The best walks and hikes around Ipplepen

There are over 500 hiking routes to explore around Ipplepen. The network of public footpaths and bridleways offers a wide variety of options, from short, gentle strolls to more challenging treks through the Devon countryside.

Yes, the area's rural paths are generally great for walking with dogs. However, many routes pass through farmland with livestock, so it's important to keep your dog on a lead. For off-lead fun, the nearby Decoy Country Park is a popular choice with locals for a good dog walk around its lake.

The landscape around Ipplepen is ideal for circular hikes. You can find many loops that start and end in the village or nearby. For a longer day out, the 8.5-mile Berry Pomeroy & Compton Castle loop from Marldon is a fantastic moderate option that takes in two historic sites.

Absolutely. For a short and engaging walk with historical interest, the Compton Castle & Long Barrow Windmill loop is an excellent choice. At just over 2 miles, it's manageable for most fitness levels and offers a glimpse into the region's past.

For expansive views, the hills surrounding Ipplepen are your best bet. The hike up Brownscombe Hill is particularly rewarding, offering panoramic vistas across the Devon landscape. On a clear day, some routes like the View of Haytor loop from Denbury provide stunning sights towards the rugged tors of Dartmoor.

Yes, the area is rich in history. Many trails follow ancient green lanes and pass by significant landmarks. A great example is the Berry Pomeroy Castle – Great Café loop from Berry Pomeroy, which combines a scenic walk with a visit to the dramatic castle ruins.

For walks starting in Ipplepen, you can usually find on-street parking in the village, but please park considerately. For routes starting elsewhere, many have designated parking areas. For example, Decoy Country Park and Hackney Marshes Local Nature Reserve both have their own car parks and are great starting points for local walks.

Several walks in the region can be planned to include a pub stop. The village of Ipplepen itself has pubs that make a great start or end point for a hike. For a walk with a pub en route, consider a trail passing through a nearby village like Denbury or Broadhempston.

The hiking is characterized by gentle, rolling hills, ancient green lanes, and a mix of open meadows and shaded woodlands. You'll encounter modest climbs up hills like Wrigwell Hill and Blair Hill, which reward you with lovely views. Most paths are well-trodden public footpaths and bridleways.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the beautiful, quintessentially English countryside, the variety of circular routes, and the panoramic views from the hilltops. The mix of woodland paths and open fields is also a frequently mentioned highlight.

While most local trails are moderate, for a more strenuous challenge you can head to the nearby Dartmoor National Park. It's one of the last great wildernesses in the UK and offers rugged terrain, steep climbs to granite tors, and a true sense of adventure just a short drive from Ipplepen.

Besides the main village, several nearby spots are popular starting points for hikes:

• Orley Common: A well-regarded limestone grassland hilltop offering wonderful views and walks through woodland.
• Decoy Country Park: A top-rated park with a lake, perfect for easy circular walks.
• Hackney Marshes Local Nature Reserve: Known for its level paths and great views across the Teign estuary reed beds.