The best walks and hikes around Uplowman

Yes, the area is well-suited for circular hikes. Many routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same place without retracing your steps. These trails explore the surrounding fields, quiet country lanes, and riverside paths characteristic of Mid Devon.

Most countryside paths around Uplowman are great for walking with dogs, but it's important to be mindful of the agricultural landscape. You will likely encounter livestock, so keeping your dog on a lead is essential in many areas. The towpaths along the Grand Western Canal offer long, flat stretches perfect for a relaxed dog walk.

Absolutely. The eleven-mile towpath of the Grand Western Canal Country Park is exceptionally flat and easy, making it ideal for families with children or those using pushchairs. For a shorter, easy countryside walk, the Hiking loop from Sampford Peverell is a great option, offering a gentle introduction to the local landscape.

The terrain varies. You'll find very flat, easy-going paths along the Grand Western Canal towpath. Other routes around Uplowman involve gentle rolling hills, with trails crossing through a patchwork of fields and copses connected by quiet country lanes. Some moderate hikes include short but steep ascents that reward you with lovely views of the countryside.

Accessing trailheads directly via public transport can be challenging as Uplowman is a rural village. The nearby town of Tiverton has better bus connections and provides excellent access to the Grand Western Canal. For most other routes, travelling by car is the most practical option to reach the starting points.

Several traditional pubs are located in the villages surrounding Uplowman, such as Sampford Peverell and Halberton. Many circular walking routes pass through or near these villages, making it easy to plan a hike that starts or ends with a refreshing drink or meal at a local pub.

The trails are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.5 stars. Hikers often praise the peacefulness of the countryside, the well-maintained paths along the canal, and the classic English scenery of rolling green hills and quiet lanes.

Yes, the region is crossed by several notable long-distance paths. The Grand Western Canal Walk itself offers over 11 miles of linear walking. For a more challenging multi-day trek, you can connect to parts of the Two Moors Way or the Exe Valley Way, which pass through the wider Mid Devon area.

For a dedicated woodland experience, Buzzard Woodland near Tiverton is a popular local spot. It features paths that run alongside a stream through a lovely wooded valley. It's a great choice if you're looking for a shady walk among the trees.

The Grand Western Canal is a local nature reserve where you might spot kingfishers, otters, dragonflies, and various waterfowl. On the wider network of countryside trails, you'll see plenty of birdlife, and it's common to see horses in the fields. For a chance to see wild ponies, you would need to travel to the nearby Exmoor National Park.

Parking is generally available but varies by route. For walks along the canal, there are dedicated car parks, such as at the Tiverton basin. For countryside circulars starting from villages like Uplowman or Sampford Peverell, you will typically need to find on-street parking, so please park considerately.

While most local trails are easy to moderate, you can find more challenging options. The Swans Neck Coffee Stop loop from Sampford Peverell is a difficult, 14-mile (22 km) hike that requires more stamina. For truly strenuous hiking with significant elevation, a trip to the nearby Blackdown Hills AONB or Exmoor National Park is recommended.