The best walks and hikes around Yarcombe

The trails cater to a range of abilities. Most routes are considered easy or moderate, making them perfect for a pleasant day out. There are over 70 easy and 70 moderate routes to choose from. For those seeking a serious challenge, a couple of difficult trails are also available.

Yes, many trails in the Blackdown Hills are great for walking with dogs. However, the area is a patchwork of farmland, so you will likely encounter livestock. It's important to keep your dog on a lead in these areas and be mindful of local signage and the Countryside Code.

For a shorter, accessible walk that's great for families, the Otterhead Lakes loop from Churchinford is an excellent choice. It's a gentle 1.7-mile (2.7 km) path around the picturesque lakes, which are part of a local nature reserve.

Yes, the area is well-suited for circular hikes, allowing you to start and end in the same place without retracing your steps. Many routes, like the Bishopswood Village loop from Buckland St. Mary, are designed as loops that explore the varied landscape of villages, fields, and woodlands.

For spectacular panoramic views, many hikes climb to the high plateau of the Blackdown Hills. A notable walk from Yarcombe involves a steep climb to Rower Fort, a historic folly tower, which rewards hikers with extensive views across the Yarty Valley and surrounding countryside.

The Blackdown Hills feature significant areas of ancient woodland. The Cinder Hill Copse loop from Buckland St. Mary is a popular choice, offering a 2.8-mile (4.5 km) trail that takes you through a beautiful local wood.

Parking is often available in the villages that serve as trailheads, such as Yarcombe, Churchinford, or Bishopswood. Some routes may start from designated lay-bys or small car parks near nature reserves like Otterhead Lakes. Always check for local parking restrictions before you set off.

Yes, the region is rich in history. The Robin Hood's Butts Barrows – Otterhead Lakes loop from Churchinford takes you past ancient barrows. The wider Blackdown Hills area also contains Iron Age hillforts like Hembury Fort and Castle Neroche, which can be incorporated into longer hikes.

The Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty offers a unique landscape characterized by a steep escarpment, a high plateau, and deep, secluded river valleys. Hikes here take you through a patchwork of ancient woodland, heathland, and traditional farmland, offering a sense of tranquility and unspoiled English countryside.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of over 4 stars from more than 190 reviews. Hikers often praise the variety of scenery, from the peaceful river valleys like the Yarty to the wide-open views from the hilltops.

While Yarcombe is better known for its local circular walks, the extensive network of public footpaths and bridleways can be linked together to create longer, more challenging day hikes. These paths connect many of the small villages and historical sites across the Blackdown Hills.

Many of the villages in and around the Blackdown Hills, such as Yarcombe, Churchinford, and Buckland St. Mary, have traditional pubs. It's often possible to plan a circular walk that starts and ends at a village, allowing you to enjoy a well-earned meal or drink after your hike.