The best walks and hikes around Kilmington

Yes, Kilmington is an excellent starting point for circular hikes. The area is crisscrossed with footpaths that allow for a variety of loops through the surrounding East Devon countryside, returning you to the village without needing to retrace your steps. Many routes explore the rolling hills and river valleys characteristic of the region.

Certainly. The region offers a good number of easier trails suitable for families. For a shorter, manageable walk, consider the Hiking loop from Dalwood. It's a relatively short and gentle route that provides a great introduction to the local scenery without being too strenuous.

Most footpaths and trails in the countryside around Kilmington are welcoming to dogs. However, you will be walking through agricultural land, so always be prepared to keep your dog on a lead, especially near livestock. Also, please be mindful of local signage and respect the natural environment by cleaning up after your pet.

Yes, combining a walk with a pub stop is a popular activity here. Several trails pass near or through villages with traditional pubs. For instance, you can plan a route that incorporates a stop at the New Inn in Kilmington itself or explore paths leading to nearby villages for a rewarding break.

The area is on the edge of the ancient Selwood Forest and features several beautiful woodland walks. You can expect to find trails winding through mature forests with a mix of native trees, offering peaceful and sheltered hiking. These woods are particularly scenic in spring and autumn.

For expansive views, head for the higher ground on routes that climb hills like Shute Hill or Kilmington Hill. The trails within the

East Devon National Landscape are particularly well-regarded for their scenic beauty, offering vistas over rolling hills, wooded valleys, and the surrounding countryside.

There is a wide variety of options for all abilities. You can explore over 200 different hiking routes in the region, ranging from short, easy strolls to more challenging all-day treks. About half of these are classified as easy, making the area very accessible.

The hiking routes around Kilmington are highly rated by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the beautiful, rolling East Devon scenery, the tranquility of the river valleys, and the well-maintained network of footpaths through classic English countryside.

Yes, while many routes are moderate, you can find more demanding hikes. For a longer day out, the Riverside Café – Colyton Tannery loop from Whitford is a great option, covering over 10 km along the river and through nearby villages.

Kilmington has some bus services connecting it to nearby towns like Axminster, which has a train station. From these hubs, you can access the start of several local walks. However, for maximum flexibility and to reach more remote trailheads, travelling by car is generally more convenient.

Many walkers start from the Kilmington Village Hall Car Park, which serves as a convenient base for several circular routes that begin and end in the village. For other trails, you may find smaller lay-bys or designated parking spots near the trailhead, but be sure to check for any local restrictions.

The landscape is classic East Devon. Expect to walk through a patchwork of agricultural fields, along quiet country lanes, through ancient woodlands, and across rolling hills. The area is also defined by the gentle valleys of the River Axe and River Yarty, which many footpaths follow.