4.6
(51)
238
hikers
52
hikes
Hiking around Chulmleigh offers access to diverse natural landscapes, characterized by rolling hills, ancient woodlands, and expansive farmland. The region is designated as both an Area of Rural Tranquillity and an Area of Great Landscape Value, highlighting its scenic environment. Riverside paths along the Little River Dart and species-rich Culm grasslands provide varied terrain for exploration. This area features a network of public footpaths and bridleways, including sections of the Tarka Trail, suitable for easy hiking.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
4.5
(10)
47
hikers
5.71km
01:33
80m
80m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
8
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.5
(2)
7
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
5
hikers
4.36km
01:13
80m
80m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
7
hikers
5.05km
01:27
120m
120m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Free parking. Area good for mountain biking and gravel riding. Café nearby at Eggesford train station
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Overlooking the TawValley, at the northern end of Heywood Wood, stand the remains of an early medieval motte and bailey castle. Motte and bailey castles are medieval fortifications introduced into Britain by the Normans. This type of castle was made up of an artificial mound, or motte, on which was built a wooden or stone structure known as a keep. Next to this at least one bailey, a fortified embanked enclosure containing additional buildings, would be built. Although many were occupied for only a short period of time, motte and bailey castles continued to be built and occupied from the 11th to the 13th centuries, after which they were superseded by other types of castle. Heywood CastleAt Heywood the circular motte is about 8 metres high and almost 50 metres in diameter, surrounded by a rock-cut ditch 4 metres wide and 2 metres deep. Around the top of the motte is a bank, up to 4 metres high in places. The crescent shaped bailey which lies to the north-east of the motte is 60 metres long and 40 metres wide and bounded on all sides by a bank 2 metres rising to about 4 metres on the eastern side, where there is an entrance with a causeway across the ditch which extends to the outer bank, which surrounds both the motte and bailey. From the bailey to the motte on the north east side there is the possibility of a bridgeway. On the north side of the bailey a more modern entrance has been formed. https://www.devon.gov.uk/historicenvironment/explore-devons-heritage/heywood-castle-eggesford/
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This place is well worth a visit, it is a huge Norman castle mound. No structures are visible (Probably only a wooden keep now long gone) but really worth seeing, it is still quite imposing 1000 years on. "At Heywood the circular motte is about 8 metres high and almost 50 metres in diameter, surrounded by a rock-cut ditch 4 metres wide and 2 metres deep. Around the top of the motte is a bank, up to 4 metres high in places. The crescent shaped bailey which lies to the north-east of the motte is 60 metres long and 40 metres wide and bounded on all sides by a bank 2 metres rising to about 4 metres on the eastern side, where there is an entrance with a causeway across the ditch which extends to the outer bank, which surrounds both the motte and bailey. From the bailey to the motte on the north east side there is the possibility of a bridgeway. On the north side of the bailey a more modern entrance has been formed. The castle at Heywood possibly took the place of an earlier castle some 500 metres to the south in the grounds of Heywood House, on the steep valley side above the River Taw. An alternative theory is that both date to the 1130s and 1140s, and were built during the civil war between Matilda, daughter of Henry I, and his nephew Stephen." https://www.devon.gov.uk/historicenvironment/explore-devons-heritage/heywood-castle-eggesford/
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With a network of paths, this diverse woodland is a lovely place to explore. Keep a look-out for wildlife, wildflowers, and interesting fungi. Visit throughout the year; it's different in every season.
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This remote church has a peaceful atmosphere and is steeped in history. Whilst parts of the church date to the 15th century, much of it was restored and rebuilt in 1867. Inside the church, there are two 17th century monuments to the Chichester family and a large 18th century monument to William Fellowes in Italian marble.
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Chulmleigh offers a good selection of easy hiking trails, with over 30 routes specifically categorized as easy. In total, there are more than 50 hiking routes in the area, catering to various preferences.
Yes, many of the easy trails around Chulmleigh are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Riverside Path – Eggesford Castle loop from Wembworthy is a popular easy circular route, as is the Heywood Forest Parking – View of Eggesford House loop from Wembworthy.
Absolutely. The easy trails around Chulmleigh are generally well-suited for families, offering gentle terrain through woodlands and along riversides. Routes like the Heywood Forest Parking – View of Eggesford House loop from Wembworthy are shorter and less strenuous, making them ideal for walks with children.
Many of the public footpaths and bridleways around Chulmleigh are dog-friendly. However, always keep dogs under control, especially when passing through farmland with livestock, and be mindful of local signage regarding leads. The extensive network of trails through Eggesford Forest provides ample space for walks with your canine companion.
Easy hikes in Chulmleigh offer diverse and picturesque scenery. You'll encounter rolling hills, ancient woodlands like Eggesford Forest, expansive farmland, and tranquil riverside paths along the Little River Dart. The area is designated for its rural tranquility and landscape value, ensuring beautiful views throughout your walk.
Yes, several easy trails pass by interesting historical sites. For instance, within Heywood Wood, you can explore the remains of Heywood Castle Motte and Bailey. The All Saints Church, Eggesford – View of the stately home loop from Eggesford also takes you past the historic All Saints Church, Eggesford.
Chulmleigh is rich in wildlife. On easy walks, especially through woodlands and along rivers, you might spot deer, otters (the area is known for its significant wild otter population), and various bird species including barn owls. The species-rich Culm grasslands are also home to unique butterflies like the marsh fritillary.
Spring and summer are particularly pleasant for easy walks in Chulmleigh, when the woodlands are lush, and the Culm grasslands are vibrant with wildflowers. Autumn offers beautiful foliage, while winter walks can be crisp and quiet, though some paths may be muddy. Always check local conditions.
While Chulmleigh itself is a rural town, some routes may be accessible via local bus services to nearby villages like Eggesford or Wembworthy, which are starting points for several easy trails. It's advisable to check current bus schedules for specific routes and stops that align with your chosen trailheads.
Parking is generally available at key trailheads or in nearby villages. For example, there is parking available for routes starting near Eggesford Forest, such as the starting point for the Heywood Forest Parking – View of Eggesford House loop from Wembworthy. Always look for designated parking areas or check local signage.
The easy trails around Chulmleigh are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 40 reviews. Hikers often praise the peaceful atmosphere, the well-maintained paths through diverse landscapes, and the opportunity to enjoy nature without strenuous climbs.
Yes, some local walks around Chulmleigh, particularly those leading to Chulmleigh Beacon and across Horridge Moor, offer spectacular panoramic views stretching towards Dartmoor National Park. These routes provide a sense of the wider regional landscape.
Chulmleigh is situated near the Little River Dart, a tributary of the River Taw, providing lovely gentle riverside paths. The Riverside Path – Eggesford Castle loop from Wembworthy is a prime example of an easy route that follows the banks of the river, offering a tranquil walking experience.


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