The best walks and hikes around Dowland

There are over 20 hiking trails around Dowland, offering a variety of options for different preferences and skill levels. The komoot community has explored more than 200 of these routes.

Hikes in Dowland primarily feature a rural landscape with gentle terrain. You'll find routes winding through farms, pastures, and open spaces, often following wooded paths and former railway lines. The area is characterized by river valleys and rolling hills, with generally low elevation gains.

Yes, Dowland offers many easy hiking options. Approximately 14 of the available routes are classified as easy, making them suitable for a relaxed stroll. An example is the Meeth Quarry Nature Reserve – Glebe Pit Lake loop from Meeth, a 3.0-mile (4.8 km) trail.

Yes, many of the trails in Dowland are circular. For instance, the popular Petrockstow Station Platform – Wooded Path loop from Meeth is a 5.1-mile (8.2 km) moderate route, and the Iddesleigh Village – Hatherleigh loop from Iddesleigh offers an 8.4-mile (13.5 km) moderate circular path.

The hiking trails in Dowland are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 30 reviews. Hikers often praise the scenic rural landscapes, wooded paths, and the variety of options for different ability levels.

Given the gentle terrain and numerous easy routes, many trails in Dowland are suitable for families. The Meeth Quarry Nature Reserve – Glebe Pit Lake loop from Meeth, for example, is a shorter, easy loop that could be a good option for families.

Many rural trails in the Dowland area are dog-friendly, but it's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, especially when passing through farmland with livestock or nature reserves. Always check local signage for specific restrictions.

Yes, there are several interesting places to explore near Dowland's hiking trails. You might encounter historical sites like Heywood Castle Motte and Bailey, or natural features such as the River Torridge Bridges and Eggesford Forest. The village of Hatherleigh is also nearby.

While specific parking details for every trailhead are not always listed, many rural trailheads in the Dowland area, especially near villages like Meeth or Iddesleigh, often have small car parks or roadside parking available. It's advisable to check the starting point of your chosen route on komoot for more precise parking information.

Public transport options directly to every trailhead in the rural Dowland area may be limited. It's best to check local bus services for routes connecting to nearby villages such as Meeth or Iddesleigh, which serve as starting points for several popular hikes.

While Dowland's terrain is generally gentle, there are moderate routes that offer a longer distance and more varied elevation. For example, the Iddesleigh Village – Hatherleigh loop from Iddesleigh is an 8.4-mile (13.5 km) moderate hike with a notable elevation gain, providing a more extended experience.

The Dowland area, being rural and featuring traditional Devon villages, likely has routes that pass near or through villages with local pubs. While not explicitly detailed for every trail, exploring routes that start or end in villages like Iddesleigh could offer opportunities for a post-hike refreshment.