Ashcombe Estate Walks

Walks in the Ashcombe Estate are popular. Public enjoyment of our countryside is a fundamental estate principle.

The Estate offers a number of Permissive Access walking areas. ‘Permissive Access’ means that members of the public are permitted by the Estate to walk in certain areas or footpaths within our privately owned land. This access is offered at ‘own risk’. 

We do not allow:

• Bicycles
• Motorbikes
• Horse Riders (without permission)

Please adhere to these simple rules:

• Do not litter
• Take nothing
• Leave nothing –  especially  dog poo bags!
• No fires or any other damage
• No camping
• Do not block access – gateways are needed by estate workers
• Stay on designated footpaths
• Dogs should be under control at all times or on a lead

Little Haldon Heath

An open moorland SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest). Paths only. This is a common managed by Ashcombe Estate supervised by Natural England. Stunning views to Dartmoor in the west. There is also a model aircraft club operating from the wartime aerodrome runway there.

Tower Plantation 

Walk on established woodland paths only please. This is one of the best walking areas in the mixed woodland. Parking is available on site or Ashcombe Cottages guests can walk up from Woodhouse Farm

Castle Dyke (in Tower Plantation) 

Also known as Eordbirig. A late Bronze Age/ Early Iron Age fort registered as a Scheduled Monument (HA UID 1004582). The moat and ramparts are still very much in evidence. The Estate with various government agencies is planning a major restoration and archeological survey in the coming months

The Ramblers Path 

Connecting Oak Park Lane (public footpath) with the Forestry Commission woodland. Leading to the Mamhead Obelisk walks and beyond. The Ramblers Path was reopened with the local walking group a few years ago.

Long Lane

Leading from Five Lanes and Dawlish to Westley Cross. A simple walk along the ridge of this higher ground. Great views in to Ashcombe to the west and Exeter Estuary to the East.

Woodhouse Farm to St Nectan’s Church

A mble along the lanes to the historic Grade I listed Ashcombe Parish Church. Dedicated by Bishop Bronescombe in 1259. The church tower houses one of the oldest medieval bell frames in the Westcountry.  The church’s operation is reliant on donations and volunteers with services for Christmas Carols, Easter Day, a pet’s service, Harvest Festival and Armistice Day.

Haldon Nordic Walking

Try something different, try Nordic Walking with Fiona designed to promote health and fitness.

• be considerate to those living in, working in and enjoying the countryside
• leave gates and property as you find them
• do not block access to gateways or driveways when parking
• be nice, say hello, share the space
• follow local signs and keep to marked paths unless wider access is available

Your actions can affect other people’s lives and livelihoods.

Co-operate with people working in the countryside. For example, follow the farmer’s directions when animals are being moved or gathered. This helps keep everybody safe.

Leave gates and property as you find them or follow instructions on signs. When in a group, make sure the last person knows how to leave the gates. Farmers close gates to keep animals in or leave them open to give access to food and water. Do not interfere with farm machinery, horses or livestock. If you think a farm animal is in distress, try to alert the farmer.

Wildlife

Give wild animals, livestock and horses plenty of space. Their behaviour can be unpredictable, especially when they are with their young and you could get hurt.

Do not feed livestock, horses or wild animals as it can cause them harm

Take nothing but photos, leave nothing but footprints