The best walks and hikes around Rackenford

The landscape is classic North Devon countryside, featuring a patchwork of fields, ancient hedgerows, and small woodlands. You'll find yourself on rolling hills and in gentle valleys along the Little Dart and Sturcombe rivers. For a wilder experience, the nearby Knowstone Moor offers a more rugged environment of wet grassland and heath.

Yes, circular routes are very common in this area. Many trails are designed as loops, taking you through varied scenery and returning you to your starting point. For a moderate loop that explores the local countryside, consider the Bampton Parish Church – Cove Bridge and Cove Cottage loop from Bampton, which takes you through fields and along quiet lanes.

The area is generally dog-friendly, with many public footpaths crossing open countryside. Rackenford Moor Nature Reserve is a popular spot for dog walkers. However, always be mindful of livestock in fields and wildlife on the moors. Keep your dog on a lead where required, especially during bird nesting season (typically March to July) and around farm animals.

Certainly. The region offers plenty of gentler walks suitable for families. Look for routes along the river valleys, which tend to be flatter. The Exebridge Stone Bridge loop from Exebridge is a great easy option, offering a pleasant stroll with minimal elevation change.

The trails are well-regarded by the komoot community, which has given the area an average rating of 4.3 stars. Hikers often praise the peaceful rural atmosphere, the mix of riverside paths, and the expansive views from the higher ground on the moors.

Yes, Rackenford is an excellent gateway to the famous Two Moors Way, which connects Dartmoor and Exmoor. Several circular walks from the village incorporate a stretch of this national trail, allowing you to experience a part of it without committing to the full distance. The Exe Valley Way and Tarka Trail are also accessible from the wider region.

The diverse habitats support a rich variety of wildlife. In the woodlands and along hedgerows, keep an eye out for common British birds. On Knowstone Moor, a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest, you might spot skylarks, buzzards, and stonechats. The moor is also a crucial habitat for rare butterflies, like the marsh fritillary, and red deer are often seen in the area.

Many routes in the area either start, finish, or pass by a traditional country pub, making it easy to combine a hike with a meal or a drink. The London Inn loop from Molland is a perfect example, beginning and ending at a village pub.

There are over 45 curated hiking routes around Rackenford available on komoot. They range from short, easy strolls of just a few miles to more challenging moderate hikes, ensuring there's a trail for every fitness level.

Hiking is possible year-round, but late spring and summer are particularly beautiful. This is when the wildflowers are in bloom and the countryside is at its most vibrant. In late summer, the heather and gorse on Knowstone Moor create a stunning purple and yellow landscape. Autumn offers wonderful colours in the woodlands.

Parking is typically found in the villages and towns that serve as trailheads, such as Rackenford, Bampton, or Exebridge. Some popular routes may have designated small car parks or lay-bys near the start. For pub walks, you can often use the pub's car park if you are a patron.