The best walks and hikes around Highampton

Highampton offers a selection of 17 hiking trails, catering to various preferences. You'll find a good mix of easy and moderate routes, with 9 easy trails and 8 moderate trails to explore.

Yes, Highampton has several easy trails suitable for families. An excellent option is the Great Cafe – Hatherleigh loop from Hatherleigh, an easy 5.4 km route that takes about 1 hour 30 minutes through rolling countryside. Another easy choice is the Mosaic Otter Sculpture – Tarka the Otter Sculpture loop from Peters Marland, which is 6.2 km long and takes around 1 hour 39 minutes.

Highampton is situated on a ridge, offering impressive views of both Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks. The region features diverse landscapes, including tranquil woodlands like Abbeyford Woods, rivers such as the Torridge, and the expansive Roadford Lake. You'll also hike through rolling, patchwork agricultural landscapes with open tops and hidden valleys.

Many of the trails around Highampton are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Petrockstow Station Platform – Wooded Path loop from Meeth is a moderate 8.2 km circular route exploring wooded paths and rural scenery. Another option is the Wooded Path – Glebe Pit Lake loop from Petrockstowe, a moderate 10.3 km loop through woodlands and past Glebe Pit Lake.

While hiking near Highampton, you can encounter several natural attractions. Roadford Lake, the largest body of water in the South West, is nearby. You can also explore Abbeyford Woods, known for its Douglas Fir and beech trees, or visit Halsdon Nature Reserve along the River Torridge, a great spot for wildlife viewing.

The hiking trails in Highampton are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an average rating of 4.6 stars from over 10 reviews. Hikers often praise the varied terrain, from quiet woodlands to open countryside, and the well-maintained paths that offer enjoyable experiences for different skill levels.

Yes, Highampton's elevated position provides impressive views of both Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks. The nearby rural town of Hatherleigh serves as a convenient base for exploring Dartmoor, which offers more challenging hikes with its open spaces, granite tors, and ancient trackways.

The Tarka Trail, a major draw for hikers and cyclists, passes directly through Highampton. This trail offers traffic-free routes and scenic experiences, particularly alongside the River Torridge, and can be used for longer excursions.

Absolutely. The region is characterized by rivers and lakes. The Wooded Path – Glebe Pit Lake loop from Petrockstowe specifically leads past Glebe Pit Lake. The River Torridge, with its quaint bridges like the River Torridge Bridges, is also a prominent feature in many local walks, including those within Halsdon Nature Reserve.

For a longer moderate hike, consider the Hatherleigh Village Center – Iddesleigh Village loop from Hatherleigh. This route covers approximately 13.1 km and typically takes around 3 hours 36 minutes to complete, offering a substantial exploration of the local countryside.

The diverse habitats around Highampton, including woodlands and river areas, provide opportunities for wildlife spotting. At Halsdon Nature Reserve along the River Torridge, you might observe otters, kingfishers, and various seasonal flora like fungi and bluebells.