With so much to do and see within the beautiful area around Redhays , we thought it would be useful to list some of the walks and cycle routes in the local area
For Walkers
Winkleigh Woods, Bude Hill, Winkleigh, EX19 8LD
Offers some lovely walks amidst picturesque scenery. Free parking and a fairly flat forest. Pathed routes with off lead areas.
A designated circular route within the woods takes you through different types of woodland habitats.(30-45 minutes) You can make it longer by taking the paths that lead off to the left and to the right through the woodland.
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Heywood Woods
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Fairly flat, although a few steep inclines depending on which route you take.
Free parking, forest and river walks, off lead walks, circular pathed walks and on the mound of an old castle.
You can walk alongside the river Taw and the forest has some wonderfully old Douglas Fir trees from the original Eggesford Estate.
Halsdon Nature Reserve, near Dolton EX19 8ND
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A Devon Wildlife Trust nature reserve. Limited parking.
Trails weave down through woodland leading you to the River Torridge. Flat with some steep inclines. Can get muddy so wear suitable footwear. Dogs can be off lead if under close control.
Wildlife spotted, depending on season, include otters, Kingfishers, Sandmartins, and goosanders.
Eggesford Forest, managed by the Forestry Commission, is an ideal centre for short walks, fishing and mountain-biking. The circular walk is dog-friendly and offers unspoilt beauty and charm with a stream and plenty of wildlife and unusual wildflowers as well as an ancient Motte and Bailey castle. The forest consists of a network of trails.
https://www.forestryengland.uk/eggesford-forest
Abbeyford Woods
These beautiful woods with stunning walks have paths for all, just a few minutes from Okehampton.
You can walk the Tarka Trail and follow the River Okement, or just wind your way through the woodland.
Dartmoor
From granite tors to ancient woodland to picturesque villages, Dartmoor offers spectacular walking routes for all.
https://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/enjoy-dartmoor/outdoor-activities/walking/walking-routes
Exmoor
The walks on Exmoor offer something for everyone, with routes that take in breath-taking coastal scenery, rolling hills, and hidden valleys.
https://www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/exmoor-for-everyone/walking
Mid Devon’s First Walking Festival 2024
Book your stay at Redhays Holiday Cottages during 14th – 29th September 2024.
Complete a range of circular walks which you can take at your leisure. Explore Mid Devon through a series of walks, showcasing some of the area’s best trails and views, with planned stops at quality pubs and restaurants. Learn more about Mid Devon’s heritage and wildlife with a full programme of guided walks
Follow their Facebook event page to get the latest information about the festival.
For Cyclists
Cycle Routes
There is an abundance of scenic open countryside in the area no matter which cycle route you take.
A few include
The Tarka Trail
This is an entirely traffic free 32 mile cycle trail from Braunton to Meeth in North Devon.
It is a flat and family-friendly trail that offers stunning views across the estuaries of the River Taw and Torridge with many picnic spots, cafes and pubs along the route.
The trail also forms the northern part of the superb Devon Coast to Coast (National Cycle Network Route 27)
The Granite Way
This runs for 11 miles along a disused railway line, allowing traffic fee walking and cycling between Okehampton and Lydford.
An almost flat trail through spectacular upland scenery of Dartmoor with magnificent views to the west as far as Bodmin Moor and the north Cornwall coast
It is also part of the superb Devon Coast to Coast (National Cycle Network Route 27)
www.traveldevon.info provides further details for both walkers and cyclists
Also worth checking out
alltrails.com
Walkiees.co.uk
Local Wildlife: Keep your eyes and ears open for signs of wildlife such as birds, squirrels, or deer. Binoculars can be handy for birdwatching, and a quiet, observant approach will increase your chances of spotting other wildlife.
Remember to stay on designated paths, respect any local guidelines or regulations, and take care to leave no trace of your visit. Enjoy exploring!
