The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Cann Woods

Cann Woods offers a wide variety of hiking opportunities, with over 340 routes available. More than 170 of these are rated as easy, making them ideal for families looking for accessible and enjoyable walks.

The trails in Cann Woods feature a diverse mix of broadleaved and conifer woodlands, often alongside the River Plym. Many paths follow former railway lines, like the Plym Valley Trail, which tend to be relatively flat and well-maintained. While some smaller sections might have steps or steeper slopes, the broader network offers accessible options suitable for various fitness levels and families.

Yes, Cann Woods has several easy, shorter loops perfect for families. For instance, The Cann Viaduct & River Plym loop from Plym Bridge station is an easy option, just under 3 km, offering lovely riverside views and historical interest. Another great choice is the Cann Viaduct loop from Plym Bridge, which is also easy and around 3 km long.

Cann Woods is rich in both natural beauty and historical landmarks. You can explore the Plym Valley Trail, discover the impressive Cann Viaduct, and even spot peregrine falcons from the Peregrine Falcon Viewing Platform. The woods also feature remnants of old tramways and the scenic River Plym winding through. In spring, the wildflower meadows burst with bluebells and wild garlic.

Many sections of the Plym Valley Trail, which runs through Cann Woods, are former railway lines and are generally flat and well-surfaced, making them suitable for pushchairs. However, some smaller, less-maintained paths or specific entrances to areas like Cann Wood Local Nature Reserve might have steps or steeper sections. It's always a good idea to check the specific route details on komoot for elevation and surface information.

Yes, Cann Woods is a dog-friendly area, and many families enjoy walking their dogs here. Please ensure your dog is kept under control, especially around wildlife and other visitors, and always clean up after your pet to help keep the woods beautiful for everyone.

Cann Woods is beautiful year-round. Spring is particularly vibrant with bluebells, wild garlic, and wood anemones in bloom. Autumn offers stunning foliage. Summer provides pleasant shaded walks, while winter can offer crisp, quiet trails. The Peregrine Falcon Viewing Platform is best visited in spring and early summer to observe nesting falcons.

While there are no facilities directly within the heart of Cann Woods, the area is on the fringes of Plymouth. You'll find various cafes and pubs in nearby Plym Bridge and surrounding areas where you can grab refreshments before or after your family hike.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 1000 ratings. Reviewers often praise the peaceful woodland atmosphere, the beautiful riverside paths along the Plym, and the historical points of interest like the Cann Viaduct. Many highlight the accessibility of the trails for families and the opportunity for wildlife spotting.

There are several parking options available around Cann Woods, particularly near popular access points like Plym Bridge. These car parks provide convenient starting points for exploring the family-friendly trails. Specific parking details can often be found on individual route descriptions on komoot.

Yes, Cann Woods is accessible by public transport, particularly from Plymouth. Local bus services operate to areas close to the woods, allowing families to reach trailheads without needing a car. It's advisable to check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information on routes and timings.

For families looking for a slightly longer adventure, the Cann Viaduct – River Plym Weir loop from Plym Bridge is a moderate 11 km route that offers more extensive exploration of the woods and riverside. Another good moderate option is the Cann Viaduct – Plymbridge Valley Cycle Path loop from Plym Bridge, which is around 8.4 km.