The best walks and hikes around Poltimore

The trails around Poltimore offer a varied experience, from gentle rural paths to routes with steady climbs. You'll encounter historic parkland, extensive woodlands, and an impressive arboretum. Some paths may become muddy, especially during wetter periods, so appropriate footwear is recommended.

Yes, Poltimore and the surrounding area, particularly near the Killerton Estate, offer numerous easy hiking options. Out of over 300 routes available, more than 200 are classified as easy. For example, the Killerton Gravel – Columbjohn Chapel loop from Killerton House is an easy 5.6 km path featuring accessible gravel trails.

Many trails in the Poltimore area, including those within the Poltimore Estate and parts of the Killerton Estate, are dog-friendly. However, specific rules may apply, especially in areas with livestock or sensitive wildlife. It's always best to keep dogs on a lead and check local signage for any restrictions.

Yes, many of the routes in the Poltimore area are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. An example is the Burrough's Almshouses loop from Poltimore, an easy 4.85 km walk that begins and ends in Poltimore itself.

Poltimore is rich in both history and natural beauty. You can explore the historic parkland and woodlands of Poltimore House, which features ancient lime avenues and veteran trees. The area is also known for its arboretum with magnificent specimen trees like Wellingtonias and Lucombe oaks. Nearby, the Killerton Estate offers further historical gardens and remnants of an Iron Age hillfort. While hiking, you might also spot highlights like the Countess Wear Bridges or the Exe Estuary Trail further afield.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 300 reviews. Reviewers often praise the diverse terrain, from historic parkland to extensive woodlands, and the scenic views towards Ashclyst Forest and Woodbury Castle. The connection to the Killerton Estate and Clyst Valley Regional Park also offers a wide variety of landscapes to explore.

Absolutely. The Poltimore area, especially around the Killerton Estate, provides many family-friendly options. These often include easy, well-maintained paths suitable for all ages and even buggies. The varied landscapes, including woodlands and open fields, offer engaging environments for children to explore.

Poltimore offers enjoyable hiking experiences throughout the year. Spring brings blooming flora, while autumn showcases vibrant foliage in the woodlands and arboretum. Summer is ideal for longer days and drier paths, though some routes can be muddy after rain. Winter walks can be crisp and offer unique views, but be prepared for potentially wet and muddy conditions.

While Poltimore itself is a village, public transport options might be limited directly to the Poltimore House grounds. However, nearby Exeter is well-connected by bus and train. From Exeter, local bus services may connect to villages closer to the Poltimore or Killerton estates, from where you can begin your hike. It's advisable to check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information.

Parking is generally available at key access points for trails, particularly around popular areas like the Killerton Estate, which is closely linked to Poltimore. For Poltimore House itself, there may be designated parking for visitors exploring the grounds. Always look for official parking areas to ensure you are not obstructing local residents or private land.

There are over 300 hiking trails available for exploration in Poltimore and its immediate vicinity. This extensive network includes routes of varying difficulty, from easy strolls through parkland to more moderate climbs offering panoramic views.

Yes, several routes provide expansive views. For instance, the Killerton House – View of the Devon Countryside loop from Killerton House is an easy 4.5 km hike specifically designed to showcase the scenic vistas. You can also enjoy sweeping views towards Ashclyst Forest, Broadclyst, and Woodbury Castle from various points along the trails.