East Devon Way – Hawkerland Bridleway loop from Bystock Nature Reserve

East Devon Way – Hawkerland Bridleway loop from Bystock Nature Reserve

Moderate

5.0

(2)

riders

East Devon Way – Hawkerland Bridleway loop from Bystock Nature Reserve

01:13

14.3km

220m

Gravel riding

Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: September 24, 2026

Tips

Cycling is not permitted along parts of this route

After 1.59 km for 208 m

After 11.3 km for 64 m

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

1.65 km

Woodbury Castle — Iron Age hillfort

Highlight • Forest

An Iron Age hillfort now cloaked in beech trees, Woodbury Castle sits high on beautiful heathland. It has exceptional earthworks and you can roam amongst its ramparts and down into its heart. You’ll find interpretation boards dotted around the castle, explaining the importance of the fort and plenty of archaeological details.

Much stewardship work has gone on in recent years, with earthwork stabilisation and strategic tree management. The castle is free to access and is a fantastic place to see in every season. It also lies within the Pebblebed Heaths Conservation Area and is home to a variety of bird, animal and plant life.

Tip by

2.25 km

East Devon Pebblebed Heaths

Highlight • Natural Monument

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.

Tip by

2.47 km

East Devon Pebblebed Heaths

Highlight • Natural

The Pebblebed Heaths are a series of nine areas in East Devon that share the same incredibly important habitat, and are managed by Clinton Devon Estates and the RSPB.

These include Woodbury Common, Bicton Common, East Budleigh Common, Colaton Raleigh Common, Hawkerland, Mutters Moor, Aylesbeare Common, Harpford Common and Dalditch Common.

These areas of wilderness are brilliant playgrounds for hikers, horse riders and bikers alike, and a real treat for anyone who enjoys wildlife. As of May 2021, they have now been given extra protection as a designated National Nature Reserve.

To find out more about their history and what wildlife to find there, check out: pebblebedheaths.org.uk/your-visit/#interactiveMap

Tip by

2.67 km

East Devon Way

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

You'll notice the purple signs and foxglove symbols of the East Devon Way along these wide pebblebed trails on Woodbury Common, from the Woodbury Castle hill fort running parallel alongside the road towards the golf course.

Look out for Marines hiding in the bushes or marching in the distance, as they use this area for training exercises.

Tip by

4.87 km

Hawkerland Bridleway

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

A short downhill fast section through tight woodland. Loads of corners and little jumps to get you going.

Tip by

6.71 km

Stowford Stream Bridge

Highlight • Bridge

I'm sure it's a great bridge but I just went through the ford

Tip by

7.01 km

Woodbury Common Perimeter Singletrack

Highlight • Trail

Great narrow singletrack around the border of Woodbury Common. It's pretty techy, you'll probably want a MTB, but on a gravel bike it's a good challenge. Can be pretty sloppy in winter, and fallen leaves in autumn make things pretty interesting with hidden roots etc.

As always, take care of other trail users including walkers and their dogs.

Tip by

13.0 km