The best walks and hikes around Musbury

Yes, Musbury is an excellent starting point for circular hikes. The area features a network of footpaths and quiet lanes that loop back to the village. Many routes incorporate a climb to the Musbury Castle hill fort, rewarding you with panoramic views of the Axe Valley before descending back towards your starting point.

Many trails in the Musbury area are great for walking with dogs, but be prepared for paths crossing farmland with livestock, where dogs must be kept on a lead. The nearby View of Cannington Viaduct – Prescott Pinetum loop from Axminster offers a good mix of woodland and open tracks. Always follow the countryside code and be mindful of local signage.

For a relatively gentle walk suitable for families, consider the St Andrew's Church, Colyton – River Coly Ford and Footbridge loop from Colyton. It's a flatter route that follows the scenic River Coly. For a different experience, the nearby Seaton Wetlands has level boardwalks perfect for spotting wildlife and enjoying the marshland scenery.

While Musbury itself has limited services, the nearby towns of Axminster and Seaton are accessible by bus and, in Axminster's case, by train. From there, you can connect to local footpaths, including the East Devon Way, to walk towards Musbury. It's best to plan your route from the station or bus stop in advance.

Parking in Musbury village is limited, mainly consisting of on-street parking. Please park considerately, ensuring you do not block residents' access. For some routes starting outside the village, there may be small lay-bys or designated car parks, such as at Trinity Hill Forestry England, but these can fill up quickly.

While Musbury village itself has limited amenities, several walks connect to nearby villages like Colyton and Axmouth, which have traditional pubs perfect for a post-hike refreshment. Planning a route that finishes in one of these villages is a great way to end your walk.

The views are a major highlight of hiking here. The primary vantage point is from the top of Musbury Castle, an Iron Age hill fort, which offers what many describe as one of the best panoramic views of the Axe Valley, stretching towards the English Channel. Other routes provide serene views of the River Axe and the impressive Cannington Viaduct.

The East Devon Way is a 40-mile long-distance footpath running from Exmouth to Lyme Regis. A section of this well-marked trail passes directly through Musbury and over Musbury Castle. You can walk short sections of it as part of a circular route or use it as a gateway for a longer trek through the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

There are over 300 hiking routes to explore around Musbury, ranging from easy riverside strolls to more challenging ascents into the hills. The area offers a great variety, with 162 classified as easy and 139 as moderate, ensuring there's a trail for every fitness level.

The trails are very well-regarded by the komoot community, with over 7,000 visitors contributing to an average rating of 4.5 stars. Hikers frequently praise the stunning panoramic views from the hilltops and the peaceful atmosphere of the river valleys.

Yes, for those seeking a more challenging, full-day hike, the Lyme Regis Seafront – Uplyme Watermill loop from Uplyme is an excellent choice. This 11.2-mile (18.1 km) route is a difficult hike that takes you through varied landscapes and connects to the famous Jurassic Coast at Lyme Regis.

The entire region is part of the East Devon National Landscape, a highly-regarded nature preserve. For a dedicated nature walk, many visitors enjoy the trails within Holyford Woods Local Nature Reserve. The River Axe itself is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and walks along its banks offer great opportunities for spotting local flora and fauna.