The best walks and hikes around Exbourne

Exbourne offers a wide variety of hiking opportunities, with over 220 routes available. These trails cater to all levels, including more than 100 easy routes and 100 moderate options, alongside 17 challenging trails for experienced hikers.

Hiking around Exbourne provides access to incredibly diverse landscapes. You can explore the rugged, expansive moorlands, granite tors, and deep river valleys of Dartmoor National Park, or head north to Exmoor National Park for dramatic coastlines, rolling moorlands, and scenic trails. Closer to Exbourne, you'll also find pleasant woodland areas like Abbeyford Woods.

Yes, Exbourne has plenty of options for easy walks. For instance, the Abbeyford Woods – Stick Shelter in the Forest loop from Abbeyford Woods is an easy 5.2 km trail that takes about 1 hour 25 minutes. Another gentle option is the Simmons Park – Ball Hill Footpath loop from Okehampton, a 3.2 km route through parkland.

For those seeking a challenge, the West Mill Tor – Yes Tor summit loop from Okehampton is a difficult 18.4 km path. This route ascends to Yes Tor, one of Dartmoor's highest points, offering expansive views across the rugged landscape. Dartmoor National Park, generally, provides many challenging routes exceeding 5 hours and 3,000 ft of elevation gain.

Yes, many of the trails around Exbourne are circular, allowing for varied scenery without retracing your steps. Examples include the Abbeyford Woods – Stick Shelter in the Forest loop, the East Okement River Trail loop, and the Handmade Forest Shelter loop.

The region is rich in natural landmarks, particularly the granite tors of Dartmoor. You can hike to prominent peaks like West Mill Tor and Higher Tor. Yes Tor, a popular climb, offers grand views from its large granite outcrop. Other notable natural monuments include Belstone Common Tor and Rock Tor.

Many trails in the Exbourne area, especially within Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks, are dog-friendly. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, especially near livestock or ground-nesting birds, and to check specific park regulations or route descriptions for any restrictions.

Absolutely. Many of the easier, shorter loop trails are ideal for families. The Simmons Park – Ball Hill Footpath loop from Okehampton is a good example, offering a gentle walk through parkland. Abbeyford Woods also provides accessible paths suitable for families.

The hiking trails around Exbourne are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 500 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse terrain, from the rugged beauty of Dartmoor's tors to the tranquil woodlands, and the well-maintained paths that offer stunning views and a true sense of escape into nature.

Yes, many popular trailheads, especially those leading into Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks or specific woodland areas like Abbeyford Woods, offer designated parking facilities. It's advisable to check the starting point of your chosen route for specific parking information.

The spring and summer months (April to September) generally offer the most pleasant weather for hiking, with longer daylight hours and milder temperatures. However, the landscapes of Dartmoor and Exmoor are beautiful year-round, with autumn bringing vibrant colours and winter offering a stark, dramatic beauty for those prepared for colder conditions.

While Exbourne itself is a small village, its proximity to larger towns like Okehampton and the national parks means there are various pubs and cafes scattered throughout the wider region. Many villages within Dartmoor and Exmoor offer welcoming establishments where you can refuel after a hike. It's a good idea to plan your route to include a stop if you're looking for refreshments.