The best walks and hikes around Rattery

Yes, there's a wide variety of options. You can explore over 280 different routes in the region, with a good balance between easy and moderate trails, ensuring there's a walk for every ability level.

The area is highly regarded by the komoot community, with thousands of hikers having explored the trails. The routes have earned an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, with walkers often praising the mix of quiet country lanes, peaceful riverside paths, and extensive woodlands.

Many of the best walks in the area are loops that bring you back to your starting point. These routes often combine quiet country roads, known locally as 'Green Lanes', with public footpaths through fields and woods. A great example is the Brooking, Rattery & Browntson Farm loop from Dartington, which showcases the classic rolling countryside.

The countryside around Rattery is generally welcoming for dogs, with plenty of woodland and field paths to explore. However, you'll be passing through farmland, so always be prepared to keep your dog on a lead, especially around livestock. Always check for local signage on your chosen route.

Yes, there are numerous gentle walks suitable for families. For a relatively flat and scenic option, consider a walk along the River Dart. The The Curator Cafe Totnes – View of the River Dart loop from Dartington is an excellent choice, offering lovely river views without any strenuous climbs.

Parking in Rattery village itself is limited. Some walkers find space near the Church House Inn or the village hall, but this cannot be guaranteed. A common strategy is to start your walk from a nearby town like Dartington or Staverton, where more parking options are available, and then loop back.

The historic Church House Inn in Rattery is a traditional starting point for many local walks, making it perfect for a pre-hike coffee or a post-hike meal. Several routes, often called 'Rattery Rambles', begin and end at this central village landmark.

Absolutely. The River Dart is a major feature of the landscape here. You can find several trails that follow its banks, offering peaceful walks with beautiful water views. For a longer route that takes in the river and surrounding estate land, try the North Wood, Dartington Estate – View of the River Dart loop from Dartington Hall.

Rattery offers great walking year-round. Spring brings wildflowers to the meadows, while summer is ideal for enjoying the cool, shaded woodland paths. Autumn provides stunning colours in the forests, and crisp winter days can offer clear, far-reaching views across the South Hams.

Yes, you can easily combine hiking with history. A popular option is the Buckfast Abbey loop from Riverford Field Kitchen, which allows you to explore the tranquil grounds of the working monastery as part of your walk. Nearby Berry Pomeroy Castle also has woodland walks surrounding it.

While most local Rattery trails are gentle or moderate, the village's proximity to Dartmoor National Park provides access to more rugged and challenging terrain. For a more demanding day out, you can drive to a starting point on the moor and tackle the dramatic tors and open moorland.

The Dartington Estate offers a fantastic network of paths through gardens, woods, and along the river. A beautiful route that showcases the estate's famous trees is the Dartington Hall and Gardens – Redwood Grove loop from Staverton, which is a moderate walk of about 6 miles (9.5 km).