The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Great Haldon
4.5
(895)
11,127
hikers
19
hikes
Family friendly hiking trails around Great Haldon are set within a diverse landscape characterized by the Haldon Hills, offering expansive views of the surrounding countryside, including the Exe Estuary and Teign Valley. The area is dominated by Haldon Forest Park, a 3,500-acre woodland featuring a mix of conifer plantations and broadleaf trees. These hills and forests provide a network of trails suitable for various abilities, making it an ideal destination for outdoor activities. The terrain includes both surfaced and unsurfaced…
Last updated: July 13, 2026
4.8
(24)
442
hikers
7.24km
01:58
100m
100m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(5)
282
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(5)
143
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(6)
319
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
15
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
This sheltered viewpoint is on the family friendly, multi-user trail at Haldon Forest. Big views over the flat lands around Exeter and towards the coast at Exmouth.
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Haldon Forest Park opened the new start to the red trail in mid December 2023 and it's fantastic. It's packed gravel with berms at the start, then splits in two. Take the right 'short cut' to cut the entire red in two (or take it to ride back to the start and do the new section again) or stay left to carry on along the new bit and then get onto the usual red. This new section is nowhere near as challenging as the main red, but it's super fast and fun. As it spits you out on the fire track after a short distance, it's great for kids too, who can have a great time on this punchy gravel but bail before the red gets hairy. The way it's set up means it's easy to only do this bit, ride back to the start, and do it again and again.
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Great little hire shop. £20 for 4 hours and decent bikes for the trials around the forest. Don't forget ID
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Nice and very cycle friendly cafe at Haldon Forest. Plenty of outside bike storage, picnic benches etc as well as indoor seating. Good simple menu for food, snacks, and drinks. Perfectly positioned to ride from here on the surfaced trails of Haldon or to include it as a stop in a longer loop. Open every day.
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As you round the corner on Haldon's Discovery Trail, the woods fall back and the views open up. Looking east, the Exe Valley drops down before your eyes and you can see right across to the other side. On a clear day, this view is always exceptional but autumn evenings or early mornings can be particularly special.
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Here you can hire mountain bikes for riding at Haldon Forest Park and enquire about the Segway tours that operate here. It's right next to the cafe, car park, play area and toilets so there's plenty of facilities for all the family. Bike servicing is also offered here, so if your mountain bike could do with a little TLC, it's a great place to come. At the end of the ride, make the most of the bike wash too (a small charge applies), so that's one less thing to clean when you get home! For more information about the hire bikes, availability and pricing, visit: http://www.forestcyclehire.co.uk/
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The pump track at Haldon Forest Park is found next to the cafe building and children's play park, and is best suited to toddlers and young children learning to ride. The aim of the game is to make it all the way around the twisting course without pedalling, which you'll find is particularly hard here! A great place for youngsters to practice riding while you can enjoy a cuppa from the cafe.
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Brilliant little cafe at the heart of Haldon Forest Park, just next to the car park, bike hire and loos. There's both inside and outside seating, so you can sit on the covered deck and watch your bike if you're covered in mud without feeling too bad! I'd highly recommend the soup and cheese scone combo and the homemade cakes for a mid-trail snack.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are there in Great Haldon?
There are over 15 family-friendly hiking routes available in Great Haldon, with 13 of them being rated as easy, making them perfect for outings with children.
What makes Great Haldon an ideal destination for family hikes?
Great Haldon, particularly Haldon Forest Park, offers a fantastic mix of diverse landscapes, extensive well-maintained trails, and family-oriented activities. You'll find everything from gentle forest strolls to trails with play equipment, all set within the beautiful Devon countryside with views of the Exe Estuary and Teign Valley.
Are there any easy, pushchair-friendly trails in Great Haldon?
Yes, Haldon Forest Park features trails like the Discovery Trail, which is wide, surfaced, and mostly level, making it suitable for pushchairs and even some manual wheelchairs. This trail also includes play equipment for children.
What interesting sights or attractions can families discover along the trails?
Families can explore various points of interest. Some routes lead to historic features like the Mamhead Obelisk, while others offer access to activities such as Haldon Forest MTB Skills Park or the Kiddens Trail. Haldon Forest also hosts Go Ape for treetop adventures and the Southwest's largest orienteering course, including a Gruffalo-themed option for younger adventurers.
Can we spot any wildlife while hiking with our family?
Absolutely! Great Haldon is rich in wildlife. The area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), known for its bird life, including European nightjars and six bird of prey species. You might also spot some of the 35 butterfly species, as well as various moths and dragonflies, especially in the lowland heath habitats.
Are the family-friendly trails in Great Haldon dog-friendly?
Many trails in Great Haldon are dog-friendly, allowing your furry family members to join the adventure. However, it's always best to keep dogs on a lead, especially in areas with wildlife or livestock, and to check specific trail signage for any restrictions.
Is there parking available for families visiting Great Haldon?
Yes, Haldon Forest Park offers easy and ample parking facilities, making it convenient for families to access the trailheads and amenities. There are usually charges for parking, so be prepared.
Are there facilities like cafes or toilets available?
Yes, Haldon Forest Park provides excellent facilities for visitors, including cafes where you can grab a snack or a warm drink, and public toilets. These amenities ensure a comfortable and convenient family outing.
What kind of terrain can we expect on family hikes in Great Haldon?
The terrain in Great Haldon is varied. You'll find wide, surfaced paths suitable for all abilities, as well as more natural, uneven, and unsurfaced sections with gentle to steep slopes, particularly on trails like the Raptor Trail or Butterfly Trail. The area is characterized by the Haldon Hills, offering some elevation and rewarding views.
Are there circular routes suitable for families?
Yes, many of the family-friendly routes in Great Haldon are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point without retracing your steps. An example is the Haldon Forest Viewpoint loop from Haldon Forest Park, which is an easy, manageable distance for families.
What do other hikers say about the family-friendly trails in Great Haldon?
The family-friendly trails in Great Haldon are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 790 reviews. Reviewers often praise the well-marked paths, the beautiful forest scenery, and the suitability of the trails for children and families.
What is a good easy hike for families with young children?
For families with young children, the Haldon Forest MTB Skills Park – Haldon Forest Viewpoint loop from Haldon Forest Park is an excellent choice. It's an easy, shorter route that offers a taste of the forest without being too strenuous, perfect for little legs.
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