The best walks and hikes around Cruwys Morchard

There are over 60 hiking trails in the Cruwys Morchard area, catering to various skill levels. You'll find a good mix of easy, moderate, and a few more challenging routes to explore the diverse landscapes.

Yes, Cruwys Morchard offers many easy walks suitable for families. The area features gentle riverside paths and tranquil woodlands. An excellent option is the Exe Valley Way: Bickleigh Loop, which is an easy 2.7 km trail offering pleasant riverside views.

Cruwys Morchard's landscape is wonderfully varied. You'll encounter deep, often gorge-like valleys with extensive deciduous and coniferous woodlands, particularly along the Iron Mill Stream and River Exe. Contrasting with these are high, airy pastures that provide long-range views across the Devon countryside, sometimes even glimpses of Exmoor National Park.

Yes, many routes around Cruwys Morchard are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the Bickleigh Castle – Bickleigh Castle loop from Bickleigh is a moderate 9.5 km circular path exploring the historic castle surroundings. Another option is the View of the Devon Countryside – Bickleigh Bridge loop from Bickleigh, a 9.7 km trail with varied terrain.

Hikers can discover several interesting spots. You might pass by historic sites like Bickleigh Mill & The Bridge Inn, an 18th-century working water mill. Other points of interest include St Swithun's Church and Holy Well, offering wonderful views, and sections of Shobrooke Park Lake and Stone Bridge with its grand lakes.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 90 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the tranquility of the wooded valleys, the diverse scenery, and the sense of remoteness that allows for immersion in nature.

Absolutely. Cruwys Morchard is known for its extensive woodlands, reflected in its Celtic name 'Morchard' meaning 'great forest or wood'. Many trails wind through deep valleys filled with deciduous and coniferous trees. The Bluebell Wood Path – Bickleigh Bridge loop from Bickleigh is a moderate 11.35 km route that specifically highlights a beautiful wooded section.

Yes, the high, airy pastures contrasting with the enclosed valleys provide excellent opportunities for views. Many trails offer long-range vistas across the Devon countryside, and from certain elevated points, you can even catch glimpses of Exmoor National Park. St Swithun's Church, for instance, offers wonderful views over the rolling landscape.

Yes, Cruwys Morchard is very suitable for beginners. There are 30 easy routes available, many of which are relatively flat and shorter in duration, perfect for those new to hiking or looking for a relaxed stroll. The Bickleigh Bridge – Bluebell Wood Path loop from Bickleigh is an easy 6.89 km option.

Cruwys Morchard offers enjoyable hiking throughout the year. Spring brings vibrant wildflowers, especially bluebells in the woodlands, and lush greenery. Summer provides warmer weather for longer explorations. Autumn transforms the deciduous forests with stunning colours, while winter offers a tranquil, often misty, beauty, particularly in the secluded valleys.

Rivers are a prominent feature of the Cruwys Morchard landscape. The River Exe and its tributaries like the Iron Mill Stream, River Datch, and Little Dart River offer numerous scenic riparian routes. The Exe Valley Way, for example, provides easy loops with beautiful riverside views.

For a detailed understanding of the unique landscape and natural features of Cruwys Morchard, you can refer to the Mid Devon Area section on the Devon County Council website: devon.gov.uk.