After a summer of heatwaves, the temperatures are dropping at last. Soon it will be autumn, a lovely time of year to be in East Devon, whether it’s where you live, or if you’re staying in a gorgeous cottage for a UK holiday or short break. We love the misty mornings, the autumn haze over the fields, and all the glorious colours. Because it’s often still warm through September and October, it’s perfect for walking. If that’s your thing, join us on a round up of 7 of the best autumn walks in East Devon.
September is just around the corner, the apples are ripening on the boughs, the hedgerows are glistening with fat blackberries, and now and then the scarlet hue of rosehips, and the frosted purple of sloes. The leaves are turning already after the drought of summer, soon there will be a mantle of golden browns, red and amber spread out across the countryside. What a joy it is to get out for a good walk; the air fresh and crisp, the views incredible, all in the glory of autumn. Here in East Devon there are some wonderful walks; here are 7 of our favourites.
Combe Wood, Honiton
Combe Wood is a National Trust woodland on the lane between Combe Raleigh and Honiton, only about a mile from the holiday cottages here at Stonehayes Farm. The 1 mile circular trail skirts the edge of the woods with a few paths criss-crossing in the main part of the woodland. This is great for older kids who are interested in nature – take your time, hunt for bugs, do some bark rubbing. see how many different types of leaves you can find.
There’s a little parking area just by the wood, and afterwards you could pop down to Otter Valley Ice Cream & Field Kitchen for treats.
Blackbury Camp, Southleigh
At this Iron Age hillfort with its ramparts, oak and beech woods, there’s a very unique, almost magical atmosphere. It’s lovely for autumn walks beneath the coppery golds of the canopy. The shorter loop around the camp, at less than a third of a mile, will only take about 30 minutes and is great for multi-generational families as it’s easy on little and elderly legs. Most buggies can handle the flat area, and though it’s not a huge, there is room for a picnic and ball games.
There’s a longer trail of 2.2 miles through woodlands and along country lanes which gives wonderful views of the East Devon countryside. Less than a mile away is the tearoom at Blackbury Honey Farm, open Sunday to Wednesday from 10-4.
Hembury Hillfort, Payhembury
The views from this Iron Age hillfort over the Otter Valley are absolutely breathtaking. The walk is only 1-2 miles on grassy tracks, paths and steep banks – the earthworks here are impressive, with banks, ditches and ramparts as high as 20ft in sections. Provided it’s not too muddy, this makes a good autumn walk for families, with woodland paths to explore looping through the trees. Children like to scamper along the ramparts, clamber among the gnarly old roots of the beech trees, and kick up the leaves.
Park in the small car park just off the A373, after your stroll, go to The Otter Inn at Weston, just a five minute drive away, and if it’s warm enough sit out in the garden by the riverside.
Dumpdon Hill
Another Iron Age hillfort, where the views across the Otter Valley are spectacular. The circular trail is 1.5-2 miles, with a short steepish climb to the summit, but otherwise easy going. It’s a brilliant spot for families as kids can march the ramparts, and look out for bugs and fungi popping up on the woodland floor – but don’t touch! The golden brown and coppery shades of the beech trees are a sight to behold; walk ankle deep in last years’ leaves, catch one as it drifts down on the breeze, and make a wish. Post walk go to Otter Valley Ice Cream & Field Kitchen for tea and cake. There are two small signposted parking areas, but if you’re staying in one of the holiday cottages at Stonehayes Farm you can walk across the fields to come out on the lane near the hill.
Harpford Woods, Sidmouth
This circular walk can be 2 miles long or 3.5 miles if you include a climb to Fire Beacon Hill. We always do – it’s worth the puff for the amazing views of the coast. The main trail is flat and easy going and okay for buggies, following a disused railway line deep into the woods where ferns grow lush and it feels quite magical. It’s more strenuous in the wider woodlands where streams trickle along at the bottom of deep gullies, and parts of the trail break out along field edges.
Park in Harpford village or in one of the laybys near the woods. Go to the Bowd Inn after your walk for well deserved refreshments.
Branscombe to Beer
Locals love this 2.2 mile walk along the South West Coast Path. The views are something to shout about, the bays and the cliffs and the autumn landscape beyond, the sun glinting on the water, the little boats bobbing about on the sea. You can stay on the cliff path or take the lower one through Hooken Undercliff - a landslip area which is like another world where the path twists and turns and white cliffs draped with vegetation tower above you.
Beer and Branscombe are both peaceful villages on the East Devon Coast with pubs and beach cafes, so finding sustenance is easy. Don’t go overdoing it though because first up on the way back is a steep toil up to the cliff path.
Newton Poppleford and the River Otter
This 5.4 mile walk starts and finishes in Newton Poppleford, so park on the street or at the village hall. This really is a lovely amble following footpaths, ancient green lanes and quiet roads, through water meadows, kissing gates, and over footbridges; if you’re lucky, you’ll spot moorhens, herons and maybe even a kingfisher. You pass through the villages of Venn Ottery (worth poking your head in the pretty church) and Tipton St John. At the end of your walk, if you need to fill your bellies, the Southern Cross Tea Room is open until the end of September, or you can go to the Cannon Inn in the village for pub grub.
Things to Remember
- Paths can be muddy after wet weather so sturdy footwear is essential
- There might be livestock in the fields so keep dogs on leads
- As per the Country Code – Leave only footprints, take only memories.