6.25miles/
10kms

Newton Poppleford Heath and valley

About this route

This walk is based around Newton Poppleford and uses minor lanes and old tracks to the west of the village, before circling back on the route of the East Devon Way. It offers a pleasant walk through quiet countryside as well as some good views over the valley of the River Otter, one of East Devon’s characteristic landscape features.

Getting Around

Newton Poppleford is well served by the regular bus services between Exeter and Sidmouth, and between Exmouth and Sidmouth.

Facilities

Newton Poppleford (all facilities).

Terrain

One relatively gentle climb of 70m / 230 feet.

Accessibility
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Interesting information

Newton Poppleford was a deliberately planned new town in the 13th century, which is how it got its name – the new town at the pebble ford (over the River Otter). You will pass the Old Toll House, dating from 1758. This is the oldest toll house in Devon.

As the walk joins the East Devon Way, waymarked by mauve arrows and often a foxglove symbol, you will pass through Hawkerland Valley, Aylesbeare Common (a RSPB Nature Reserve) and Harpford Common, all part of the Pebblebed Heaths complex.