Horwood, Lovacott And Newton Tracey
Horwood, Lovacott And Newton Tracey
The best walks and hikes around Horwood, Lovacott And Newton Tracey
4.5
(561)
5,346
hikers
350
hikes
Hikes around Horwood, Lovacott and Newton Tracey explore the North Devon countryside, characterized by rolling hills and river valleys. The area's network of public footpaths includes sections of the Tarka Trail, which follows the course of the River Taw estuary. Many routes are relatively flat, passing through nature reserves and along coastal paths near villages like Fremington and Instow.
Best hiking trails around Horwood, Lovacott And Newton Tracey
- The most popular hiking route is Barnstaple Long Bridge – Fremington Quay Café loop from Fremington, a 7.3 mile (11.8 km) trail that takes about 3 hours to complete. This route follows the River Taw and passes the popular Fremington Quay Café.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is Isley Marsh Nature Reserve – Instow Beach loop from Fremington, a moderate 9.7 mile (15.6 km) path. The trail offers views across the estuary and leads through the Isley Marsh Nature Reserve.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the Fremington Quay Café – Big Mushroom loop from Fremington, a 3.5 mile (5.6 km) trail leading through gentle terrain, often completed in about 1 hour 30 minutes.
- Hiking around Horwood, Lovacott And Newton Tracey is defined by riverside paths, estuary views, and gentle countryside footpaths. The network of trails provides options for both easy, shorter walks and more moderate, longer distance hikes.
- The routes in Horwood, Lovacott And Newton Tracey are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from more than 470 reviews. More than 4,700 hikers have used komoot to explore Horwood, Lovacott And Newton Tracey's varied terrain.
Last updated: November 10, 2026
4.0
(3)
50
hikers
11.8km
03:01
50m
50m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths.
5.0
(1)
37
hikers
13.7km
03:29
30m
30m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths.
5.0
(3)
37
hikers
17.0km
04:20
50m
50m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths.
3.5
(2)
23
hikers
8.08km
02:04
30m
30m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths.
19
hikers
10.2km
02:40
70m
70m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths.
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Tips from the Community
The Dripping Well in Anchor Woods, Barnstaple, is a natural spring historically associated with water-cure treatments and possibly a holy well. It's known for a brick and stone surround added in the 19th century and was once a popular stop for those seeking its waters for medicinal purposes
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Fremington Quay Cafe, and the bike hire centre only 200m away from here
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Take a few mins to sit on one of the benches and take in the scenary. This is a good rest spot as there's a cafe where you can get some food or just sit outside with your pack lunch. This is a very popular touristy destination so expect it to be busy in the summer months
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Fremington Quay, located along the Tarka Trail, offers stunning panoramic views of the River Taw. Once a bustling port handling goods from across the globe, it is now a perfect spot to begin your journey or take a well-deserved rest. The old railway line, originally built for transporting goods, now forms part of the scenic Tarka Trail.
2
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The free parking along the road is only for 1hr with no return for 1hr go at 17:01
3
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So what exactly would be the highlight?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there many hiking trails in the Horwood, Lovacott and Newton Tracey area?
Yes, there is a wide selection of routes to explore. You can find over 370 hiking trails throughout the area, ranging from gentle riverside strolls to more challenging countryside hikes.
What do other hikers enjoy about the trails here?
The trails are highly regarded by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the scenic paths along the River Taw estuary and the well-maintained sections of the Tarka Trail. The mix of coastal views and quiet, rural footpaths is a frequently mentioned highlight.
Are there any easy, family-friendly walks?
Absolutely. The area is well-suited for families, with over 200 easy hikes available. Many of these follow relatively flat terrain, like the paths around Fremington. A great option is the Fremington Quay Café – Big Mushroom loop from Fremington, which is a shorter walk on gentle paths.
Can I bring my dog on the trails?
Yes, many of the footpaths in the region are dog-friendly. The open spaces along the Tarka Trail and the various public footpaths are great for walking with a dog. However, always be mindful of wildlife, especially in nature reserves like Isley Marsh, and keep your dog on a lead where required or near livestock.
Are there any circular hiking routes available?
Yes, many of the most popular routes are loops, meaning you can start and finish in the same place without retracing your steps. For a scenic circular walk with great estuary views, consider the Isley Marsh Nature Reserve loop from Fremington.
Where can I find a good pub walk?
The area is perfect for a classic pub walk. A popular choice for food and drink after a hike is The Hunters Inn in Newton Tracey. You can plan a route that starts or ends in the village to enjoy a well-earned rest at this highly-regarded local pub.
How can I access the Tarka Trail?
The Tarka Trail is easily accessible from several points near the parish. Many routes start from villages like Fremington or Instow, which lie directly on the trail. These sections offer flat, traffic-free walking along the River Taw estuary.
Are there any trails with good views?
Many trails offer fantastic views, particularly those along the River Taw Estuary. For panoramic scenery across the countryside and estuary, hikes that take you towards Instow are excellent. The Instow Beach loop from Instow provides wonderful coastal and countryside vistas.
What is the terrain like for hiking in this area?
The hiking is generally characterized by gentle, rolling hills and flat riverside paths. Most routes are on well-defined public footpaths and sections of the Tarka Trail. While there are some moderate climbs, the area is not known for strenuous mountain ascents, making it accessible for most fitness levels.
Where is a good place to park for a walk?
Parking is often available in the villages that serve as gateways to the trails. For routes along the Tarka Trail, Fremington Quay has a car park and is a very popular starting point. The village of Instow also offers parking options for walks beginning there.
Are there any long-distance hiking options?
Yes, the Tarka Trail itself is a 180-mile figure-of-eight long-distance path, and you can walk long sections of it. For a substantial day hike, the Isley Marsh Nature Reserve – Instow Beach loop from Fremington is nearly 10 miles (16 km) and offers a great tour of the local landscape.
Can I see wildlife on the hikes?
Yes, the area is rich in wildlife, especially birdlife. The Isley Marsh Nature Reserve, managed by the RSPB, is a key location for birdwatching along the Taw Estuary. Walks that pass through this area offer a great chance to spot various waders and waterfowl.
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