Walks
Beautiful Walks Near Burnworthy Retreat
Nestled in the serene Blackdown Hills, Burnworthy Retreat is a gateway to picturesque walks through lush woodlands and rolling hills. These paths offer stunning views and peaceful encounters with nature, leading past babbling brooks, hidden glades, and historic ruins. Ideal for both avid hikers and those seeking tranquility, the walks near Burnworthy blend natural beauty with a sense of peace, encapsulating the essence of the countryside in every step.
The Valleyheads Way
Step out the Cabin and you’re already on your way. The Valleyhead Way footpath runs through the Burnworthy Estate and can take you all the way to Hemyock along public footpaths and stunning country lanes. The route skirts the valley sides of the Culm, Otter and Yarty rivers, the three main rivers of the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). All in it is 12 miles and can take up to 6 hours. Waterproof and supportive footwear is recommended.
Or why not just explore a small part of the trail or let it lead you to the Half Moon pub as recommended in our above list.
Otterhead Lakes
A tranquil nature reserve just down the road on the grounds of a former Victorian Estate. There is free parking and a 4 mile circular walk around the lakes, streams and woodlands. Waterproof footwear needed.
Staple Hill
Another favourite of ours just down the road is this Forestry Commissioned owned land where you have the choice of doing the whole Herepath (13.5 miles) or just follow the easy access viewpoint trail from the free cark park and take in the stunning Blackdown Hill views.
Wellington Monument
Park up (pay and display) and take the tree lined path from the carpark to the Wellington Monument. A 175 foot high obelisk that stands in honour of the Duke of Wellington and his victory at the Battle of Waterloo. It is a good choice if you want an easy and less strenuous meander on this leisurely 15 minute walk there and back.
Castle Neroche
This is a fantastic spot to step back in history and see the most amazing far reaching views of the Blackdown Hills with several paths and trails from the big and free car park which includes a picnic area. The site was once a Norman motte-and-bailey castle and is the remains of anIron Age hill fort.
Culm Beacon
The most westerly hill point of the Blackdown Hils with unbelievable views that stretch across the Quantocks and Dartmoor. It is a steep climb but if you go the footwear for it you won’t be disappointed.
Dumpdon Hill
Why recommend this walk, not only for its views of the Otter Valley as you stroll the beech woods and bluebells in spring. There is a circular walk and noticeboard in the free car park to help you. The car park is very small and can be easily missed. But what was the other reason, you’re only a 5 minute drive from infamous Otter Valley Ice Cream Parlour, need we sell it more.
Watersmeet, Lynmouth, Exmouth
One of the most beautiful spots on Exmoor, where the East Lyn River and the Hoar Oak Water meet. Stroll along the river bank and through the ancient woodlands of this deep gorge and then have a slice of cake in the tea garden that used to be a fishing lodge. Fresh air and wonderful scenery; it’s a must.
Quantock Hills
Lying between Taunton and Bridgewater and along the Somerset coast, there is open heaths, winding country alnes and can be explored on foot or bike. Take in Lydeard Hill, Wills Neck, Hurley Beacon, Cothelstone Hill, Triscombe Stone and Holford Combe. You’re never much more than a mile and a half from a pub, so you won’t be short of places for sustenance. Wills Neck is the highest point in the Quantock Hills and a climb to the top is well worth it for the panoramic views.
Exmoor National Park
Steep wooded hillsides, lush river valleys, open farmland, and rugged heathtops where wild ponie feed; Exmoor has such a diverse landscape and countless places that really are worth seeing – Tarr Steps, Watersmeet, Porlock Weir, Culbone Church, Dunster Castle, and for days by the sea, Minehead, Blue Anchor or Watchet.
Dartmoor National Park
Dartmoor National Park is a very diverse area of wooded river valleys, craggy tors and wild moors, and it’s steeped in history and folklore. You’ll find stone circles, Neolithic burial cairns and huge granite rocks. It has a very unique beauty and some great places to visit – Buckfast Abbey, Castle Drogo, Widecombe-in-the-Moor, Postbridge, and Moretonhampstead and a favourite of ours, Bellever Forest to name a few.
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