Spring walks in Honiton

Heading to East Devon this spring? Make sure to see the best of the season with these spring walks around Honiton – perfect for getting to spot those incredible spring flowers which are starting to spring up everywhere.

Whether you’re looking to head out now to find daffodils and snow drops, or you want to wait for spring proper and the carpets of bluebells, here are some of the best walks in the area for seeing the season change.

Hembury Fort

Located on the outskirts of Honiton is Hembury Fort, a Neolithic Iron Age Hill Fort that is protected by a special management team. While it’s fascinating and picturesque all year around, in the spring it is bluebell central – the entire area is carpeted with them, which can really put you in the sprit of the season!

This area is very popular with families and ramblers alike in dry weather, so you might want to plan your visit accordingly, but it does feature an easy circular route with access via a public footpath on the A373 and is perfect for anyone wanting to see the colours that spring has to offer.

The Blackdown Hills

Honiton is the gateway to the Blackdown Hills, one of the UK’s best loved Natural Landscapes (AONB). There are a host of beautiful walking routes around the Blackdown Hills, especially around the Honiton area.

One option is to take a stroll around Kentisbeare, which isn’t far from Honiton and is home to lots of wild garlic, giving you a chance to indulge in the true scent of spring. Here you’ll also be able to enjoy the swifts as they start to spread their wings and use the nest boxes at the nearby church.

If you’d rather explore on two wheels instead of two feet, grab your bikes and take advantage of the many cycle routes around the Blackdown Hills, including the Honiton, Stockland and Upottery route, which gives you the option to either complete the full 20 mile route or cut it down to smaller increments. It’s a fairly challenging route, so won’t be for everyone, but if you’re up for a challenge, this is a great way to see those spring flowers coming into bloom.

Alternatively, there is an easier 11 mile route that will take you through Honiton, Luppot and Combe Raleigh which will take you to Wolford Chapel and Combe Woods, as well as St Mary Church in Luppit where you’ll find Devon’s oldest font!

Whether you head out in March or choose to wait until spring is fully in bloom, the Blackdown Hills are a great place to experience the season, from the flowers to the birds which are more active at this time of year.

Blackbury Camp

Ok, this one is a little further out as it is nearer Colton than Honiton, but it is close enough to be worth a visit. Like Hembury Fort, this is also an Iron Age Hill Fort with some lovely circular walks and plenty of blue bells to see. You’ll also find cow parsley and ferns, as well as an abundance of bunnies, birds and pheasants.

Fire Beacon Hill Nature Reserve

Another nearby spot is Fire Beacon Hill Nature Reserve which is close to Sidmouth. As a nature reserve, you can be sure that you’ll find several animals, including lizards and nightjars but it is also a great spot for seeing bluebells, the heathland is often packed with them come April!

Aylesbeare Common

Managed by the RSPB, Aylesbeare Common is also close to Sidmouth and if you’re someone more concerned with spring animals than spring flowers, it’s where you need to be. The common is known for being a habitat for Dartford Warblers which are incredibly rare and you can keep an eye out for them on several circular walks which takes in the pebbelbed heaths of the area.

Find more walks around Honiton here.