The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Cornwood

Cornwood offers a wide selection of family-friendly hiking trails. You'll find over 370 routes in the area, with more than 130 specifically rated as easy, making them ideal for families with children.

The family-friendly trails around Cornwood often feature a mix of riverside paths, woodland tracks, and open moorland. You can expect gentle inclines and well-trodden paths, though some routes might include slightly more rugged sections, especially when exploring areas like Dartmoor. For example, the easy Pithill Wood – The River Erme in Longtimber Woods loop from Ivybridge offers a pleasant riverside experience.

Yes, many of the family-friendly routes around Cornwood are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point without retracing your steps. For instance, the easy Riverside Picnic loop from Cornwood is a great option for a round trip.

Many trails in the Cornwood area are dog-friendly, but it's always best to keep dogs on a lead, especially when passing through farmland or areas with livestock, and to respect local signage. Always carry water for your dog and be prepared to clean up after them.

Absolutely! The region is known for its natural beauty. A notable highlight is the Lydia Bridge Waterfall, which cascades over mossy boulders next to a historic stone packhorse bridge. You might also encounter other picturesque waterfalls and stunning natural monuments throughout your hikes.

You'll find several interesting landmarks and natural features. For panoramic views, consider visiting Combestone Tor, an iconic granite outcrop. Other notable spots include South Hessary Tor and the historic Dartmeet, where the East and West Dart rivers converge, often featuring an old clapper bridge. The Plym Valley Trail also offers scenic sections.

For very young children and toddlers, look for the 'easy' rated routes, which typically have minimal elevation gain and shorter distances. These often follow well-maintained paths suitable for little legs. The Pithill Wood – The River Erme in Longtimber Woods loop from Ivybridge is a good example of a shorter, easy trail.

Many trailheads in and around Cornwood, especially those popular with families, offer designated parking areas. It's advisable to check specific route details for parking information, as some smaller starting points might have limited space.

While some trailheads might be accessible by local bus services, public transport options can be limited in rural areas like Cornwood. Planning your route in advance and checking local bus schedules is recommended if you intend to rely on public transport.

Spring and summer are generally ideal for family hikes in Cornwood, offering pleasant weather and longer daylight hours. Autumn also provides beautiful scenery with changing foliage. While winter hikes are possible, be prepared for colder, potentially wetter conditions and shorter days.

The komoot community highly rates the trails around Cornwood, with an average score of 4.56 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscapes, the tranquility of the woodlands, and the opportunity to explore natural monuments and historic sites, making for memorable family outings.