4.5
(1249)
7,232
hikers
342
hikes
Easy hiking trails around Buckfastleigh offer diverse landscapes for outdoor exploration. The town is situated on the southern edge of Dartmoor National Park, providing access to granite tors and extensive walking trails. The River Dart flows through the area, creating serene riverside paths. Ancient woodlands like Hembury Woods and picturesque rolling hills characterize the surrounding countryside.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
4.5
(21)
57
hikers
3.74km
01:07
110m
110m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.2
(6)
24
hikers
6.29km
01:45
110m
110m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0
(2)
24
hikers
2.77km
00:46
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
9
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
11
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Very nice church and chapel. Very worthwhile. Free entrance
1
0
Nice reward after the climb; also with some banks.
8
0
Nice reward after the climb; several rest benches
2
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Can get pretty muddy but beautiful through here on the doubletrack.
0
0
The Romanesque Revival style church is constructed of gray limestone and yellow Ham Hill stone. The interior is of white Bath stone and the vault rises 15m above the nave. The main altar is decorated with gold, enamel jewelry and the sacrament chapel (1966) has beautiful stained glass windows.
8
0
High up in Hembury Woods is Hembury Castle. Not just an Iron Age Hillfort but also a Norman Motte and Bailey Castle which was built into the fort. It is known locally as Danes Camp, perhaps due to a legendary viking invasion. The Danes sailed up the River Dart and attacked the hillfort, capturing both the fort and the women who lived there. When the vikings fell into a slumber, they were killed by the women and the danes ousted. It is a great place to visit with children to combine history with nature. There is plenty of carparking at Hembury Woods and short walks up to the castle or longer tracing the River Dart.
0
0
Since Karl Kehrle (aka Brother Adam) has modernized beekeeping here (with the Buckfast bee) and keeping it over the decades and thus revolutionized it in many areas, it has become a kind of place of pilgrimage for beekeepers.
1
0
There are over 170 easy hiking trails around Buckfastleigh, offering a wide variety of landscapes from riverside paths to ancient woodlands and rolling hills.
Easy hikes in Buckfastleigh typically feature gentle gradients through ancient woodlands like Hembury Woods, serene riverside paths along the River Dart, and picturesque rolling countryside. While generally easy, some routes may include minor ascents to viewpoints.
Yes, many easy walks are suitable for families. For example, the Hiking loop from Buckfast Abbey is a short, tranquil route through the Abbey grounds, perfect for a leisurely family outing. The area's diverse landscapes provide engaging experiences for all ages.
Most easy hiking trails around Buckfastleigh are dog-friendly, especially those through woodlands and along the River Dart. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, particularly when passing through farmland or areas with livestock, and to check specific trail regulations.
Easy hikes often lead to significant natural features and landmarks. You can explore ancient woodlands, follow the River Dart, or visit historical sites like Buckfast Abbey. Some trails offer views of Dartmoor's granite tors in the distance. For specific natural monuments, consider exploring highlights like Haytor Rocks or Saddle Tor, which are accessible from nearby areas.
Yes, Buckfastleigh offers several easy circular walks. A popular option is the Hembury Woods loop to Hembury Castle, which takes you through ancient woodlands and to an Iron Age hillfort before returning to your starting point.
Parking is generally available at key starting points for many trails. For routes near Buckfast Abbey, there is often parking available at or near the Abbey grounds. For trails accessing Hembury Woods, look for designated parking areas at the woodland entrances. Specific parking details are usually provided on individual route descriptions.
Buckfastleigh is served by local bus routes, and the South Devon Railway heritage line connects Buckfastleigh to Totnes, which has mainline rail connections. Some trails are accessible directly from the town center or near bus stops, making public transport a viable option for reaching certain starting points.
The easy hikes in Buckfastleigh are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 500 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the tranquil atmosphere of the ancient woodlands, the scenic beauty of the River Dart, and the well-maintained paths that make for an enjoyable and accessible outdoor experience.
Absolutely. Buckfastleigh is rich in history. Many easy walks incorporate or pass by Buckfast Abbey, a historic Benedictine monastery with beautiful gardens. The Buckfast Abbey – Viewpoint at Hockmoor Head loop is an excellent example, offering views of the Abbey and surrounding countryside.
Buckfastleigh's easy hiking trails are enjoyable year-round. Spring brings blooming wildflowers and lush greenery, while autumn offers vibrant foliage in the woodlands. Summer is ideal for longer days and warmer weather, and even winter can be beautiful with crisp air and fewer crowds, provided you dress appropriately for the conditions.
Yes, some easy trails offer rewarding viewpoints. For instance, the Buckfast Abbey – Viewpoint at Hockmoor Head loop provides scenic vistas of Buckfast Abbey and the picturesque rolling hills of the surrounding countryside.


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