Top 10 Woodland Walks

As woodlands are generally sheltered from the wind, they provide a mild place to visit during cold winters, and the canopy provides shade during summer meaning they are a great place to visit all year round, especially with your four-legged-friend – make sure to bring your walking shoes when its been raining though! On these walks you might come across native wildlife and farm livestock. Please be respectful of their home, keep your distance and put dogs on leads.

Brixham

1) Berry Head woods

Difficulty: Easy

The woods are mostly flat with a wide-open field next to it, great for those with younger children to run around in.

You may be surprised to know there are woodlands on this well-known headland - almost 20 acres of it! With large footpaths and good visibility between trees, the woods at Berry Head Nature Reserve is an ideal place to allow young children and dogs to explore safely.

Park at the local Berry Head car park (be careful – this car park will scan your number plate on entry and has been known to charge people even if they only turn around in the car park) or walk from nearby Brixham Harbour or Breakwater Beach. When you arrive by the car park, stroll across the wide-open fields in front of you and enter the woods here. If you’re walking from Brixham, follow the road past Berry Head Hotel and enter the woods by the gate next to the Berry Head sign.

After you’ve finished exploring the woodlands, why not wander up to the Napoleonic forts and learn about the history of this breath-taking spot. Take in the panoramic sea views and refresh with a bite to eat at the Guardhouse Café. Please be careful here, the forts are on the edge of the cliff with no safety barriers, so it is advisable to put dogs on leads and keep young children close.

There is plenty of wildlife to spot at Berry Head Nature Reserve, in the woodlands you can expect to see a wide range of birds, butterflies and bees. On the headlands, keep an eye out for dolphins – if you’re lucky, you may spot the Berry Head dolphin pod! Head to the Bird Hide next to the Guardhouse Café to discover the colony of guillemots – you will hear them before you see them!

Berry Head is also home to Greater Horseshoe Bats who roost in the extensive limestone quarries. In Summer, why not join the rangers for a ‘Bat Walk’ to find out more about these protected species.

2) The Grove, Churston and Marridge Woods

Difficulty: Moderate

The woods are mostly set around a valley so there are some steep hills as well as rocky, muddy footpaths which become slippery when wet and may not be suitable for those who are less mobile.

With over 100 acres to explore, a network of footpaths and some secluded beaches, you’ll find something to enjoy at The Grove and adjoining Churston and Marridge Woods. There are multiple entrances, including one at the end of a lane near Churston Court and one above Fishcombe Cove in Brixham, or follow the coast path from Elberry Cove.

The woods are awash with wildlife, from unusual species of butterflies, to protected horseshoe bats to a plethora of local birds. And why not continue down to Churston Cove for a chance to spot the local seal colony.

The ancient woods at Churston is home to a collection of disused lime kilns where limestone from the quarries was burnt with coal in the kilns to produce quicklime. This was used in the production of whitewash and mortar for buildings and by farmers as a means of improving soil for agriculture.

Unfortunately, in 2017 it was discovered that many of the trees were infected and were ordered to be cut down. Soon after the felling, Torbay Coast and Countryside, alongside an army of local volunteers planted almost 5,000 new trees. Now, you can see the young trees beginning to grow again, and the grounds are full of shrubs and native wildflowers. In Spring the woodland floor comes alive with a sea of bluebells. Follow the main path down towards Churston Cove - a peaceful, secluded shingle beach – perfect for a quick dip after your walk.

3) Galmpton Creek to Greenway

Difficulty: Hard

This walk includes steep, rocky paths that become muddy and slippery during wet weather. Part of this walk includes a beach foreshore which is covered when the tide is in, so do check tide times before leaving.

This delightful walk will take you through country lanes, open farmland and woodlands with stunning views over the River Dart and will finish at Agatha Christie’s holiday home, Greenway House. It will take roughly an hour, leaving plenty of time to explore the Queen of Crime’s home.

Begin your walk at the Manor Inn pub in Galmpton. Follow Stoke Gabriel Road towards Totnes, passing the village shop on your left. Follow this country road until you reach the left turn to Galmpton Creek and then until you reach the entrance to Galmpton boatyard. Continue to follow the signposts towards Lower Greenway Farm and Greenway. Where the lane ends, bear left onto the unmettled path uphill and at the junction (where the tarmac lane recommences) continue straight ahead downhill then down the steps to Galmpton Creek, following the path over the beach to the lime kiln. The beach is not passable at high tide and it is highly recommended to stick to the wall and not venture towards the sea as the wet sand and mud can get very deep, very quickly.

By the lime kiln the path turns left, inland over a wooden stile and travels up through two fields passing from one field to another by a fingerpost through a wooden gate, then over a stone and metal bar stile before passing between the farm buildings and onto the farm track beyond. Cross the road and enter Down Copse Woodland. This is a large woodland on the entrance to the Greenway Estate. Turn left and walk 50 meters until you see green way markers directing you to Greenway House. Turn right and follow these until you reach Greenway car park. Et voila! You have arrived at Agatha Christie’s Greenway House.

Paignton

4) Occombe Valley

Difficulty: Easy

This walk includes pathways that are mostly gently sloping, although sometimes it does get steeper and does include some steps. This is a great place to take dogs, especially during hot summer days.

A dedicated local nature reserve and ancient woodlands, Occombe Valley is managed by the Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust. The woods are situated just in between Occombe Valley Road and Sandringham Drive, and can be entered from numerous places. The surrounding places are mostly residential and so adjacent parking is limited, however, why not begin your walk at Occombe Farm which offers car parking, toilets and a café.

The mature trees provide a great canopy which keeps the woods cool even on the hottest of days. There is also a stream running through the middle, making it a great place to go dog walking in the heat of summer.

The dense woodlands are home to much wildlife, including squirrels, badgers, foxes and even deer.

5) Clennon Lakes

Difficulty: Easy

This walk includes pathways and is mostly flat. During winter, it is prone to flooding so wellies are recommended!

This walk consists of woodlands, lakes and large fields which are used as sports playing fields during the summer.

Park your car in the Clennon Valley pay and display car park or take the bus to Clennon Valley and head towards Torbay Velopark. Follow the rocky path between the Velopark and the Torbay Leisure Centre round and it will take you past the playing fields and to the first lake. The three lakes are linked by rocky, flat footpaths. When you reach the third lake, there is a side path which takes you up a steep hill towards Clennon Gorge which is owned and managed by Paignton Zoo as a conservation area. The walk is circular and will lead you back onto the playing fields.

Clennon Lakes is a nature reserve consisting of manmade lakes created by the council in the 1980s. They are the most important wetland site on the English Riviera and home to many species found nowhere else in the Bay. On the lakes, you will find an array of birds including swans, ducks, moorhens, kingfishers, and herons. If you are taking your dog here, the rangers ask that you are respectful and ensure the dog does not disturb the local wildlife who call this home.

6) Primley Woods and Park

Difficulty: Easy

This walk consists of a moderate slope, but is a walled meadow and woodlands, suitable for dog walking.

Just a short walk from Paignton town centre, this park is edged with trees all around, sheltering it from the town and once inside, you can walk through the meadow and woodlands feeling completely secluded. There is a wall protecting it from the main road, but you can enter the park via an entrance on Totnes Road.

This area was once the back garden of Paignton Zoo founder Herbert Whitley but is now a public open space managed by the Zoo to encourage wildlife conservation at home.

The woodlands are carefully managed by zoo rangers, for example, you will see plenty of log piles and deadwood which provides homes for fungi, beetles, and other wildlife. Some of the trees in the woodlands are known to be over 200 years old!

Every season brings something new to Primley. In spring, the woodland floor turns blue with a sea of bluebells and the smell of wild garlic is a welcome aroma. In summer, the wildflower meadow is a riot of colour alive with butterflies and bees.

Torquay

7) Scadson Woods

Difficulty: Easy

This woodland walk is easy, with dedicated pathways. Why not begin your walk at Occombe Farm, where car parking, toilets and a café can be found?

Scadson Woods is a picturesque woodland situated between Occombe and Cockington. It is rife with wildlife including badgers, rabbits and even roe deer have been spotted here! With over 13 acres of woodlands, you can explore until your feet are sore! There are also dedicated cycle and free-ride routes here with challenging slopes and jumps.

Why not explore the nearby Cockington Village and Country Park, a UNESCO Global Geopark Key Site with the three ornamental lakes, historic Manor House and Cockington Craft Centre artisan shops. Refuel with a traditional Cream Tea at the Seven Dials Café based in Cockington Court Manor House.

8) Manscombe Woods and Cockington Country Park

Difficulty: Easy

This walk consists of clear pathways and some minor slopes. It is a great place for dogs and young children.

Manscombe Woods are the woodlands next to Cockington Country Park. Begin your walk at the idyllic Cockington village with traditional thatched roofs and horse drawn carriages. Wander round the Cockington Estate with large, manicured gardens, stroll around the three lakes surrounded by tropical plants or head into Manscombe Woods to get back to nature.

See Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust’s map for a printable map with five different walking routes to take with you on your walk.

After your walk, head to The Drum Inn, a traditional country pub with a roaring log fire for refreshments.

9) Brunel Woods

Difficulty: Easy

This walk includes some steps and some steep hills but has footpaths and is a relatively small woodland area at 15 acres. Begin your walk at Brunel Avenue, where you will find the entrance to Brunel Woods.

Brunel Woods at Watcombe was acquired by Isambard Kingdom Brunel who planned to retire there and had commissioned the design of a garden and a house, the latter of which was never built. The garden became woodland, with many of the species and features of Brunel’s time still existing today. The site is now managed by the Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust, and contains a network of paths and some impressive views to admire.

Whilst meandering around the site look out for the 58 ft commemorative totem sculpture in the woods known as ‘Brunel’s Dance’, dedicated to the great man.

The Thatched Tavern at Maidencombe is within easy walking distance of Brunel Woods and a great place to refresh. The thatched building, in the heart of the village, dates back to the 17th century and has a lovely beer garden as well as open fires to enjoy during the cooler evenings.

10) Watcombe Woods

Difficulty: Moderate

These are mature woods with steep hills. They are quite dense and may not be suitable for those who are less mobile.

Start your walk at Watcombe Beach car park. A steep path will lead down to Watcombe Beach, an idyllic sandy beach, sheltered by red cliffs and wooded hillsides.

This atmospheric walk through 70 acres of woodlands is dotted with glimpses of the red rocks of a one-time equatorial desert landscape. The mature, ivy and moss woven trees provide a prehistoric-jungle atmosphere which has encouraged many a ghost story.

So, there you have it, our Top 10 Woodland Walks on the English Riviera. Which one will you try first? Be sure to take photos and tag us on Instagram - @myriviera!