The best walks and hikes around Sheepwash
4.6
(10)
119
hikers
17
hikes
Walking trails near Sheepwash North Devon explore a landscape of rolling countryside, quiet lanes, and former railway lines. The area is characterized by gentle hills and wooded sections, with routes often following paths like the Tarka Trail. The terrain is generally accessible, with low elevation changes, making it suitable for a range of walking abilities.
Best hiking trails around Sheepwash
- The most popular hiking route is Petrockstow Station Platform loop from Meeth, a 5.1 mile (8.2 km) trail that…
Last updated: April 28, 2026
5.0
(2)
24
hikers
8.19km
02:07
40m
40m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
20
hikers
10.3km
02:39
50m
50m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
3
hikers
5.41km
01:30
100m
100m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
hikers
13.1km
03:36
230m
220m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
This tiny North Devon village was listed in the Domesday Book and if you catch it from certainly angles, it doesn't appear to have changed all that much. With delightfully old buildings, a former smithy and a weather-beaten stone cross, it's a classic ancient rural village. The Tarka Trail passes through, so it's a lovely place to stop for a picnic if you're doing the trail.
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Today, all that remains of Petrockstow station is a platform. It was originally built to serve the clay pits and quarries in the area, it then went on to be used as part of the local Light Railway. Its use as a railway station ended with the Beeching Cuts but it lives on as part of the Tarka Trail – a long-distance foot and cycle path.
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There are a few sculptures along the Tarka Trail and this one is of Tarka the Otter himself. It has a stunning mosiac and a concave body. Standing peacefully at the side of the path, it can come as quite a surprise if you're daydreaming.
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Keep an eye out for goosanders and great crested grebes when you visit the flooded Meeth Quarry nature reserve. The reserve is crossed by the Tarka Trail, which makes getting there by bike easy, although there is also car parking available. Make sure to seek out the bird hides and look for the Exmoor ponies that graze here. Check out more information about the nature reserve here: https://www.devonwildlifetrust.org/nature-reserves/meeth-quarry
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The medieval market town of Hatherleigh is an interesting place to explore. The town’s oldest building is the parish church, St John the Baptist, which dates to the 15th century but has some parts that survive from an earlier Norman building. A number of the ancient cob and thatch houses have also been dated to the 15th century. However, Haterleigh has a history that stretches back to Roman times. A busy Tuesday market has been held in the town since the 17th century.
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Nestled amongst green Devonshire countryside, Hatherleigh is a sleepy rural town along the Coast to Coast route. With local amenities such as a village shop, post office and two pubs, the town is a good place for a rest stop. The town is also a great base camp from which to explore Dartmoor National Park.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly is this Sheepwash hiking area located?
This guide focuses on the village of Sheepwash in North Devon, not to be confused with other locations of the same name in England. The hiking trails here explore the rolling countryside, quiet lanes, and former railway lines characteristic of this part of Devon.
Are the walks around Sheepwash dog-friendly?
Yes, the area is generally well-suited for walking with dogs. The trails, especially those along former railway lines like the Tarka Trail, offer plenty of space. However, you will be walking through pastoral countryside, so always be prepared to keep your dog on a lead, especially near livestock.
Can I find any easy, family-friendly hikes?
Absolutely. The terrain around Sheepwash is known for its gentle hills and accessible paths, making it great for families. A good option is the Glebe Pit loop from Meeth, which is a short, easy walk with very little elevation change, perfect for a family outing.
Are there many circular walks available?
Yes, circular routes are very common in this area. They allow you to start and end in the same place without retracing your steps. Many trails are designed as loops, such as the Round Pole Plantation – Courtleigh Wood loop from Meeth, which takes you through pleasant woodland scenery.
What is the general difficulty of the trails?
Most hikes around Sheepwash are rated as easy or moderate. The landscape features gentle, rolling hills rather than steep climbs, and many paths follow flat, disused railway lines. This makes the area accessible to most walkers with a reasonable level of fitness.
What do other hikers think of the trails in Sheepwash?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Hikers often praise the peaceful atmosphere, the mix of open countryside and wooded paths, and the unique experience of walking along the historic Tarka Trail.
Is there a good pub for a meal or drink after a hike?
Yes, a popular choice among locals and visitors is The Half Moon Inn in Sheepwash village. It's a highly-regarded, traditional inn known for its welcoming atmosphere and good food, making it an ideal spot to relax after a day of walking.
What kind of scenery can I expect on the walks?
The scenery is classic North Devon countryside. Expect a mix of pastoral fields, quiet country lanes, and charming wooded sections. A key feature of many routes is the Tarka Trail, which follows the path of a former railway line, offering a unique perspective on the landscape.
How many hiking trails are there to choose from?
There are nearly 20 designated hiking routes around Sheepwash available on komoot. These range from short, easy strolls to more moderate-length walks, offering plenty of options to explore the area's disused railway lines and rolling hills.
What is the best way to get to the trailheads?
Driving is the most convenient way to access the various trailheads around Sheepwash, as parking is often available near the start of popular routes, particularly those connected to the Tarka Trail. Public transport options are limited in this rural part of Devon, so a car provides the most flexibility.
Most popular attractions around Sheepwash
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