The best walks and hikes around Black Torrington
4.6
(11)
120
hikers
14
hikes
Hiking around Black Torrington explores the gentle terrain of the Torridge Valley in Devon, characterized by rolling hills, farmland, and woodlands. The region features a network of public footpaths and bridleways, often following former railway lines like sections of the Tarka Trail and Ruby Way. These paths provide relatively flat and accessible routes through the countryside. The landscape includes serene riverside paths and expansive woodlands, offering diverse hiking experiences.
Best hiking trails around Black Torrington
- The most popular hiking route is Petrockstow Station Platform loop from Petrockstowe, a 5.7 miles (9.2 km) trail that takes around 2 hours 20 minutes to complete. This moderate route follows a section of a former railway line.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Great Cafe – Hatherleigh loop from Hatherleigh, an easy 3.4 miles (5.4 km) path. The trail offers a pleasant walk through the area's fields and villages.
- Local hikers also love the Wooded Path – Glebe Pit Lake loop from Petrockstowe, a 6.4 miles (10.3 km) trail leading through local woodlands, often completed in about 2 hours 39 minutes.
- Hiking around Black Torrington is defined by tranquil river valleys, accessible former railway lines, and dedicated nature reserves. The network of footpaths near Black Torrington provides options for both short, easy walks and longer, moderate hikes.
- The routes in Black Torrington are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 10 reviews. More than 120 hikers have used komoot to explore Black Torrington's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 14, 2026
5.0
(2)
24
hikers
8.19km
02:07
40m
40m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
21
hikers
10.3km
02:39
50m
50m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
3
hikers
5.41km
01:30
100m
100m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
hikers
13.1km
03:36
230m
220m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
This tiny North Devon village was listed in the Domesday Book and if you catch it from certainly angles, it doesn't appear to have changed all that much. With delightfully old buildings, a former smithy and a weather-beaten stone cross, it's a classic ancient rural village. The Tarka Trail passes through, so it's a lovely place to stop for a picnic if you're doing the trail.
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Today, all that remains of Petrockstow station is a platform. It was originally built to serve the clay pits and quarries in the area, it then went on to be used as part of the local Light Railway. Its use as a railway station ended with the Beeching Cuts but it lives on as part of the Tarka Trail – a long-distance foot and cycle path.
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There are a few sculptures along the Tarka Trail and this one is of Tarka the Otter himself. It has a stunning mosiac and a concave body. Standing peacefully at the side of the path, it can come as quite a surprise if you're daydreaming.
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Keep an eye out for goosanders and great crested grebes when you visit the flooded Meeth Quarry nature reserve. The reserve is crossed by the Tarka Trail, which makes getting there by bike easy, although there is also car parking available. Make sure to seek out the bird hides and look for the Exmoor ponies that graze here. Check out more information about the nature reserve here: https://www.devonwildlifetrust.org/nature-reserves/meeth-quarry
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The medieval market town of Hatherleigh is an interesting place to explore. The town’s oldest building is the parish church, St John the Baptist, which dates to the 15th century but has some parts that survive from an earlier Norman building. A number of the ancient cob and thatch houses have also been dated to the 15th century. However, Haterleigh has a history that stretches back to Roman times. A busy Tuesday market has been held in the town since the 17th century.
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Nestled amongst green Devonshire countryside, Hatherleigh is a sleepy rural town along the Coast to Coast route. With local amenities such as a village shop, post office and two pubs, the town is a good place for a rest stop. The town is also a great base camp from which to explore Dartmoor National Park.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there many circular walks starting near Black Torrington?
Yes, the area offers several enjoyable circular hikes. Many routes are designed to bring you back to your starting point without retracing your steps. For a shorter walk through local woodlands, consider the Glebe Pit loop from Meeth, which is just over 2 miles long.
Can I bring my dog on the trails around Black Torrington?
Most public footpaths in the region are dog-friendly, but it's essential to keep your dog under control, especially near livestock. Trails like the Ruby Way and Tarka Trail are great for walks with a dog on a lead. Always check for local signage regarding specific restrictions.
Are there any easy, family-friendly walks in the area?
Definitely. The region is known for its gentle terrain, with many walks suitable for all ages. A great option is the Round Pole Plantation – Courtleigh Wood loop from Meeth, which is a relatively flat walk of about 2.3 miles through pleasant woodland.
What are the trails like around Black Torrington?
The hiking is characterized by gentle, rolling countryside. You'll find a mix of quiet country lanes, public footpaths across fields, and dedicated multi-use trails along former railway lines like the Tarka Trail and Ruby Way. The terrain is generally not strenuous, with no officially graded difficult hikes in the immediate area.
Where can I find the best scenery or viewpoints on a walk?
For dramatic landscapes, a short drive to Dartmoor National Park is highly recommended, offering expansive moorland views from its granite tors. Closer to Black Torrington, many trails provide lovely views of the River Torridge valley and the surrounding patchwork of fields and woods.
Are there any long-distance walking paths accessible from Black Torrington?
Yes, the village is well-positioned for accessing major regional trails. The famous Tarka Trail passes nearby, offering miles of walking through the North Devon landscape. You can also connect to the Ruby Way, another significant trail that follows a former railway line through the countryside.
What do other hikers think of the routes around Black Torrington?
The trails in this area are well-regarded by the komoot community. Reviewers often praise the peaceful atmosphere of the countryside and the accessibility of the paths, many of which follow flat, disused railway lines.
Are there any walks that go through forests or woodlands?
Yes, several routes take you through local woodlands. A good example is the Petrockstow Station Platform loop from Meeth, which combines sections of the Tarka Trail with paths through wooded areas, offering a varied and scenic hike.
Where is a good place to park for a walk?
Parking availability varies by route. For trails starting in villages like Meeth, Hatherleigh, or Petrockstowe, you can often find on-street parking or small village car parks. Designated trailheads, such as those along the Tarka Trail, typically have their own parking areas.
Are there any pubs or cafes located along the walking routes?
While some trails pass through or near villages like Hatherleigh that have pubs and local shops, many of the more rural footpaths do not have facilities directly on the route. It's a good practice to plan your hike to start or end in a village if you're looking for refreshments afterwards.
What kind of wildlife or natural features might I see?
The walks around Black Torrington take you through the lush Torridge Valley. You can expect to see classic Devonshire countryside with rolling hills and woodlands. The River Torridge is a key feature, and nearby nature reserves managed by the Devon Wildlife Trust, such as Mambury Moor, protect rare grasslands and plant species.
Most popular routes around Black Torrington
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