The best walks and hikes around Sampford Arundel
4.6
(185)
1,356
hikers
151
hikes
Hiking around Sampford Arundel offers a variety of trails through the Blackdown Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The landscape is characterized by open common land, woodlands, and gentle hills, providing varied terrain for outdoor activities. Hikers can expect routes that traverse elevated viewpoints, offering expansive vistas across the surrounding countryside.
Best hiking trails around Sampford Arundel
- The most popular hiking route is Blackdown Common Pond & Culmstock Beacon loop — Blackdown Hills, a 3.2 miles (5.1 km) trail that takes 1 hour 25 minutes to complete. This easy route explores open common land and leads to a prominent beacon.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Blackdown Common loop to Culmstock Beacon — Blackdown Hills ANOB, a moderate 4.7 miles (7.5 km) path. This trail offers views from Culmstock Beacon and traverses varied terrain within the Blackdown Hills.
- Local hikers also love the Culmstock Beacon Viewpoint – Blackdown Common Pond loop from Wellington Monument, a 4.3 miles (6.9 km) trail leading through common land and past a pond, often completed in about 1 hour 55 minutes.
- Hiking around Sampford Arundel is defined by open common land, woodlands, and elevated viewpoints. The network offers options for easy, moderate, and challenging routes suitable for various ability levels.
- The routes in Sampford Arundel are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 170 reviews. More than 1,300 hikers have used komoot to explore Sampford Arundel's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 12, 2026
4.7
(22)
140
hikers
5.11km
01:25
90m
90m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(26)
61
hikers
7.51km
02:04
120m
120m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(6)
10
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
21
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
16
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Great walks there is many ways to get to the Beacon, it's very cold up there and the ground was rocky wet and very muddy, good boots needed, you can see Dartmoor Exmoor and Somerset on a clear day.
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A good few tracks and paths up here to explore, it never gets old
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Moderate trail for everyone to explore and enjoy
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Culmstock Beacon provides a stunning viewpoint south to the River Culm valley and the historic village of Culmstock. The Beacon is on Black Down
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High on the southwest point of Blackdown Common is Culmstock Beacon. It is one of a chain of Elizabethan beacons used for lighting fires to warn of advancing enemies, for example, The Spanish Armada. The beehive-shaped structure was built of flint. It was rebuilt in 1870 after the collapse of the earlier one. Culmstock Beacon is a wildlife haven with stunning views, particularly in the late summer when the bell-heather is in bloom. Access via public bridleway.
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Discover this refreshing little oasis located inside Blackdown Common. It's the perfect spot to wind down and enjoy some lunch.
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Looking out across the Culm Valley, Culmstock Beacon is a wonderful place to take in far reaching views. You can see almost to Exeter on a clear day. The beacon is the flint hunt which was part of an early warning system against invasion during Elizabethan times. Most notably warning against the Spanish Armada. Fires were lit on the beacons when ships were seen, the series of beacons reaching from the south west to London. You can go into the beacon, which was rebuilt in 1870 and look up at the sky where the fire would have been lit.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available around Sampford Arundel?
There are over 160 hiking routes around Sampford Arundel, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences within the Blackdown Hills.
Are there easy hiking trails suitable for beginners in Sampford Arundel?
Yes, Sampford Arundel offers over 90 easy hiking routes. An example is the Woodland Trail – Blackdown Common Pond loop from Wellington Monument, a 3.8 km (2.4 miles) path that takes just over an hour to complete.
What kind of moderate hiking trails can I find in the Sampford Arundel area?
You'll find over 60 moderate trails. For a scenic moderate hike, consider the Blackdown Common loop to Culmstock Beacon — Blackdown Hills ANOB, which is 7.5 km (4.7 miles) long and offers varied terrain and views.
Are there any challenging hiking routes for experienced hikers?
While the area is predominantly known for easy to moderate trails, there are a few more challenging options available. The region features gentle hills and common land, so 'challenging' typically refers to longer distances or more varied terrain rather than steep ascents.
What are the best seasons for hiking around Sampford Arundel?
The Blackdown Hills are beautiful year-round. Spring and summer offer lush greenery and wildflowers, while autumn brings vibrant foliage. Winter walks can be crisp and clear, providing unique views across the landscape, though paths might be muddy.
Are there circular walks available in Sampford Arundel?
Yes, many of the trails around Sampford Arundel are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. The Blackdown Common Pond & Culmstock Beacon loop — Blackdown Hills is a popular circular route.
What interesting landmarks or viewpoints can I see while hiking?
Hikers can enjoy several notable landmarks and viewpoints. The Culmstock Beacon Viewpoint offers expansive vistas, and the Wellington Monument is a prominent historical landmark often included in routes.
Are the hiking trails around Sampford Arundel suitable for families with children?
Yes, many trails are suitable for families. The area's numerous easy routes, often through woodlands and common land, provide accessible options for walks with children. Look for shorter, flatter loops for the best family experience.
Can I bring my dog on the hiking trails in Sampford Arundel?
Most trails in the Blackdown Hills are dog-friendly, but it's always advisable to keep dogs on a lead, especially when passing through livestock areas or nature reserves. Please respect local signage regarding dog access.
Is there parking available near the trailheads?
Parking is generally available at common starting points for popular trails, often in designated car parks or roadside lay-bys. Specific parking information can usually be found on individual route pages on komoot.
What do other hikers enjoy most about hiking in Sampford Arundel?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 170 reviews. Hikers often praise the peaceful common land, varied woodlands, and the expansive views from elevated points like Culmstock Beacon.
Are there any hidden gem walks or less-known trails?
While many routes explore well-known areas like Blackdown Common, the extensive network of over 160 trails means there are always quieter paths to discover. Exploring routes that venture slightly off the main beacons can reveal tranquil woodlands and secluded spots.
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