7 Great Walks Around Exeter

You only have to travel a short distance beyond Exeter's historic centre to find an astonishing variety of landscapes. Within half an hour of the cathedral, you can step into ancient mediaeval woodlands, ramble across prehistoric pebble heaths, peer into vertiginous river gorges, or trace the footsteps of Norman overlords.

Here is a curated collection of seven classic walks based in and around Exeter, tailored for an afternoon’s stroll and paired with dependable local pubs and tearooms.

1. Ashclyst Forest: Ancient Glades and Butterflies

Just a short broom-ride northeast of Exeter and the M5 lies Ashclyst Forest, one of the largest tracts of ancient woodland in the region. Managed by the National Trust as part of the wider Killerton Estate, it feels wonderfully detached from the modern world, though a closer look reveals low banks from 400-year-old mediaeval farming systems and remote stone cottages tucked deep among the sylvan acres.

The forest rides are famous for summer butterflies, including the White Admiral, Silver-Washed Fritillary, and elusive Purple Hairstreaks dancing in the oak canopies. Several waymarked routes begin at the main Forest Gate car park (OS grid ref SY 001995). The 3.5-mile Red Walk gently drops south through the most diverse ancient woodland before looping back along the eastern boundary. It is an ideal refuge on a drizzly day when exposed moors and clifftops feel far less welcoming.

• Distance & Terrain: 3.5 miles (shorter 1.5-mile and 2-mile loops available); gentle gradients, mostly firm forest tracks (can get muddy in winter).

• Recommended Map: OS Explorer 114 (Exeter & the Exe Valley).

• Nearest Refreshment: The Stables Café at Killerton House (National Trust) or the Red Lion in Broadclyst.

2. Broadhembury & The Blackdown Escarpment

Broadhembury is the quintessential Devon village: a picture-postcard cluster of thatched cottages set within a natural bowl beneath the steep, wooded rim of the Blackdown Hills.

From the village ford, head up the ancient, sunken track of Long Go Lane. The route climbs through bluebell-carpeted woods to reach the high escarpment and North Hill, home to the Devon and Somerset Gliding Club. Here, near the hilltop aerodrome, the panoramic views stretch across southern Devon towards the dark, brooding profile of Dartmoor.

After passing Hangar Farm along the high ridge, the trail joins Stafford Hill for a gentle descent on a quiet tarmac lane back into the village. Take time to visit St Andrew's Church, where former curate Augustus Toplady once served before penning the hymn Rock of Ages.

• Distance & Terrain: 4.5 miles; one steep climb through woodland, followed by a quiet lane descent.

• Recommended Map: OS Explorer 115 (Exmouth & Sidmouth).

• Nearest Refreshment: The Drewe Arms in Broadhembury or the village post office and tearoom.

3. Drewsteignton & The Teign Gorge

For pure dramatic contrast, few walks match the southern loop from Drewsteignton. Perched above the upper Teign Valley, this thatched village leads straight onto the trans-peninsula Two Moors Way.

Leaving the village square, follow the ancient track down past Rectory Wood before climbing onto the open pasture of Piddledown Common. Suddenly, the gentle fields give way to the Teign Gorge—Devon’s own grand canyon. Far below runs the River Teign, overlooked by the granite ramparts of Castle Drogo.

Follow the high Hunter’s Path along the lip of the gorge, taking the upper fork through Drewston Wood as it rounds the spur above Fingle Bridge before returning gently via Rectory Wood to the village.

• Distance & Terrain: 3.5 miles; one moderate climb, otherwise well-graded woodland tracks with dramatic drops.

• Recommended Map: OS Outdoor Leisure 28 (Dartmoor).

• Nearest Refreshment: The Drewe Arms in Drewsteignton or the Fingle Bridge Inn (via a steep path descent/detour).

4. Aylesbeare Common: The Pebblebed Heathland

A few miles east along the A3052, rolling farmland abruptly gives way to the wild expanse of the East Devon Pebblebed Heaths. Aylesbeare Common is an RSPB nature reserve preserving a rare landscape shaped by low-intensity grazing since the Neolithic era.

This open heath is a vital sanctuary for the elusive Dartford Warbler, nightjars, dragonflies, and nearly 40 butterfly species. A classic figure-of-eight ramble explores the southern heath towards views of the sea beyond Budleigh Salterton before crossing back north to follow the waymarked Visitor’s Trail across Aylesbeare and Harpford Commons.

• Distance & Terrain: 3 miles (Visitor's Trail) to 6 miles (full figure-of-eight); largely level heathland walking on pebble tracks.

• Recommended Map: OS Explorer 115 (Exmouth & Sidmouth).

• Nearest Refreshment: The Halfway Inn on the A3052 or the Cannon Inn in nearby Newton Poppleford.

5. Christow & The Teign Valley

Tucked along the eastern boundary of Dartmoor National Park, Christow is an ideal base for exploring the steep, wooded flanks of the Teign Valley.

Starting from the community centre or near the church, duck between the garden fences on a narrow path that climbs alongside a rushing stream. The route ascends through ancient woodland at Bowden Beer—where old spoil heaps recall 19th-century silver and lead mining—before opening into high pastures near Inn Down.

The climb is rewarded with sweeping views across the valley towards the distinctive triangular tower of Haldon Belvedere (Lawrence Castle) on the opposite ridge. From the top track, descend via Bennah and the ancient church of St James back into the heart of the village.

• Distance & Terrain: 2 miles; steep initial ascent through woods and fields, returning via quiet lanes.

• Recommended Map: OS Explorer 110 (Torquay & Dawlish).

• Nearest Refreshment: The Artichoke Inn in Christow or the Teign House Inn down on the valley floor.

6. Exeter City Walls: Roman Bastions to Historic Quayside

You don't always need muddy boots to enjoy a memorable walk. Exeter's ancient city walls offer one of the finest urban heritage circuits in the country, tracing Roman origins from 200 AD through mediaeval sieges and the Civil War.

Starting from Princesshay, the circuit leads past Castle Street into the inner bailey of Rougemont Castle, built in 1068 by William the Conqueror. Stroll through the leafy avenues of Rougemont and Northernhay Gardens, dip through St Stephen’s Bow to the Cathedral Close, and follow long stretches of surviving stone wall down towards the historic Custom House and Quayside on the River Exe.

From the waterfront, the route loops past the mediaeval Exe Bridge ruins and climbs back to the high ramparts at Bartholomew Terrace before returning to the Cathedral Close.

• Distance & Terrain: Roughly 2.5 miles; paved city surfaces and parks, occasional steps and moderate inclines.

• Recommended Map: Exeter City Council City Wall Trail Leaflet / OS Explorer 114.

• Nearest Refreshment: On the Waterfront (Exeter Quay) or the various historic tearooms and cafés around Cathedral Close.

7. Eggesford: Heywood Wood & The Norman Motte

Eggesford feels like a secret slice of sylvan theatre hidden halfway along the Tarka Line between Exeter and Barnstaple. It is also historic forestry ground: the Forestry Commission planted its very first pine here back in 1920.

Starting from the forestry car park near the Wembury Centre, follow the red-topped waymarker posts through Heywood Wood. Broad rides weave through towering mixed conifers to reveal an earthen Norman motte-and-bailey fort perched high on a ridge. Climbing the steps up the mound opens up commanding, wide-angle views over the Taw Valley, explaining exactly why an early overlord set his stronghold here.

The return path loops along the lower slopes before crossing to North Down Plantation and back along the quiet country lane. It is easily reached by taking the train direct from Exeter St David's.

• Distance & Terrain: 3.5 miles; undulating forest tracks and paths with one short climb to the motte.

• Recommended Map: OS Explorer 127 (South Molton & Chulmleigh).

• Nearest Refreshment: The Fox & Hounds Country Hotel (just down the lane along the A377) or the Eggesford Crossing Café right by the station.