The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Ottery St Mary

Ottery St Mary offers a great selection of family-friendly hiking trails. Our guide features 14 routes, with 5 of them being easy and suitable for most families, including those with younger children.

Yes, there are several easy and relatively short options. The White Cross Viewpoint loop from Bald Hill is an easy 6.5 km path that leads to a viewpoint with expansive views, taking around 1 hour 45 minutes. While some paths along the River Otter are generally flat, always check specific route details for pushchair accessibility as terrain can vary.

The area around Ottery St Mary is incredibly diverse. You'll find gentle riverside paths along the meandering River Otter, offering opportunities for wildlife spotting. There are also rolling hills and extensive woodlands, such as those on East Hill, providing varied terrain and panoramic views. Many routes combine these features, giving you a taste of meadows, forests, and open fields.

Yes, many of the family-friendly routes in the area are circular, allowing you to start and end in the same location. For example, the Beacon Hill & the River Otter loop is a moderate circular trail that combines woodland paths with riverside sections. The Redbridge Over the River Otter – Harpford Woods loop is another great circular option.

Many trails around Ottery St Mary are dog-friendly, especially those through woodlands and along the River Otter. East Hill, in particular, is a favored spot for dog walking. However, always keep dogs under control, especially near livestock or in nature reserves like the Otter Estuary Nature Reserve, and be mindful of local signage regarding leads.

You can discover several points of interest. The River Otter itself is a highlight, known for its re-introduced beaver colony and diverse birdlife. For dramatic coastal scenery, the Ladram Bay Sea Stacks are a short drive away. You might also glimpse historical sites like Knightstone Manor on certain walks, or visit the notable Ottery St Mary Parish Church in town.

Ottery St Mary is beautiful year-round. Spring brings wildflowers and active wildlife, while summer offers longer daylight hours for extended adventures. Autumn showcases stunning foliage in the woodlands, and even winter can be magical with crisp air and fewer crowds, though some paths may be muddy. Always check weather conditions before heading out.

Absolutely! The River Otter is a prime location to spot kingfishers, herons, and even otters. The Otter Estuary Nature Reserve is excellent for birdwatching, especially in winter. Woodlands and meadows also host a variety of birds, insects, and small mammals, making every walk an opportunity for discovery.

The komoot community rates the trails around Ottery St Mary highly, with an average score of 4.56 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse scenery, from peaceful riverside strolls to rewarding climbs with panoramic views, and the well-maintained paths that make them accessible for families.

Yes, for those seeking views, East Hill is a prominent feature offering circular walks with panoramic vistas of the town and surrounding countryside. The White Cross Viewpoint loop from Bald Hill is an easier option that still provides expansive views, while the Beacon Hill & the River Otter loop also includes sections with elevated perspectives.

Many trailheads and popular starting points around Ottery St Mary offer parking facilities. For example, routes like the White Cross Viewpoint – View from Fire Beacon Hill loop specifically mention starting from White Cross Car Park. It's always advisable to check the route details on komoot for specific parking information before you set off.