#WalkWednesday Culmstock Beacon - A walk that earns its views!

The route meanders up through pretty woodland, bluebells lining the path at this time of year, before opening out onto the open expanse of the Blackdown Hills.

At the heart of it all is the beacon itself, Elizabethan, and once part of a network of signal fires stretching across the country. Stand next to it and look out across the Culm Valley and it`s not hard to imagine the watchmen waiting for news of the Spanish Armada.

Wander on through more woodland, across open grassland, and keep an eye out for the ponies that roam freely up here. If you`re starting from Culmstock village itself, you`ll have the added incentive of the Culm Valley Inn waiting at the end.

🐾 Dog friendly: Yes - please keep on lead during spring and summer to protect ground-nesting birds
🥾 Terrain: Woodland and open moorland, some incline
📍 Culmstock Beacon, Blackdown Hills

#WalkWednesday #VisitMidDevon #MidDevon #Devon #CulmstockBeacon #BlackdownHills #CulmValley #DevonWalks #OutdoorDevon #WoodlandWalks #BluebelSeason #HistoricDevon #DogWalkingDevon

Walk Wednesday - Hembury Hillfort
Some places have a weight to them that`s hard to explain until you`re standing in it.

Hembury Hillfort rewards you on more than one level. Ancient woodland to walk through - moss-covered trees, winding paths, bluebells underfoot - before the trees open out onto the open grassland of the hillfort itself, where the earthworks are still readable in the landscape and the views sweep out across the Devon countryside below.

Cross to the other side of the road and the woodland shifts completely; pine trees and that deep, resinous smell that feels like a proper lungful of fresh air. Birdsong throughout.

History, landscape, and somewhere genuinely beautiful to explore

🐾 Dog friendly: Yes
🥾 Terrain: Woodland paths, can be uneven

📍 Hembury Hillfort, near Broadhembury, Devon

#WalkWednesday #VisitMidDevon #MidDevon #Devon #HemburyHillfort #AncientWoodland #DevonWalks #WoodlandWalks #BluebelSeason #HistoricDevon #OutdoorDevon #DogWalkingDevo

If you`ve only ever walked the busier stretches of the Grand Western Canal, the stretch from Burlescombe heading to the end of the canal at Lowdwells Lock is worth seeking out.

It`s quieter out here, genuinely peaceful, and in places the tree canopy closes in overhead and gives the whole thing a slightly otherworldly feel. In a good way. The kind of walk where you find yourself slowing down without really meaning to.

Added interest comes from the Waytown Tunnel and the old lime kilns along the route, which give a real sense of what the canal was once used for and the working life it once had. Completely flat, brilliant for birdwatching, and very dog friendly, though boots advised in wetter weather.

🥾 Terrain: Flat, can be muddy
🐾 Dog friendly: Yes
📍 Grand Western Canal, from Burlescombe
🐦 Look out for: Kingfishers, herons, moorhens

#WalkWednesday #VisitMidDevon #MidDevon #Devon #GrandWesternCanal #Burlescombe #CanalWalks #DevonWalks #DogWalkingDevon #HiddenDevon #OutdoorDevon

@grandwesterncanalcountrypark

Discover one of Devon’s most celebrated food experiences with a behind‑the‑scenes tour at Quicke`s Home Farm. Explore the world of traditional clothbound cheddar, meet the expert cheesemakers and enjoy a delicious locally sourced lunch—perfect for food lovers, day‑trippers and cheese enthusiasts.

https://www.visitmiddevon.co.uk/events/quickes-cheese-tour-lunch-experience/

#foodexperience #cheesetour #localproducer #crediton

Sometimes the best walks are the ones that ask nothing of you except to show up. 🌲

Ashclyst Forest on the Killerton Estate is that kind of place. Waymarked trails mean you can fit the walk to your day... longer if you`ve got the time and energy, shorter if you just need some air. The woodland paths are peaceful and properly immersive, with the occasional clearing opening up to wide views across the surrounding countryside that catch you a little off guard in the best way.

It`s muddy underfoot right now and the terrain is uneven, so good boots are a must, but that`s all part of it. Brilliant for dogs, brilliant for clearing your head.

🥾 Wear: Sturdy boots, layers
🐾 Dog friendly: Yes
📍 Ashclyst Forest, Killerton Estate,

#WalkWednesday #VisitMidDevon #MidDevon #Devon #AshclystForest #Killerton #NationalTrust #WoodlandWalks #DevonWalks #DogWalkingDevon #OutdoorDevon #WalkingDevon

@ntkillerton

#WalkWednesday - Grand Western Canal: The Quiet Stretch from Ayshford 🦢🚶‍♀️

Fancy a peaceful canal-side stroll away from the busier Tiverton Basin? Park up at Ayshford and wander towards Burlescombe for a lovely stretch of towpath with beautiful countryside views.

What to expect: Swans gliding past, moorhens bobbing along the water`s edge, and plenty of birds flitting through the trees - keep your eyes peeled for kingfishers!

The highlight is the historic Ayshford Chapel across the water (usually only open once a year for Heritage Open Days, so this is your chance to admire it from the towpath).

Good to know:
🐕 Perfect for dog walking - flat, easy going
🚴 Great for cycling too (just remember to dismount under bridges)
♿ Level towpath makes this accessible for all ages and abilities
🦆 Wildlife spotters - bring binoculars!

A gentle, scenic walk with views across fields and water - ideal for when you want fresh air without the hills!

#WalkWednesday - Buzzards Woodland: A Peaceful River Walk Off the Beaten Track 🌳🦅

Looking for a quiet escape into nature? Buzzards Woodland near Withleigh offers a lovely circular riverside ramble through peaceful woodland, perfect for those who don`t mind getting their boots muddy!

What to expect: After a steep field descent (worth it for what`s below!), you`ll follow the river through the woods, weaving up and down along the banks. The soundtrack is birdsong and flowing water - we heard goldcrest, woodpeckers, and plenty more, making it brilliant for keen birders.

Good to know:
🥾 Good footwear essential - muddy in places with tree roots and trunks to navigate near the river
🐕 Dog-friendly, though part of the route is also a bridleway so keep an eye out for horses
♿ The steep field at the start/end and unmade surface of the path means this one`s not suitable for limited mobility, but the woodland itself rewards those who can manage it
🐴 Horse riders welcome on the bridleway sections

A proper woodland adventure for those who love getting off the beaten track!

🌷 #Cullompton Springfest is nearly here! 🌷

Saturday 11 April, 9:30am–2pm – Cullompton Town Centre

Get ready for a fun‑filled celebration of spring right in the heart of our historic high street! Expect delicious food, live music, craft activities, hands‑on workshops, family fun, and a brilliant community atmosphere.

✨ From circus skills and jewellery making to sowing seeds and a sustainable clothes swap at the Community Centre, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

👉 Find the full event details here: https://www.visitmiddevon.co.uk/events/cullompton-spring-fest-2026/

Come along, support local, and celebrate the start of spring! 🌼💛

Cullompton Festivals Cullompton Farmers` Market The Walronds Cullompton Town Team Cullompton Town Council @cullomptonlibrarydevon @CullomptonCommunityCentre