The best walks and hikes around Meeth
4.6
(10)
134
hikers
18
hikes
Hiking around Meeth explores a landscape shaped by its industrial past and natural regeneration. The area is characterized by the Meeth Quarry Nature Reserve, featuring re-wilded clay pits, numerous lakes, ponds, and woodlands. A flat, traffic-free section of the Tarka Trail runs through the heart of the reserve. Surrounding the village, the terrain consists of rolling hills and river valleys typical of West Devon.
Best hiking trails around Meeth
- The most popular hiking route is Petrockstow Station Platform loop from…
Last updated: May 14, 2026
5.0
(2)
24
hikers
8.19km
02:07
40m
40m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
21
hikers
10.3km
02:39
50m
50m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
3
hikers
5.41km
01:30
100m
100m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
hikers
13.5km
03:44
240m
250m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(1)
2
hikers
7.06km
01:55
100m
100m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
This tiny North Devon village was listed in the Domesday Book and if you catch it from certainly angles, it doesn't appear to have changed all that much. With delightfully old buildings, a former smithy and a weather-beaten stone cross, it's a classic ancient rural village. The Tarka Trail passes through, so it's a lovely place to stop for a picnic if you're doing the trail.
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Today, all that remains of Petrockstow station is a platform. It was originally built to serve the clay pits and quarries in the area, it then went on to be used as part of the local Light Railway. Its use as a railway station ended with the Beeching Cuts but it lives on as part of the Tarka Trail – a long-distance foot and cycle path.
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Keep an eye out for goosanders and great crested grebes when you visit the flooded Meeth Quarry nature reserve. The reserve is crossed by the Tarka Trail, which makes getting there by bike easy, although there is also car parking available. Make sure to seek out the bird hides and look for the Exmoor ponies that graze here. Check out more information about the nature reserve here: https://www.devonwildlifetrust.org/nature-reserves/meeth-quarry
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The medieval market town of Hatherleigh is an interesting place to explore. The town’s oldest building is the parish church, St John the Baptist, which dates to the 15th century but has some parts that survive from an earlier Norman building. A number of the ancient cob and thatch houses have also been dated to the 15th century. However, Haterleigh has a history that stretches back to Roman times. A busy Tuesday market has been held in the town since the 17th century.
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Nestled amongst green Devonshire countryside, Hatherleigh is a sleepy rural town along the Coast to Coast route. With local amenities such as a village shop, post office and two pubs, the town is a good place for a rest stop. The town is also a great base camp from which to explore Dartmoor National Park.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are the hiking trails around Meeth suitable for families and children?
Yes, the area is very family-friendly. The section of the Tarka Trail that passes through Meeth is particularly suitable as it's flat, tarmacked, and completely traffic-free. For a shorter, accessible walk, consider the Glebe Pit loop from Meeth, which is an easy 2.1-mile (3.3 km) route around the nature reserve.
Can I bring my dog on the trails?
Dogs are welcome on most trails, including the Meeth Quarry Nature Reserve and the Tarka Trail. However, they should be kept under close control, especially in areas with wildlife and livestock. The Devon Wildlife Trust asks that dogs are kept on leads to protect ground-nesting birds and other animals.
Where can I find a good circular walk?
Meeth offers several excellent circular routes. A great option that combines the Tarka Trail with woodland paths is the Round Pole Plantation – Courtleigh Wood loop from Meeth. It's a relatively easy 2.3-mile (3.7 km) walk that gives you a good feel for the area's diverse scenery.
What is the terrain like on the Tarka Trail near Meeth?
The section of the Tarka Trail running through Meeth follows the path of a disused railway line. This means the surface is tarmacked, flat, and wide, making it exceptionally easy for walking and cycling. It passes through peaceful woodlands and the Meeth Quarry Nature Reserve.
Where are the best places for parking?
The main car park for the area is at the Meeth Quarry Nature Reserve, managed by the Devon Wildlife Trust. This provides direct access to both the quarry's own trails and the Tarka Trail. It's the most convenient starting point for most hikes in the immediate area.
Is it possible to get to the trails using public transport?
Accessing Meeth directly via public transport can be challenging as the village is quite rural. Bus services may run to nearby towns like Hatherleigh or Torrington, but you would likely need to walk or cycle a considerable distance to reach the main trailheads at the quarry. Using a car is the most practical option.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see?
The nature reserves are biodiversity hotspots. At Meeth Quarry, look for butterflies and dragonflies in summer, and various geese and ducks on the lakes in winter. The adjacent Ash Moor Nature Reserve is excellent for birdwatching, with sightings of tree pipits, wood warblers, and even barn owls at dusk.
Are there any challenging hikes in the area?
Most trails immediately around Meeth are easy to moderate due to the flat Tarka Trail and gentle quarry paths. For more challenging and rugged hiking, your best option is to head to the nearby Dartmoor National Park, which offers wild, open moorlands and steep, rocky tors for a more strenuous day out.
What do other hikers think of the trails around Meeth?
The area is highly regarded by the komoot community. Reviewers often praise the unique landscape of the reclaimed quarry, the tranquility of the traffic-free Tarka Trail, and the excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting. The well-maintained and clearly marked paths are also frequently mentioned.
Are the trails accessible for mobility scooters or wheelchairs?
Yes, the flat, tarmacked surface of the Tarka Trail through Meeth makes it very accessible for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. The Devon Wildlife Trust has also worked to make some of the main paths within the Meeth Quarry Nature Reserve accessible, offering a chance to explore the lakes and woodlands.
How many hiking trails are there around Meeth?
You can explore over 20 designated hiking routes around Meeth. These range from short, easy loops within the nature reserve to longer treks that take in the surrounding countryside, with about half being easy and half being moderate in difficulty.
Can I go for a walk near Hatherleigh?
Yes, the nearby market town of Hatherleigh is another great starting point for walks. The Hatherleigh Village Center loop from Hatherleigh is a pleasant 3.4-mile (5.4 km) route that explores the rolling hills and farmland characteristic of the West Devon countryside.
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