Buzzards Woodland

Approximate Time: 1¼hrs

Distance: 4 miles/6.4km

Type of Walk: Challenging as follows the Valley so quite steep in places with stiles.  Livestock in some fields, be aware and keep dogs on leads. Follow the way markers. Some muddy tracks. To discover the woodland you need to cross bridges, steep hills and unsteady footing, so bear this in mind – it really is off the beaten track.

Managed by Knightshayes (National Trust) this woodland is cared for to conserve the woodland and its habitats. There are two viewpoints which can be found from the car park, so everyone can enjoy the stunning views.

Parking: 

To get to Buzzards, simply follow the B3137 from Tiverton to Withleigh. When you enter Withleigh, upon seeing a sign marked 'parish church', turn down a small track to the left of this sign. Follow the road until you see the National Trust car park on the right.

Directions: 

1. From the carpark cross the stile into the field and then turn right and walk towards the hedge and turn left into the woods. Walk down the edge of the wood to the gate and continue following the track keeping the hedge on your left.
2. Walk through a second gate following the River Dart on your right. Ahead you will see a bridge, turn left through another gate into the field and keep the hedge on your right. Exit through the gate and head up to Cross' wood follow the way marker left from the path into the woods, up a steep and muddy path, the path will come to the top of the woods.
3. Turn right and follow the track down the hill through another gate into an open area where it zig-zags down the steep part of the hill. Pass Buzzards cottage on the left and join the riverside track turn left before the bridge and then right over a stile and bridge into the field.
4. With the hedge on your left walk towards the gate into the wood. Up hill again, follow the path to a track and bear right where is becomes flat and then right down hill to leave the woods crossing over the Worthy bridge, turn right towards Cruwys Morchard, the road bends to the left, go through the gate following the track continue along the river and go though the gate into the wood.
5. Continue on the track with the river on your right, you will see a meadow, use the gate to enter follow the path to a metal gate. Turn right over the bridge and walk up to the car park for a rest and look out at the view!

Grid reference: SS909114

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/knightshayes/features/exploring-buzzards-woodland