The best walks and hikes around Ermington

Yes, many trails in the South Hams countryside are great for walking with dogs. The open spaces and numerous footpaths provide plenty of room to explore. However, you will likely cross fields with livestock, so it's essential to keep your dog on a lead in these areas. Also, be mindful of ground-nesting birds on the moorland sections, especially during spring and early summer.

The area offers many gentle options perfect for families. The paths following the River Erme are particularly suitable, offering scenic, relatively flat strolls. For an accessible route, the 'Miles Without Stiles' path in Longtimber Woods near Ivybridge is a great choice, passing small waterfalls and pools. There are over 100 easy routes in the region to choose from.

For those seeking a challenge, the proximity to Dartmoor National Park is a major advantage. The park offers rugged terrain, steep ascents to granite tors, and wild, open spaces for demanding hikes. A good example of a more strenuous route is the Pithill Wood – Western Beacon Summit loop from Ugborough, which involves a steady climb to the summit for rewarding views.

Absolutely. A walk followed by a pub lunch is a classic South Devon experience. The village of Ermington and nearby villages like Ugborough and Ivybridge have traditional pubs. Many circular routes can be planned to start or finish near a pub, allowing you to enjoy refreshments after your hike through the countryside.

The terrain is varied. You can expect gentle riverside paths through water meadows, walks along quiet country lanes, and routes through ancient woodlands. As you get closer to Dartmoor, the trails become more rugged with ascents onto open moorland, where paths can be uneven and exposed to the elements. Good walking shoes are recommended for all routes.

Yes, circular walks are a key feature of hiking in this area. The dense network of public footpaths allows for numerous loops of varying lengths, starting from Ermington or nearby villages. This means you can easily explore the Erme Valley, surrounding hills, and pastoral landscapes without having to retrace your steps. The Pithill Wood – Harford Moor Gate loop from Ugborough is a popular moderate circular route.

Ermington and the surrounding area are best accessed by car, as many trailheads are in rural locations. However, the nearby town of Ivybridge has a train station with connections to Plymouth and Exeter. From Ivybridge, you can access the Erme-Plym Trail and other local footpaths. Some local bus services connect the villages, but schedules can be infrequent, so it's best to plan your journey in advance.

The trails are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 stars. Hikers often praise the beautiful English countryside scenery, the mix of gentle river valleys and more challenging moorland, and the tranquility of the ancient woodlands like Piles Copse.

Yes, there are plenty of short walks. You can take a brief stroll from Ermington's village square along the River Erme towards Sequer's Bridge. For a slightly longer but still manageable option, the Pithill Wood – Erme Valley loop from Ivybridge is a 4.3-mile (6.9 km) route that can be completed in about 2 hours.

Yes, the Erme-Plym Trail is a waymarked long-distance path that connects Ivybridge to Plymouth, passing near Ermington. This trail offers the chance for longer, linear walks through the South Hams landscape. For a truly epic challenge, it also connects to the Two Moors Way, a trail that crosses both Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks.

The diverse habitats support a variety of wildlife. Along the River Erme, you might spot dippers, kingfishers, and herons. The ancient woodlands are home to various bird species, and the open moorland of Dartmoor is famous for its wild ponies. Keep an eye out for buzzards soaring overhead in the hills.