The best walks and hikes around Colaton Raleigh
4.6
(1316)
14,542
hikers
30
hikes
Hiking around Colaton Raleigh offers access to diverse natural landscapes within East Devon. The region is characterized by the East Devon Pebblebed Heath, featuring varied terrain including grassland, moors, and heathland. The village is situated west of the River Otter, with paths following its course. Nearby Aylesbeare Common provides additional heathland experiences.
Best hiking trails around Colaton Raleigh
- The most popular hiking route is Aylesbeare Common – Aylesbeare Common loop from Colaton Raleigh, a 3.1 miles (5.1 km) trail…
Last updated: May 14, 2026
4.8
(4)
33
hikers
5.07km
01:26
110m
110m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
30
hikers
5.59km
01:28
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(4)
16
hikers
13.5km
03:44
240m
240m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
26
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
16
hikers
6.68km
01:50
110m
110m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Harnessing the power of moving water to drive a mill wheel is an ancient invention of human ingenuity, whose origins can be traced back to ancient times. Thanks to such a design, a watercourse – natural or artificial – made it possible to simply replace human or animal muscle power with the power of natural elements, for example, to grind grain into corn or press oil from fruit. There are essentially two drive variants for watermills: * Either the flowing water simply hits the blades of the water wheel from below to set it in motion; or * the water is guided above the wheel – usually through a so-called "mill channel" – and falls onto the blades. This design utilizes natural gravity to achieve greater efficiency.
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this road becomes flooded would avoid when on yellow 🟡 weather warning cause you might need a boat, but otherwise it's very pretty and worth a visit great pubs for food nearby and air BnB places
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Using the power of moving water to drive a mill wheel is an ancient invention of the human spirit of discovery, the origins of which can be traced back to times long past. Thanks to such a construction, human or animal muscle power could be replaced by the power of the natural elements through a watercourse - natural or artificial - in order to grind grain into corn or press oil from fruit, for example. There are essentially two different ways of driving watermills: * Either the flowing water simply hits the blades of the water wheel from below to set it in motion; or * the water is guided above the wheel - usually through a so-called "mill channel" - and falls onto the blades; this type of construction is more efficient due to natural gravity.
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Woodbury Castle is a large Iron Age hill fort. The earthwork ditches and wall mounds are clearly visible as you run around the now wooded area.
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Dipped in her for lunch as its nice a sheltered
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The pebblebed heath land is part of the East Devon AONB and a SSSI. The heathland and underlying Triassic pebblebed geology is an important habitat for the plants and animals that live here.
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Otterton Mill has been working since Norman times. Milling declined in the mid 1900s but the mill was restored in 1977. Today you can visit the mill and see the workings. They mill flour here a couple of times a month. There is a also a cafe and shop open daily.
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Otterton is a village and civil parish in East Devon, England. It lies on the English Channel and is surrounded by other parishes such as East Budleigh, Bicton, Colaton Raleigh, Newton Poppleford and Harpford and Sidmouth. It has a population of 656 according to the 2011 census. It is known for its beautifully thatched roofs and quaint cob and brick cottages, its oldest working water mill and its Jurassic Coast. It was first settled by the Saxons and was mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086. It has a church dedicated to St Michael, which belonged to the monastery of Mont Saint-Michel in France at the time of the Domesday Book.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of hiking trails can I find around Colaton Raleigh?
Colaton Raleigh offers a diverse range of hiking trails, primarily characterized by extensive heathlands, river valleys, and common lands. You'll find routes exploring the unique East Devon Pebblebed Heath, paths along the River Otter, and trails through areas like Aylesbeare Common. The network includes options for various ability levels, from easy strolls to more challenging hikes.
Are there many easy hiking trails suitable for beginners or casual walkers?
Yes, Colaton Raleigh is an excellent area for easy walks. Out of the 30 available hiking routes, 19 are classified as easy. These trails are perfect for beginners or those looking for a relaxed outdoor experience. An example is the Aylesbeare Common – Aylesbeare Common loop from Colaton Raleigh, which is an easy 3.1-mile (5.1 km) trail.
Can I find circular hiking routes in the area?
Many of the trails around Colaton Raleigh are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and end in the same location without retracing your steps. For instance, the East Devon Pebblebed Heaths – Little plank bridge loop from Warren is a popular circular trail that takes you through the heathlands.
What are some natural features or landmarks to look out for on the trails?
The region is rich in natural beauty and points of interest. You can explore the unique landscapes of the East Devon Pebblebed Heath, known for its varied terrain and birdwatching opportunities. The River Otter also offers a delightful path southwards from Colaton Raleigh. Nearby, you might encounter the Otter Estuary Nature Reserve or the impressive Ladram Bay Sea Stacks.
Are there any family-friendly hiking options around Colaton Raleigh?
Absolutely. With 19 easy trails, many routes are suitable for families. The paths along the River Otter, such as the Stone Goblin Statues – Otterton Mill loop from Otterton, are generally flat and offer pleasant scenery for all ages. Always check the specific trail details for distance and elevation to ensure it matches your family's capabilities.
What do other hikers say about the trails in Colaton Raleigh?
The hiking routes in Colaton Raleigh are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an average rating of 4.5 stars from over 200 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse landscapes, from the open heathlands to the tranquil river paths, and appreciate the well-maintained trails that offer a peaceful escape into nature.
Is there anything I should be aware of regarding military training in the area?
Yes, visitors to Colaton Raleigh Common should be aware that parts of the area are used by the Royal Marines Training Centre Lympstone for training exercises. This can include live grenade training on weekdays between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Red flags and warning signs indicate when training is in progress, and the grenade training area is fenced and always off-limits. Please observe all signage for your safety.
Where can I park when visiting the hiking trails?
While specific parking details vary by trailhead, many popular starting points for trails around Colaton Raleigh, especially those accessing the East Devon Pebblebed Heath or near villages like Otterton, offer designated parking areas. It's advisable to check the route details on komoot for specific parking recommendations for your chosen trail.
Are there any longer or more challenging hikes available?
While most trails are easy to moderate, there are options for longer hikes. For instance, the East Devon Pebblebed Heaths loop from Colaton Raleigh is a moderate 8.4-mile (13.5 km) trail that offers a more extended exploration of the heathlands. There is also one difficult trail among the 30 routes for those seeking a greater challenge.
What is the best time of year to go hiking in Colaton Raleigh?
Colaton Raleigh offers enjoyable hiking throughout the year, but each season has its charm. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, while summer provides longer daylight hours for extended walks. Autumn showcases beautiful foliage, and winter offers crisp, quiet landscapes. Birdwatching is particularly good in spring and summer, with species like Dartford Warbler and European Stonechat present year-round, and Common Cuckoo and Eurasian Nightjar in summer.
Can I access the hiking trails using public transport?
Colaton Raleigh is a village in East Devon, and while local bus services connect it to nearby towns, direct public transport access to all trailheads might be limited. It's recommended to research local bus routes and schedules in advance if you plan to rely on public transport to reach your desired starting point.
Are there any places to eat or drink near the hiking routes?
Yes, the village of Colaton Raleigh itself and nearby settlements like Otterton offer pubs and cafes where you can refuel after your hike. For example, the Stone Goblin Statues – Otterton Mill loop from Otterton passes by Otterton Mill, which often has facilities for refreshments.
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