The best walks and hikes in Cookworthy Forest

Cookworthy Forest offers a diverse landscape, including conifer plantations, native trees and shrubs, open grassland, ponds, and wet ditches. The elevation ranges from 100 to 200 meters, providing varied but generally accessible terrain. Trails are often well-surfaced, making them enjoyable even in wet conditions.

Yes, Cookworthy Forest has trails suitable for various abilities, including easy walks. The nature area behind the Forest Centre, with its ponds and wildflower meadows, offers an informal network of paths perfect for families. There's also a replica roundhouse used for educational visits, adding an interesting stop for children.

Beyond the diverse woodland, you can explore a dismantled railway line that runs for over 3 kilometers through the forest, heading north from the Cookworthy car park. The nature area behind the Forest Centre features ponds and wildflower meadows designed to attract wildlife. Keep an eye out for rare butterfly species like the Pearl-bordered Fritillary and Dingy Skipper, as well as ravens, buzzards, and red deer.

Yes, the forest features a popular 2-mile circular route that takes approximately one hour to complete, following clearly defined forest rides. For a longer option, consider the Roadford Lake loop from Germansweek, which is a moderate 4.9-mile (8.0 km) trail.

Cookworthy Forest is generally a great place for dog walking, with its extensive network of trails and varied woodland. Please ensure dogs are kept under control, especially given the presence of wildlife and other visitors. Always follow local signage regarding dog policies.

Parking is available at the Cookworthy car park, which serves as a convenient starting point for many of the forest's trails, including the path leading to the dismantled railway line.

Cookworthy Forest is enjoyable year-round. Spring brings blooming wildflowers and active wildlife, while autumn offers beautiful foliage. The well-surfaced tracks mean that walks can be enjoyed even in wetter conditions, making it a good option throughout the year.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Hikers often praise the varied woodland, the peaceful atmosphere, and the well-maintained trails that make for an enjoyable outdoor experience.

For those seeking a longer adventure, the Iddesleigh Village – Hatherleigh loop from Hatherleigh is a moderate 9.9-mile (15.9 km) trail that leads through varied woodland and rural landscapes, typically taking about 4 hours 23 minutes to complete.

Public transport options directly to Cookworthy Forest are limited. It is generally recommended to travel by car to access the forest and its trailheads. For more detailed local transport information, you may need to consult local Devon transport services.

While there are no facilities directly within the forest, the nearby towns and villages in Ruby Country offer various amenities, including cafes and pubs. You might find options in places like Hatherleigh, which is a starting point for some local routes such as the Great Cafe – Hatherleigh loop from Hatherleigh.