The best walks and hikes around Upottery

There are over 190 hiking trails in and around Upottery, offering a wide variety of options for different skill levels and preferences. You'll find everything from easy strolls to more challenging routes through the Blackdown Hills.

Hiking around Upottery offers diverse landscapes within the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You'll encounter rolling hills, ancient woodlands, and tranquil valleys, often with pathways alongside the scenic River Otter. Nature reserves like Otterhead Lakes provide opportunities to explore diverse ecosystems and spot wildlife.

Yes, Upottery offers plenty of easy hiking options perfect for beginners or families. There are over 90 easy routes available. An example is the Robin Hood's Butts Barrows – Otterhead Lakes loop from Otterford, which is an easy 4.3-mile path exploring the natural features around Otterhead Lakes.

Hikes around Upottery vary in duration. Many popular routes range from under two hours to over five hours. For instance, the Otterhead Lakes – Wire Sculpture of a Woman loop from Otterford typically takes about 2 hours 15 minutes, while the View of Blackdown Hills loop from Upottery is a longer route, often completed in about 3 hours 10 minutes.

Yes, circular walks are a popular option in the Blackdown Hills around Upottery. Many trails are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. The View of Blackdown Hills loop from Upottery is a prime example, showcasing the countryside views.

While hiking near Upottery, you can explore several interesting attractions. The Otterhead Lakes are a notable natural feature, offering diverse wildlife. You might also encounter historical sites such as the Castle Neroche Iron Age Hill Fort or the impressive Wellington Monument. The 12th-century St Mary's Church in Upottery itself is also a cultural landmark.

The hiking routes in Upottery are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 300 reviews. Hikers often praise the varied terrain, from rolling hills to tranquil river valleys, and the opportunities to explore ancient woodlands and nature reserves like Otterhead Lakes.

Yes, the region is rich in biodiversity. Otterhead Lakes is a significant nature reserve featuring two lakes, a river, grasslands, and wetlands, making it an excellent spot for wildlife observation. You might spot dormice, badgers, bats, kingfishers, dippers, and wagtails during your hike. Other nearby reserves include Bishopswood Meadows and Colwell Woods.

The Blackdown Hills offer beautiful hiking opportunities throughout the year. Spring and summer bring lush greenery and warmer weather, ideal for enjoying the full bloom of nature. Autumn provides stunning foliage, while winter walks can be tranquil, offering crisp air and unique perspectives of the landscape, though some paths might be muddy.

Many trails in the Blackdown Hills around Upottery are suitable for dogs, but it's always recommended to keep them on a lead, especially near livestock or in nature reserves to protect wildlife. Always check local signage for specific restrictions on individual routes.

While not directly on a hiking trail, the Upottery Airfield Heritage Centre, located on a former WWII airfield, is a significant historical site nearby. It offers insights into its role in D-Day operations and can be a point of interest for those exploring the wider area after a hike. You can learn more about it on Wikipedia.