Easy hikes and walks around Great Haldon
4.5
(872)
10,922
hikers
16
hikes
Easy hiking trails around Great Haldon offer access to a diverse landscape of expansive woodlands and open hills. The region, primarily known through Haldon Forest Park, encompasses 3,500 acres of working forest on the Haldon Hills, featuring a mix of conifer plantations and broadleaf trees. Its elevated position provides panoramic views over the Exe Estuary and Teign Valley. The terrain includes gentle ascents suitable for easy walks, with parts designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its ecological…
Last updated: May 19, 2026
4.8
(24)
442
hikers
7.24km
01:58
100m
100m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(5)
282
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(3)
143
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(6)
319
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
15
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
This sheltered viewpoint is on the family friendly, multi-user trail at Haldon Forest. Big views over the flat lands around Exeter and towards the coast at Exmouth.
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Haldon Forest Park opened the new start to the red trail in mid December 2023 and it's fantastic. It's packed gravel with berms at the start, then splits in two. Take the right 'short cut' to cut the entire red in two (or take it to ride back to the start and do the new section again) or stay left to carry on along the new bit and then get onto the usual red. This new section is nowhere near as challenging as the main red, but it's super fast and fun. As it spits you out on the fire track after a short distance, it's great for kids too, who can have a great time on this punchy gravel but bail before the red gets hairy. The way it's set up means it's easy to only do this bit, ride back to the start, and do it again and again.
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Great little hire shop. £20 for 4 hours and decent bikes for the trials around the forest. Don't forget ID
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Nice and very cycle friendly cafe at Haldon Forest. Plenty of outside bike storage, picnic benches etc as well as indoor seating. Good simple menu for food, snacks, and drinks. Perfectly positioned to ride from here on the surfaced trails of Haldon or to include it as a stop in a longer loop. Open every day.
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As you round the corner on Haldon's Discovery Trail, the woods fall back and the views open up. Looking east, the Exe Valley drops down before your eyes and you can see right across to the other side. On a clear day, this view is always exceptional but autumn evenings or early mornings can be particularly special.
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Here you can hire mountain bikes for riding at Haldon Forest Park and enquire about the Segway tours that operate here. It's right next to the cafe, car park, play area and toilets so there's plenty of facilities for all the family. Bike servicing is also offered here, so if your mountain bike could do with a little TLC, it's a great place to come. At the end of the ride, make the most of the bike wash too (a small charge applies), so that's one less thing to clean when you get home! For more information about the hire bikes, availability and pricing, visit: http://www.forestcyclehire.co.uk/
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The pump track at Haldon Forest Park is found next to the cafe building and children's play park, and is best suited to toddlers and young children learning to ride. The aim of the game is to make it all the way around the twisting course without pedalling, which you'll find is particularly hard here! A great place for youngsters to practice riding while you can enjoy a cuppa from the cafe.
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Brilliant little cafe at the heart of Haldon Forest Park, just next to the car park, bike hire and loos. There's both inside and outside seating, so you can sit on the covered deck and watch your bike if you're covered in mud without feeling too bad! I'd highly recommend the soup and cheese scone combo and the homemade cakes for a mid-trail snack.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many easy hiking trails are available in Great Haldon?
Great Haldon offers a wide selection of easy hiking trails. There are 13 easy routes specifically curated for a relaxed outdoor experience.
Are the easy hiking trails in Great Haldon suitable for families with children?
Yes, Great Haldon is very family-friendly. Many easy trails, particularly within Haldon Forest Park, are designed for all ages. The Discovery Trail, for example, is wide and surfaced, featuring play equipment for younger explorers.
Can I bring my dog on the easy hiking trails in Great Haldon?
Most trails in Haldon Forest Park are dog-friendly, though dogs should be kept under control, especially near wildlife or other visitors. Always check local signage for specific restrictions.
Are there any easy circular hiking routes in Great Haldon?
Yes, many easy routes in Great Haldon are circular. For instance, the Haldon Forest Viewpoint loop from Haldon Forest Park is an easy 2.3-mile circular trail through dense woodlands.
Which easy trails offer the best panoramic views in Great Haldon?
The elevated position of Great Haldon provides stunning views. The Haldon Forest Viewpoint – View of Exe Valley loop from Haldon Forest Park offers excellent vistas over the Exe Estuary and Teign Valley. The Haldon Belvedere (Lawrence Castle) also provides 360-degree panoramic views and can be reached via various trails.
What interesting sights or landmarks can I find on easy hikes in Great Haldon?
Beyond the natural beauty, you can discover several points of interest. The historic Mamhead Obelisk is a prominent stone pillar within the forest, accessible via trails like the East Haldon & Mamhead Obelisk loop. The Haldon Belvedere (Lawrence Castle) is another notable landmark offering spectacular views. While primarily a mountain biking area, the Haldon Forest MTB Skills Park is also visible from some easy hiking paths, such as the Haldon Forest MTB Skills Park – Haldon Forest Viewpoint loop from Ashton.
When is the best time of year to enjoy easy hikes in Great Haldon?
Great Haldon is enjoyable year-round. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, summer offers lush greenery, autumn showcases vibrant foliage, and winter provides crisp, quiet walks. The well-maintained paths in Haldon Forest Park make it accessible in most conditions.
Are there facilities like cafes or toilets available near the easy hiking trails?
Yes, Haldon Forest Park, a central hub for many easy trails, is well-equipped with facilities. You'll find a cafe, toilets, and even bike hire services, making it convenient for a day out.
Is parking available for easy hikes in Great Haldon?
Yes, ample parking is available at Haldon Forest Park, which serves as a primary starting point for many easy hiking trails. There are usually designated parking areas with clear signage.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see on easy trails in Great Haldon?
Great Haldon, particularly parts designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, is rich in wildlife. You might spot various bird species, including nightjars and honey buzzards, as well as different fritillary butterflies, especially in areas with heathland remnants.
How long do easy hikes in Great Haldon typically take?
Easy hikes in Great Haldon vary in length and duration. For example, the Haldon Forest MTB Skills Park – Haldon Forest Viewpoint loop from Haldon Forest Park is about 1.8 miles (2.9 km) and takes roughly 45 minutes, while the Haldon Forest Viewpoint loop from Dunchideock is 2.4 miles (3.8 km) and can be completed in just under an hour.
Are there any easy hiking trails in Great Haldon suitable for wheelchairs or mobility scooters?
Yes, Haldon Forest Park offers accessible options. The Discovery Trail is a wide, surfaced, and mostly level path suitable for some manual wheelchairs and mobility scooters. The Raptor Trail also has mostly surfaced sections, and the Butterfly Trail is suitable for off-road mobility scooters, though it includes uneven and steep sections.
What do other hikers enjoy the most about hiking in Great Haldon?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 740 reviews. Hikers often praise the expansive woodlands, the panoramic views over the Exe Estuary, and the well-maintained, varied trails suitable for all abilities.
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