with purple-pink heather.

This trail is generally considered easy and suitable for most fitness levels, offering easily accessible paths for all skill levels. While the route is mostly flat, some sections can be short and steep, and paths may become muddy even after dry spells. Therefore, wearing appropriate footwear is highly recommended to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience on your hike.

The highlight of this loop is the historic Culmstock Beacon, a beehive-shaped flint structure rebuilt in 1870. This monument was once part of an Elizabethan early warning system, used to signal threats like the Spanish Armada by lighting fires. You can enter the beacon and look up to where these fires would have burned. The surrounding Blackdown Common is also a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), rich in flora and fauna, offering chances to spot wildlife such as songbirds, deer, and even wild ponies.

Explore the tranquil and varied landscape of the Knowles Wood & Blackborough Common loop, an easy hike through ancient woodlands and open heathland. This 4.2-mile (6.8 km) loop takes about 1 hour and 48 minutes to complete, with a gentle elevation gain of 270 feet (82 metres). You'll wander through Knowles Wood, a small ancient forest with wide, undulating trails, and discover Blackborough Common's forestry woodland, home to gorgeous ancient beech trees. The route also offers rolling hills and open heathland, which are especially vibrant in late summer, and superb views along the way.

Located in the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Devon, the Knowles Wood & Blackborough Common loop is easily accessible for a pleasant outing. Its easy difficulty and generally accessible paths, a mix of unpaved, unknown, and some paved sections, make it suitable for hikers, runners, and walkers of all skill levels. The trail's gentle inclines and lack of significant elevation gain mean you can enjoy the scenery without strenuous effort. Consider visiting in late summer to experience the heathland at its most vibrant.

Beyond its natural beauty, the trail offers glimpses into the area's past, particularly its old whetstone mining history. Within Blackborough Common, you can find remnants of this industry, including Garnsey's Tower, the ruins of a three-story stone building believed to have sheltered miners. The route is also known for its peaceful atmosphere and diverse flora, such as a rare Tom Putts apple tree. Keep an eye out for gliders taking off, with a memorial bench providing a perfect spot to observe them.

Hike the moderate 4.7-mile Wellington Monument Circular Walk through woodlands and heathland, with views of the Blackdown Hills.

An easy 1.7-mile hike along the Exe Valley Way, exploring riverside views, woodlands, and historical sites like Bickleigh Mill.

Hike the moderate 9.5-mile Hemyock to Culmstock Beacon trail in Blackdown Hills for varied terrain and panoramic views.