The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Gittisham

Gittisham and its surrounding area offer a wide variety of hiking opportunities, with over 140 routes available. Among these, you'll find nearly 60 easy trails, perfect for families looking for a relaxed outing, and over 80 moderate options for those seeking a bit more adventure.

The family-friendly trails around Gittisham typically feature a mix of rolling hills, tranquil green lanes, and peaceful woodlands. You'll often find paths through open pastures, public footpaths, and bridleways, providing varied scenery. Some routes, like the area around Harpford Woods, offer shaded paths and even a disused Victorian railway line for added interest.

Yes, Gittisham offers several easy circular walks ideal for families. Many routes utilize public footpaths and bridleways, making them convenient for a loop. For example, the area around Pixie's Parlour Cave near Ottery St Mary is known for its easy, family-friendly hikes. While specific routes vary, you'll find many options that allow you to start and finish in the same location.

The trails around Gittisham are rich in natural beauty and historical interest. You might encounter the unique River Sid Ford, explore the ancient Ancient Woodland and Bluebells on Fire Beacon Hill, or discover the intriguing Pixie's Parlour Cave. The region is also known for its picturesque woodlands like Harpford Woods, offering vibrant ferns and tall trees.

Absolutely! Gittisham itself is a conservation area with many listed cob and stone cottages, some dating back to the Domesday Book era. You might pass by historic churches like the Grade I-listed St Michael's Church. The region also holds historical significance with ancient Bronze Age burial mounds on Gittisham Hill, adding an element of discovery to your hikes.

The komoot community highly rates the trails around Gittisham, with an average score of 4.58 stars. Hikers often praise the peaceful rural immersion, the varied views across rolling hills and open pastures, and the charm of the quintessential English countryside. The mix of field paths and quiet lanes is frequently highlighted as enjoyable for families.

For a moderate family adventure, consider "The Pig at Combe – Gittisham Church loop from Gittisham." This route offers a mix of field paths and quiet lanes, providing a good taste of the local landscape. Another option, often cited as family-friendly, is the "Stone Bridge and Waterfall – St Michael's Church loop from Littletown" which leads through pleasant countryside.

Gittisham is lovely throughout the year, but spring and summer are particularly pleasant for family hikes. In spring, you can enjoy the vibrant ferns and bluebells in woodlands like Harpford Woods. Summer offers warmer weather for exploring, and the diverse landscapes provide shaded paths in wooded areas. Autumn brings beautiful foliage, while winter can offer crisp, quiet walks, though some paths might be muddier.

Yes, the rolling hills and open pastures around Gittisham provide numerous scenic viewpoints. The Alfington Walk, for instance, is known for offering extensive and spectacular views across the countryside. Many trails within the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) will reward you with picturesque vistas of the protected and stunning scenery.

Many of the public footpaths and bridleways around Gittisham are dog-friendly, making it a great place to hike with your canine companions. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, especially when passing through fields with livestock, and to be mindful of local signage and regulations. Always ensure you clean up after your dog to preserve the natural beauty for everyone.

After your hike, you can explore several family-friendly attractions nearby. Jacob's Ladder Beach is a great option for families at low tide, with its expanse of sand, shingle, and rock pools. The Donkey Sanctuary is also a popular visitor spot for rescued donkeys, offering an enjoyable experience for children and adults alike.