Blackdown Hill walks
We’ve designed different walks around our local area, varying in distance, in elevation (how steep the paths are), and in the number of pubs along the route!! All of the walks are designed to start from our holiday cottage, but really you can start them from any place along the route. As most walks have a pub stop suggested at some point, this could be a great place to start the walk from, and have a rewarding drink or meal at the end!
Our local pubs web page contains contact details for each pub – we recommend checking opening hours and reserving a table if you plan to eat as they can get busy.
We hope you enjoy trying out our walks around the Blackdown Hills.
This is a long rewarding walk around four local villages, with two potential pub stops* after 7.8 miles (Checkpoint 9) and 9.8 miles (11). There are a few steep climbs, but they’re worth it (we think!) for the views back across the valley, including all the way to the coast on a clear day.
02 Stockland walk
This is a 6 mile circular walk along quiet single track country lanes. There are a few relatively short, steep climbs, but nothing too strenuous if you take it steady
This is an 11 mile circular walk across into the Otter Valley, passing through the beautiful village of Upottery. It’s mostly along quiet country lanes, crossing a few busy A-roads. There are a few steep climbs in the first half of the walk, but you get amazing views of the Yarty Valley towards the end.
This is a short 3.4 mile circular walk, mostly along quiet single track country lanes and with a short section on a footpath crossing fields. Watch out for livestock. The route takes you up to the top of the hill behind Ley Farm, with great views of the Yarty Valley below.
This 6.3 mile circular walk heads to the south of Ley Farm, and climbs Beacon Hill to provide a great view up the Yarty Valley. It is mostly on quiet country lanes with some rough tracks and footpaths.
This is a 6.1m circular local walk within our valley along quiet single track country lanes. There is a slightly shorter and much flatter walk option if you take the lower route along the valley. Otherwise, a few steep but short sections climbing up the other side.
This is a longer circular hike (14 miles) across into the Otter Valley and back across into the Yarty Valley. It’s mostly along quiet country lanes but crosses a few busy A roads. There are a few climbs and descents, along with amazing views of the Yarty Valley near the end. It’s mostly downhill for the final 3 miles.
This 15.6 mile circular hike takes you past several lovely pubs* in the villages of the Blackdown Hills. It’s a similar route to Walk 07 but adds in the village of Upottery and adds some lovely views across the Otter Valley at the start.
This is an 11 mile circular walk that heads south of Ley Farm into the Corry valley. The route passes through the pretty village of Dalwood and returns through Stockland village with a nice pub stop just over a mile from home. It’s mostly quiet country lanes with a few steep climbs and one long steep climb up Beacon Hill.
This is a short circular walk that takes you to The Kings Arms in Stockland. It’s a relatively easy walk, with a short climb towards the start and then mostly flat or downhill. It’s a good way to stretch your legs before lunch or dinner at the pub!
An easy fairly flat walk across and along the Yarty Valley on quiet country lanes. It loops back across the River Yarty up to Stockland, with an optional pub stop at The Kings Arms (dog friendly) if you want.
This short loop runs along the valley and up along a ridge with great panoramic views of the Yarty Valley either side. It runs mainly along quiet single track country lanes with a very short section on the A30.
13 Yarcombe Village walk
This is a short loop that runs up the Yarty Valley and through Yarcombe village before heading back down to Ley Farm. There’s a fabulous view down the valley from the top of the hill.
Ley Farm Cottages 