National Walking Month: Walks to Enjoy this May Half-Term

Get Walking this May!

As we approach May half-term, what better way to celebrate the lighter evenings and warmer weather than by taking a scenic walk? May is ‘National Walking Month’, so whether you fancy walking with your family and spotting some wildlife, walking alone (perhaps with your favourite music), or even participating in a walking competition with your friends – it’s the perfect time to enjoy getting outdoors.

Mid Devon’s scenery is perfect for walking. Home to rolling hills, meandering river valleys and secluded woodlands, there is a walk for everyone! Ranging in difficulty and length, we have a few you may enjoy:

The Grant Western Canal

The Grand Western Canal is a walk suitable for all the family, including the dog! The length of the Canal is 11 3/4 miles in total and you can plan your stops along the way for refreshment in the many pubs / cafés you pass en route. The towpath is mainly flat and smooth. There are a number of circular routes you can take along the route, which are shorter, such as the Swan’s Neck Circular or using the disused railway line between Tiverton and Manley Lane (circular route) or other minor road networks further along the route.

Bampton Woods Circular

Bampton Woods Circular  is a moderate walk, with one steep climb and a few stiles. It is 2 1/2 miles in total and provides many reminders of Bampton’s industrial past and some panoramic views across the town.

Two Moors Way

Two Moors Way  is a larger, 102 mile walk coast-to-coast from Ivybridge to Lynmouth.  The route can be extended to 117 miles, connecting the South West Coast Path from the Erme-Plym Trail at Wembury to Ivybridge. The route crosses through Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks and explores the stunning West Country scenery. The walks can be split up into smaller walks or be completed as a long-distance route.

Exe Valley Way

Exe Valley Way follows the Exe Valley, which runs the length of the river valley from the Exe Estuary to the village of Exford, also passes through the town of Tiverton. Stages 3 – 7 run through Mid Devon; try Stage 4 Thorverton to Bickleigh (4 miles, medium to moderate) or Stage 5 Bickleigh to Tiverton (4 miles, medium to easy). The walks boast picturesque views with pubs and other amenities en route.

Blackdown Common (Culmstock Beacon)

Culmstock Beacon from Hemyock is a more challenging route, totaling 6 miles and consisting of some difficult terrain, miles of track, footpath and country lane.

Countryside Code

Whichever route you choose, please observe The Countryside Code.  Please park your car with consideration to residents and other road users and, most important of all, enjoy yourself and our lovely Mid Devon countryside.

The Countryside Code:

• Respect other people and enjoy the outdoors and the communities you visit.
• Leave gates and property as you find them.
• Leave no trace of your visit and take your litter home.
• Keep dogs under effective control.
• Plan ahead and be prepared and use pathways unless wider accesses are available.
• Follow advice and local signage.
• For the full Countryside Code, visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-countryside-code/the-countryside-code