The best walks and hikes around Cornworthy

There are nearly 450 hiking routes around Cornworthy, offering a wide range of options. Over 250 of these are considered easy, while about 170 are moderate, and a smaller number are more challenging.

Hiking around Cornworthy offers diverse landscapes, primarily defined by the River Dart and its tributaries like Bow Creek. You'll find extensive woodlands, verdant valleys, and riverside paths. The lower reaches of the Dart are tidal, adding a dynamic element to the waterside scenery. Many routes are within or close to the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

Yes, Cornworthy has many easy routes suitable for families. A popular choice is the Bow Creek & Cornworthy loop from Tuckenhay, which is an easy 5.1 km (3.2 miles) trail offering picturesque waterside views. Another easy option is the Bollards on Woodland Path loop from Stoke Gabriel, which is 5.8 km (3.6 miles) and takes you through woodlands.

Yes, many of the trails around Cornworthy are circular, allowing you to start and end in the same location. Examples include the Bow Creek & Cornworthy loop from Tuckenhay and the Greenway & Old Mill Creek loop from Dittisham.

The hiking routes in Cornworthy are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 1500 reviews. Hikers often praise the quiet, rural character, the varied terrain from riverside paths to wooded valleys, and the scenic beauty of the River Dart and Bow Creek.

Yes, the area offers several historical points of interest. You can explore the 14th-century gatehouse of the former Cornworthy Priory. Further afield, but accessible via scenic routes, is Dartmouth Castle, a historic fortress at the entrance to Dartmouth Harbour. For elevated views and wartime history, consider visiting Froward Point Battery and Lookout Station.

Absolutely. Many trails in the region provide stunning views of the River Dart. The View of the River Dart – Totnes Town Centre loop from Ashprington is specifically named for its riverside landscapes and vistas. Routes along Bow Creek also offer picturesque waterside scenery where the valleys descend to the river.

For those seeking a moderate challenge, the Greenway & Old Mill Creek loop from Dittisham is a popular choice, covering 12.6 km (7.8 miles) through varied terrain. Another good option is the Dittisham Ferry – Dittisham–Greenway Ferry loop from Dittisham, which is about 9.9 km (6.2 miles).

The region boasts several natural viewpoints and features. You can find elevated views at sites like Gallants Bower Civil War Fort Ruins or explore the dramatic coastal scenery of Berry Head Cliffs and Guillemot Colony. The area also features ancient woodlands and the dynamic tidal sections of the River Dart.

Cornworthy's diverse landscapes, including woodlands and riverside paths, make it enjoyable for hiking throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful foliage, while summer provides longer daylight hours. The tidal nature of the River Dart means the waterside scenery is always changing, regardless of the season.

Yes, the area around Cornworthy is known for its wooded valleys and ancient fields. Many routes will take you through these ancient woodlands, particularly on the higher valley slopes. The Bollards on Woodland Path loop from Stoke Gabriel is an example of a route that specifically guides you through wooded areas.