Attractions and Places To See around Highampton - Top 8
Best attractions and places to see around Highampton, a parish in Devon, offers a blend of historical sites and natural beauty. Situated on a ridge, the area provides views of Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks. The region features diverse habitats and opportunities for walking and cycling. Visitors can explore local landmarks and enjoy outdoor activities in the surrounding countryside.
Best attractions and places to see around Highampton
- The most popular attractions is Roadford Lake, a lake that is the largest body of water in the South West. It is used to supply drinking water and offers various activity options.
- Another must-see spot is River Torridge Bridges, a river with many quaint bridges. Following the traffic-free Tarka Trail alongside the river offers a scenic cycling experience.
- Visitors also love Abbeyford Woods, a forest with miles of cycling and walking trails. These woods are located just north of Okehampton and feature Douglas Fir and beech trees.
- Highampton is known for its lakes, rivers, and forest trails. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from natural landscapes to local settlements.
- The attractions around Highampton are appreciated by the komoot community, with 14 upvotes and 7 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Roadford Lake
Highlight • Lake
As a runner there isn't a trail that allows you to circumnavigate the lake, but you can run along the northeastern shore.
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Abbeyford Woods
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Hatherleigh
Highlight • Settlement
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River Torridge Bridges
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River Torridge at Halsdon Nature Reserve
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Tips from the Community
Roadford Lake is a reservoir fed by the river Wolf. It's the largest area of water in the south-west and is used to supply drinking water for north and South Devon. As a runner there isn't a trail that allows you to circumnavigate the lake, but you can run along the northeastern shore.
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Roadford Lake is set just outside Dartmoor National Park so is the perfect place for a rolling ride with a backdrop of dramatic tors and hills. You can tur your hand at plenty of watersports here including sailing, kayaking, fishing and paddleboarding. For further details please see the website https://www.swlakestrust.org.uk/pages/site/activities/category/roadford-lake
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Really nice reserve with a good selection of walks, the river is spectacular in autumn. There is lots of wildlife to be seen and a well-stocked birding hide.
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These woods in Okehampton have miles of nice cycling and walking trails to try. Abbeyford Woods is located just north of the town next to the River Okement. There's a good sized car park just off the country lane which runs through the centre of the woods. Alternatively you could walk to the woods along the Tarka Trail from Okehampton. It's about a one mile walk from the centre of the town. In the woods you will find wonderful Douglas Fir trees and beech trees. Look out for wildlife including roe or red deer, redstart, pied flycatcher, nightjar and buzzard. It's a lovely place for a shady afternoon stroll or for mountain bikers looking for some trails in Devon. The Tarka Trail runs through the woods so you can continue along this path to extend your exercise. You can also pick up the Granite Way in Okehampton which is a great cycling and walking trail along a disused railway line.
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Halsdon Nature Reserve is a serene woodland set around the River Torridge. You can enjoy some great riverside, meadow and woodland walking here. Furthermore, it's a superb place to spot otters, kingfishers, fungi and bluebells.
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Nestled amongst green Devonshire countryside, Hatherleigh is a sleepy rural town along the Coast to Coast route. With local amenities such as a village shop, post office and two pubs, the town is a good place for a rest stop. The town is also a great base camp from which to explore Dartmoor National Park.
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Flowing through Devon from near Meddon to the Bristol Channel, the River Torridge is the perfect place to cycle. Following the traffic-free Tarka Trail alongside the river, you pass many quaint bridges as you go. It's a really beautiful place to ride.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some popular natural attractions around Highampton?
The area around Highampton offers several natural highlights. Roadford Lake is the largest body of water in the South West, offering various activity options and watersports. You can also explore the River Torridge Bridges, particularly scenic when cycling along the traffic-free Tarka Trail. For woodland walks, Abbeyford Woods provides miles of trails among Douglas Fir and beech trees.
Are there family-friendly activities or attractions near Highampton?
Yes, several attractions cater to families. Roadford Lake offers various activity options and watersports suitable for all ages. Abbeyford Woods has cycling and walking trails that are great for family outings. Additionally, Made-Well CIC, located about 3.6 miles away in Okehampton, features a children's farm and both indoor and outdoor activities.
What historical sites can I visit around Highampton?
Highampton and its surroundings are rich in history. The village itself is home to the historic Church of Holy Cross, a Grade II* listed church with a 12th-century font and a 15th-century tower. The ancient Manor of Burdon, dating back to Anglo-Saxon times, is also in Highampton. Further afield, Okehampton Castle, about 8.8 miles away, was once the largest castle in Devon.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Highampton?
Highampton is an excellent base for outdoor activities. You can enjoy cycling along the River Torridge on the Tarka Trail or explore the trails in Abbeyford Woods. Roadford Lake offers watersports like sailing, kayaking, fishing, and paddleboarding. For more specific routes, you can find various MTB Trails, Road Cycling Routes, and Easy Hikes around Highampton.
Are there any nature reserves or wildlife spotting opportunities nearby?
Yes, several Devon Wildlife Trust Reserves are in the vicinity. Meeth Quarry Nature Reserve is known for its wildlife and birdwatching opportunities around its lakes. Halsdon Nature Reserve, located around the River Torridge, is ideal for spotting otters, kingfishers, and bluebells. Ash Moor is noted for summer orchids, dragonflies, and rare butterflies.
What is the best time of year to visit Highampton for outdoor activities?
The best time to visit Highampton for outdoor activities depends on your interests. Spring and summer are ideal for seeing wildflowers like bluebells at Halsdon Nature Reserve and orchids at Ash Moor, as well as enjoying watersports at Roadford Lake. Autumn offers spectacular views of the River Torridge at Halsdon Nature Reserve. The region's trails are generally enjoyable throughout the warmer months.
Where can I find amenities like pubs or shops near Highampton?
The nearby sleepy rural town of Hatherleigh, which serves as a good base for exploring Dartmoor National Park, offers local amenities such as a village shop, post office, and two pubs. These provide convenient rest stops and refreshments for visitors.
Are there easy walking trails suitable for all abilities around Highampton?
Yes, there are several easy walking trails. You can find easy hikes around Highampton, including routes like the Meeth Quarry Nature Reserve loop or the Hatherleigh loop. The Tarka Trail, which runs alongside the River Torridge and through Abbeyford Woods, offers traffic-free and relatively flat sections suitable for leisurely strolls.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions near Highampton?
Visitors appreciate the diverse natural landscapes and the opportunities for outdoor recreation. For instance, Roadford Lake is valued for its watersports and scenic beauty. The trails in Abbeyford Woods are enjoyed for cycling and walking, with visitors often spotting wildlife. The serene woodland and riverside walks at Halsdon Nature Reserve are also highly regarded for their natural beauty and wildlife.
Can I find cycling routes near Highampton?
Absolutely. The area is excellent for cycling. The traffic-free Tarka Trail runs alongside the River Torridge, offering a scenic experience with many quaint bridges. Abbeyford Woods also features miles of cycling trails. For more options, explore the dedicated Road Cycling Routes and MTB Trails around Highampton.
Are there any unique or 'hidden gem' attractions in the Highampton area?
Beyond the well-known spots, you might enjoy discovering the ancient Manor of Burdon in Highampton, one of Devon's oldest manors. Another unique attraction is The Gnome Reserve, located about 10.7 miles away in Bradworthy, offering a whimsical experience with parks and playgrounds.
Where can I park when visiting attractions like Abbeyford Woods?
For Abbeyford Woods, there is a good-sized car park conveniently located just off the country lane that runs through the center of the woods. This makes it easy to access the cycling and walking trails.
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