The best walks and hikes around Burlescombe

There are over 190 hiking routes available around Burlescombe, catering to various skill levels. You'll find a good mix, with nearly 100 easy trails, 85 moderate options, and a few more challenging routes for experienced hikers.

Yes, Burlescombe offers several family-friendly walks. The Grand Western Canal towpath is particularly suitable, providing flat, accessible paths with scenic views. Many of the easy routes, such as the Owl Carved from Tree Stump loop from Burlescombe, are also great for families.

Many routes around Burlescombe are circular, allowing you to start and end in the same location. Popular options include the challenging Jubilee Bridge – Swans Neck Café loop from Sampford Peverell, which offers extensive views, or the easier Slow Jack's Woods – Coldharbour Mill loop from Uffculme.

Burlescombe's hiking trails showcase diverse landscapes. You'll encounter the tranquil towpaths of the Grand Western Canal, rolling farmland, and the varied terrain of the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which features ancient woodlands and heathland. The region's proximity to the Quantock Hills and Exmoor National Park also means you can experience wild moorland and dramatic coastlines within reach.

Yes, the area is rich in history. You can visit the ruins of the 12th-century Canonsleigh Abbey or the historic Burlescombe Parish Church (St. Mary's). The Wellington Monument, the tallest three-sided obelisk in the world, is also a prominent landmark on the Blackdown Hills. Other points of interest include St Mary's Church and Hemyock Castle.

The hiking trails in Burlescombe are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.7 stars from nearly 200 reviews. Hikers often praise the varied terrain, from the peaceful canal paths to the scenic Blackdown Hills, and appreciate the well-maintained routes that offer a mix of easy strolls and more challenging excursions.

While many trails are easy to moderate, there are options for more experienced hikers. The Jubilee Bridge – Swans Neck Café loop from Sampford Peverell is classified as difficult, covering 19.6 km and taking over 5 hours to complete, offering a good test of endurance with rewarding views.

Absolutely. The Blackdown Hills, where Burlescombe is located, offer numerous opportunities for scenic views. The Culmstock Beacon Viewpoint and the View from Sampford Point are popular spots for panoramic vistas of the Mid Devon countryside and beyond.

Yes, the Parish Council has converted a section of a narrow-gauge railway line, which once served a medieval limestone quarry, into a delightful walking path. This offers a unique blend of industrial heritage and natural beauty for hikers to explore.

Burlescombe is well-situated for access to various trails. Many routes start directly from the village or nearby hamlets. For specific trailheads, it's advisable to check the individual route details on komoot, which often include information on starting points and potential parking options.

The Grand Western Canal itself is a major attraction, with its historic construction dating back to 1810, featuring several bridges and culverts in the Burlescombe area. The towpath offers a gentle walk with continuous views of the canal and the surrounding Mid Devon countryside, making it a pleasant experience in itself.