The best walks and hikes around Coly

There are over 10 hiking trails around Coly, offering a variety of experiences through ancient woodlands, river valleys, and rolling farmland within the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Yes, Coly offers several easy routes suitable for beginners and families. For instance, the Coly river and village loop from Coly is a gentle 2.9-mile (4.7 km) path that takes you through picturesque river valleys and the charming village, often completed in about an hour and 15 minutes.

Hiking around Coly offers diverse landscapes, including ancient semi-natural woodlands like Coly Wood with mature broadleaved trees, spring-fed streams, and sunny glades. You'll also enjoy far-reaching views across the stunning East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, characterized by rolling farmland and wooded hillsides. The area is also close to the spectacular Jurassic Coast, providing additional coastal scenery.

For those seeking a more challenging experience, Coly does offer routes with significant elevation gain and longer distances. An example is the Coly river and village – The Gardens of the Imagination loop from Coly, a difficult 12.7-mile (20.5 km) trail with over 500 meters of ascent.

The hiking routes in Coly are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 280 reviews. Hikers often praise the serene ancient woodlands, the varied terrain, and the opportunities to explore both natural beauty and charming villages.

Yes, many of the trails around Coly are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. A popular moderate circular route is the Saint-Amand-de-Coly – Saint-Amand Abbey loop from Coly, which is 7.3 miles (11.7 km) long and leads through scenic areas and historical sites.

While hiking around Coly, you can explore several interesting landmarks. The area is close to the historic village of Saint-Amand-de-Coly and the impressive Saint-Amand Abbey. Further afield, you can visit Montignac-Lascaux Old Town and the renowned Lascaux International Centre for Cave Art.

Many trails in the Coly area are suitable for dogs, especially those through woodlands and open countryside. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, particularly when passing through farmland with livestock or in areas with sensitive wildlife. Check local signage for specific restrictions.

Coly itself is a village, and while local bus services connect to nearby towns, direct public transport to specific trailheads might be limited. Planning your route in advance and checking local bus timetables for connections to Coly or surrounding villages would be advisable.

The Coly area is beautiful year-round. Spring brings vibrant displays of bluebells and wild daffodils in the glades, while autumn offers stunning foliage in the ancient woodlands. Summer is ideal for longer hikes, and even winter can be rewarding with crisp air and quiet trails, though some paths might be muddy.

Yes, the north-western corner of Coly Wood, situated at approximately 80–100 meters above sea level, provides far-reaching views across the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Many shorter loops incorporate sections of the woodland, offering glimpses of the rolling farmland and wooded hillsides.

The area surrounding Coly features charming villages like Colyton, which offer local pubs and eateries. Many hiking routes pass through or near these villages, making it possible to plan a walk that includes a refreshing stop at a traditional pub.