The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Landkey

Landkey and its surrounding area offer a wide variety of options for families, with over 130 hiking trails available. More than 60 of these are rated as easy, making them suitable for families with younger children or those looking for a relaxed outing.

The trails around Landkey feature a mix of picturesque rolling hills, lush fields, and quiet lanes, often with stunning views of the Taw Valley. You'll find paths winding through tranquil countryside, alongside waterways like the River Taw, and through wooded areas. Many routes, especially sections of the Tarka Trail, follow disused railway lines, offering relatively flat and accessible surfaces.

Yes, the area offers some excellent accessible options. The 2.6 km loop around Wistlandpound Reservoir is specifically mentioned as accessible for both wheelchairs and pushchairs, winding through forests and along the water. Additionally, sections of the renowned Tarka Trail, which follows a disused railway line, are generally flat and traffic-free, making them suitable for prams and some wheelchairs.

Most public footpaths and trails around Landkey are dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept under control, especially near livestock. It's always best to keep dogs on a lead to protect local wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all hikers. Remember to carry water for your dog and clean up after them.

Many trails offer scenic views and points of interest. You might encounter the tranquil River Taw, explore parts of the Tarka Trail with its unique sculptures, or enjoy birdwatching at the Isley Marsh Nature Reserve. The Wistlandpound Reservoir Bird Hide is another excellent spot for wildlife viewing. Some routes also pass through charming villages or offer views of landmarks like the Barnstaple Clock Tower.

Yes, many of the family-friendly trails around Landkey are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the "Danger Gate in the Woods – Landkey to Venn Tarka Trail loop from Landkey" offers a moderate 8 km circular hike through varied scenery. Another option is the "Clement's Lane – Codden Beacon Viewpoint loop from Landkey" which is just under 10 km and provides elevated views.

Landkey is beautiful throughout the year, but spring and summer offer the most pleasant weather for family hikes, with wildflowers blooming and longer daylight hours. Autumn brings stunning foliage, while winter can be crisp and clear, though some paths might be muddy. Always check the local weather forecast before heading out.

The komoot community highly rates the hiking experiences around Landkey, with an average score of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 230 ratings. Reviewers often praise the tranquil countryside, the well-maintained paths, and the diverse scenery that makes it ideal for family outings. The accessibility of routes like the Tarka Trail and the peaceful atmosphere are frequently highlighted.

For families looking for a longer adventure, routes like the "Barnstaple Long Bridge loop from Landkey" at nearly 13 km, or the "Descent Through Giant Ferns loop from Landkey" which is almost 14 km, provide more extensive exploration while still being manageable for active families. These routes offer a chance to delve deeper into the region's landscapes.

Landkey is a village, and while local bus services connect it to larger towns like Barnstaple, direct public transport access to specific trailheads might be limited. Barnstaple, a hub for the Tarka Trail, is well-served by public transport. It's advisable to check local bus schedules if you plan to rely on public transport to reach your starting point.

Parking is generally available in Landkey village itself, often near community spaces or local amenities. For specific trailheads, parking information is usually detailed on individual route descriptions. For popular spots like Wistlandpound Reservoir or sections of the Tarka Trail, dedicated car parks are often provided.