The best walks and hikes around Broadhembury
4.3
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1,471
hikers
161
hikes
Hikes around Broadhembury explore the Blackdown Hills National Landscape in Devon. The area is characterized by rolling hills, lush woodlands, and the tranquil River Tale valley. The terrain features a mix of sunken lanes, green paths, and open fields, with some routes offering elevation gains that lead to views over the countryside.
Best hiking trails around Broadhembury
- The most popular hiking route is the Broadhembury Circular Walk, a 4.6 mile (7.4 km) trail that takes about 2 hours 5 minutes to complete. This moderate route offers a journey through the natural surroundings of the village.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is the Knowles Wood & Blackborough Common loop, an easy 4.2 mile (6.8 km) path. It features accessible paths suitable for most fitness levels and takes around 1 hour 50 minutes.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the Knowles Wood – Broadhembury Village loop from Broadhembury, an 11.6 mile (18.6 km) trail leading through woodland and countryside, often completed in about 5 hours 10 minutes.
- Hiking around Broadhembury is defined by rolling hills, dense woodlands, and sunken country lanes. The network of public footpaths provides options for various ability levels, from gentle strolls to more challenging hikes.
- The routes in Broadhembury are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 170 reviews. More than 1,400 hikers have used komoot to explore Broadhembury's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 2, 2026
4.7
(10)
44
hikers
6.76km
01:49
80m
80m
Explore the tranquil and varied landscape of the Knowles Wood & Blackborough Common loop, an easy hike through ancient woodlands and open heathland. This 4.2-mile (6.8 km) loop takes about 1 hour and 48 minutes to complete, with a gentle elevation gain of 270 feet (82 metres). You'll wander through Knowles Wood, a small ancient forest with wide, undulating trails, and discover Blackborough Common's forestry woodland, home to gorgeous ancient beech trees. The route also offers rolling hills and open heathland, which are especially vibrant in late summer, and superb views along the way.
Located in the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Devon, the Knowles Wood & Blackborough Common loop is easily accessible for a pleasant outing. Its easy difficulty and generally accessible paths, a mix of unpaved, unknown, and some paved sections, make it suitable for hikers, runners, and walkers of all skill levels. The trail's gentle inclines and lack of significant elevation gain mean you can enjoy the scenery without strenuous effort. Consider visiting in late summer to experience the heathland at its most vibrant.
Beyond its natural beauty, the trail offers glimpses into the area's past, particularly its old whetstone mining history. Within Blackborough Common, you can find remnants of this industry, including Garnsey's Tower, the ruins of a three-story stone building believed to have sheltered miners. The route is also known for its peaceful atmosphere and diverse flora, such as a rare Tom Putts apple tree. Keep an eye out for gliders taking off, with a memorial bench providing a perfect spot to observe them.
4.9
(7)
62
hikers
7.39km
02:05
160m
160m
Embark on the Broadhembury Circular Walk, a moderate hiking experience spanning 4.6 miles (7.4 km) with an elevation gain of 518 feet (158 metres), typically completed in about 2 hours and 4 minutes. This route takes you through the scenic Blackdown Hills National Landscape, offering a diverse landscape of rolling hills, dense woodlands, and the tranquil River Tale valley. You will traverse varied paths, including sunken lanes, green tracks, and open fields, with magnificent views of the Devon countryside, especially from elevated points like North Hill.
While many paths are easily navigable, some sections can be rugged or muddy, particularly in winter, so suitable footwear is essential. The trail involves a steady climb between the village and the airfield, balanced with enjoyable downhill segments. You will encounter stiles and areas where livestock may be present, requiring you to keep dogs on leads. The walk begins and ends in Broadhembury, a village known for its historic thatched houses and 17th-century cottages.
This trail is celebrated for its natural beauty and unique features. You might spot gliders from North Hill Airfield overhead or observe wildlife like deer and soaring buzzards. The route also offers views towards Hembury Fort, an ancient site with origins dating back to the Neolithic and Iron Ages. After your hike, consider visiting The Drewe Arms, a historic local pub that is dog-friendly and offers a welcoming spot for refreshments.
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5.0
(1)
7
hikers
4.31km
01:10
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
hikers
18.0km
04:58
310m
310m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
8
hikers
6.11km
01:37
50m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
The Drewe Arms is a beautiful country pub selling a good range of cask ales. Food is very good, but not sold Sunday evenings. Well worth a visit.
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Northill Airfield is an aerodrome located in the southwest corner of the Blackdown Hills Area of Natural Beauty in Devon. It is home to the Devon & Somerset gliding club and features a little café which is open to the public and serves up hot drinks, meals and cakes. Please note, the café is only open on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and weekends.
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Broadhembury village lies within the borders of the beautiful Blackdown Hills Area of Natural Beauty in Devon. It's a quintessential Devonshire village featuring thatched roofs, a pub and an old church.
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A wide undulating trail leads you through Knowles Wood, a small ancient forest located near Blackborough Common.
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Blackborough Common is a beautiful forestry woodland located ontop of Blackborough Hill that features a medley of gorgeous ancient beech. There are a number of connecting trails that lead you around the woods, where you can discover remnants of an old mining history and a tower!
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Here you will find the remains of Garnsey's Tower, once a 3-storey-high stone building thought to be a shelter for whetstone minsers.
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Garnsey's Tower - a decaying remains of a stone tower in woods on Blackborough Common, believed to have served as a shelter for whetstone miners. Great viewpoint looking north over the Culm Valley.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there many circular walks starting from Broadhembury?
Yes, many trails in the area are loops that bring you back to your starting point. These routes allow you to explore the surrounding countryside without needing to retrace your steps. A good example is the Broadhembury Village loop, a short and easy walk perfect for a quick outing.
What is the terrain like on hikes around Broadhembury?
The hiking terrain is quite varied. You can expect to encounter a mix of sunken country lanes, green paths through open fields, and trails through lush woodlands. The area is part of the Blackdown Hills, so some routes involve gentle rolling hills with moderate elevation gains that reward you with expansive views.
Are the hiking trails suitable for dogs?
Broadhembury is a great place to hike with dogs, with many public footpaths crossing open fields and woodlands. Keep in mind that you'll be walking through farmland, so be prepared to keep your dog on a lead, especially around livestock. A popular spot for a dog walk is Castle Neroche, which features woodland trails.
What are some good options for easy, family-friendly walks?
There are plenty of easier hikes suitable for the whole family. These trails are generally shorter and have minimal elevation gain. For a straightforward and pleasant walk, consider the Northill Airfield and Café loop from Kerswell, which is relatively flat and manageable for most fitness levels.
Where can I find the best views in the area?
For impressive views, seek out trails that climb the ridges surrounding the village. Hikes that gain some elevation often open up to spectacular panoramas of the Devon countryside and the village of Broadhembury nestled in the combe. A walk towards Hembury Fort, an Iron Age hillfort, provides some of the most rewarding viewpoints in the region.
How many hiking trails are there around Broadhembury?
You'll find a wide selection of routes to choose from, with over 150 trails mapped in the area. This includes everything from short, gentle strolls to more challenging long-distance treks, ensuring there's a path for every ability and interest.
What do other hikers think of the trails in Broadhembury?
The area is highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.4 stars. Hikers often praise the peaceful atmosphere, the beautiful rolling hills of the Blackdown Hills National Landscape, and the charming character of the thatched-roof village.
Where is the best place to park for a walk?
Most walks start directly from the village of Broadhembury, where you can find on-street parking. Please be considerate of residents when parking. For some trails starting outside the village, there may be small lay-bys or designated parking areas, but these can be limited.
Are there any pubs or cafes on the walking routes?
The village of Broadhembury itself is the main hub for refreshments, with a traditional pub that makes a perfect start or end point for a hike. Some routes, like the one passing the Northill Airfield, may have a café nearby, offering a welcome break during your walk.
What kind of wildlife might I see while hiking?
The diverse landscape of woodlands, fields, and river valleys supports a variety of wildlife. As you explore the quieter paths, keep an eye out for deer in the woods and listen for the call of buzzards soaring overhead. The area's wildflower meadows are also a highlight, especially in spring and summer.
Are there any challenging, long-distance hikes available?
Yes, for those seeking a more strenuous challenge, there are longer routes that explore the wider Blackdown Hills area. The Knowles Wood – Broadhembury Village loop is a demanding 11.6-mile (18.6 km) hike with significant elevation, taking you through extensive woodland and countryside.
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