The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Otterford

There are 13 family-friendly hiking trails around Otterford, with 9 of them being easy and 4 considered moderate. These routes offer a great way to explore the beautiful Blackdown Hills with your family.

Otterford, nestled within the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offers picturesque rolling hills, verdant green fields, and dense forests. Many trails provide breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, meandering through woodlands, open fields, and along hilltops. You'll also find tranquil spots like the Otterford Lakes.

Yes, there are several easy routes. For a pleasant, shorter option, consider the North Down Plantation – Staple Hill Trail loop, which is just over 5 km long and features minimal elevation gain, making it ideal for families with little ones.

The area is rich in points of interest. You might encounter ancient sites like the Robin Hood's Butts barrows, or natural features such as the tranquil Otterhead Lakes. Some routes also pass by historical churches or offer views towards the Wellington Monument.

Many of the family-friendly trails around Otterford are circular, making them convenient for starting and ending at the same point. For example, the Robin Hood's Butts Barrows – Otterhead Lakes loop is an easy circular route that takes you past notable landmarks.

The komoot community rates the trails around Otterford highly, with an average score of 4.3 out of 5 stars from nearly 300 ratings. Hikers often praise the peaceful atmosphere, the varied scenery of the Blackdown Hills, and the well-maintained paths that make for enjoyable family outings.

Generally, dogs are welcome on trails in the Blackdown Hills. However, it's always best to keep them on a lead, especially when passing through farmland with livestock or in areas with ground-nesting birds. Please also ensure you clean up after your dog to help keep the trails enjoyable for everyone.

Parking is often available at common starting points for trails. For routes like the Otterhead Lakes & Robin Hood Butts loop, you can typically find parking near Bishopswood or Otterford village. Specific parking details are usually provided on individual route pages.

The Blackdown Hills are beautiful year-round. Spring brings wildflowers and new growth, while summer offers longer daylight hours for exploration. Autumn is particularly stunning with vibrant fall colours in the woodlands. Even in winter, crisp days can provide clear views, though some paths might be muddy.

Yes, the Otterford Lakes are a prominent feature in the area, offering peaceful settings and opportunities for wildlife observation. The Otterhead Lakes – Wire Sculpture of a Woman loop is a moderate route that includes these scenic lakes.

While Otterford itself is a small village, there are often pubs and cafes in nearby villages within the Blackdown Hills that cater to hikers. It's a good idea to check local listings for establishments in places like Churchinford or Bishopswood, which are often close to trailheads.