The best walks and hikes around Ashburton

There are over 30 hiking trails around Ashburton, catering to various skill levels. You'll find a diverse range of options, from gentle strolls through woodlands to more challenging treks across Dartmoor.

Ashburton offers a rich tapestry of landscapes. You can explore verdant woodlands and rolling meadows around the River Dart, or venture into the rugged terrain of Dartmoor National Park, featuring iconic granite tors and expansive tussocklands. The wider region, particularly the Ashburton Lakes area and Hakatere Conservation Park, boasts stunning mountain country, serene lakes like Lake Heron and Lake Clearwater, and native beech forests.

Yes, Ashburton has many easy routes perfect for families. For instance, the Welstor Rock loop from River Ashburn is a shorter, gentle option. Many trails around the Ashburton Lakes, such as the Lake Clearwater lakeside loop, are also suitable for a relaxed family outing.

Absolutely. For those seeking a more strenuous adventure, the Haytor Granite Tramway – Becka Brook loop from River Ashburn is a difficult route covering nearly 20 km with significant elevation gain. Further afield, the ascent to Mount Barrosa or Mount Guy in the Hakatere Conservation Park offers rugged ridgeline climbs and exceptional views, requiring good fitness and some scrambling skills.

Yes, many of the popular hiking routes around Ashburton are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. A great example is the Ashburton Information Centre – Higher Roborough Lane loop from Ashburton, which provides a pleasant journey through local woodlands and meadows.

The region is rich in natural landmarks. You can encounter impressive granite formations like Haytor Rocks and Hound Tor. The Ashburton Lakes area features picturesque lakes such as Lake Heron and Lake Clearwater, offering panoramic views. Mount Sunday, famed as Edoras from "The Lord of the Rings," provides spectacular 360-degree views after a relatively gentle walk.

Definitely. The expansive Hakatere Conservation Park is a cornerstone of the region's outdoor appeal, offering rugged mountain country, tussocklands, and clear rivers and lakes. While slightly further afield, Peel Forest is also a protected natural site known for its endemic vegetation and serene, easy hikes.

The hiking routes around Ashburton are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.56 stars from over 660 ratings. Reviewers often praise the diverse natural beauty, from the quiet woodlands and river valleys to the dramatic Dartmoor tors, and the sense of solitude offered by the uncrowded trails.

Many hikes in the Ashburton area boast fantastic views. The Haytor Rocks – Hound Tor loop from River Ashburn provides sweeping vistas across Dartmoor. For truly breathtaking panoramas, consider the Mount Sunday Track or the Lake Hill track near Lake Heron, which offer excellent views of the lakes and surrounding mountains.

Yes, if you're looking for a longer day out, the Welstor Rock – Rippon Tor loop from Ashburton is a moderate route spanning over 16 km. The Haytor Rocks – Hound Tor loop from River Ashburn is also a substantial walk, covering nearly 14.5 km across Dartmoor.

While hiking is possible year-round, spring (September-November) and autumn (March-May) generally offer the most pleasant conditions with mild temperatures and vibrant landscapes. Summer (December-February) is also popular, but be prepared for warmer weather. Winter (June-August) can bring colder temperatures and snow at higher elevations, offering a different, more challenging experience.