Blackdown Hills AONB

About this route

The Blackdown Hills AONB, spanning the Devon-Somerset border, is a tranquil landscape of rolling hills, steep valleys, and rich biodiversity. Designated in 1991, it features flat-topped plateaus, ancient woodlands, and the unique geology of chert and greensand ridges. Traditional farmland, with small fields and hedgerows, supports rare orchids, butterflies, and birds like skylarks and barn owls, while wetlands and Culm grasslands are home to otters and marsh fritillaries. Steeped in history, the area boasts Iron Age hillforts, Roman roads, and landmarks like the Wellington Monument. Protected for its beauty and ecological importance, it offers serene walking and cycling trails.

Getting Around
Facilities
Terrain
Accessibility

Interesting information

The population of white-clawed crayfish in the River Culm within the Blackdown Hills is one of only two remaining in Devon. Blackdown Hills National Landscape are working hard to discover more about the white-clawed crayfish in the River Culm and finding ways to protect it from extinction.

crayfish release credit Jen Nightingale scaled
White clawed crayfish - Jen Nightingale

You can explore more in this area

Small domed stone building.

Culmstock Beacon

Culmstock Beacon provides a stunning viewpoint south to the River Culm valley and the historic village of Culmstock.  The Beacon
Small domed stone building.

Culmstock Beacon

Culmstock Beacon provides a stunning viewpoint south to the River Culm valley and the historic village of Culmstock.  The Beacon
Small domed stone building.

Culmstock Beacon

Culmstock Beacon provides a stunning viewpoint south to the River Culm valley and the historic village of Culmstock.  The Beacon
Small domed stone building.

Culmstock Beacon

Culmstock Beacon provides a stunning viewpoint south to the River Culm valley and the historic village of Culmstock.  The Beacon
Photo of the Grand Western canal with a walker on the towpath and Tidcombe Bridge over the canal
7miles/
11.2kms

The Grand Western Canal

This is a lovely peaceful route. Often along the towpath, beside this tranquil stretch of waterway through the heart of
Photo of the Grand Western canal with a walker on the towpath and Tidcombe Bridge over the canal
7miles/
11.2kms

The Grand Western Canal

This is a lovely peaceful route. Often along the towpath, beside this tranquil stretch of waterway through the heart of