Woodbury Common Devon

Description

Enjoy miles of walking trails through this large area of common land in Woodbury, Devon. The Woodbury and Bicton commons consist of heathland, gorse, heather and pebblebeds from rivers which once flowed across the basin. You can also climb to the ancient hill fort of Woodbury Castle where there are great views of the Exe estuary, Haldon Hills, Otter Valley, and Portland Bill on the coast. The fort was built around 500-300 BC and has a moat which you can walk through.
The area is a really good place for wildlife spotting. Look out for birds such as Dartford Warbler and butterflies including High Brown Fritillary and Silver Studded Blue. You can extend your walk by continuing south to Bystock Pools Nature Reserve where there is a lilly-pad filled lake, heathland, wildflower meadow and boardwalks. It's a great place to look out for dragonflies and birds such as willow warblers, blackcaps and stonechats. Also at the southern end of the common you will find Blackhill Quarry and its lake.
This circular route starts from the car park near the Woodbury castle. The whole of it is more suitable for walkers but the area is also good for mountain biking. Start from the same start point and follow the tracks to Colaton Raleigh Common and then round to the quarry for a fun off road ride.
The East Devon Way runs through the common so you can pick this up to continue your walk. If you head north east you will come to the Hawkerland Valley and the Aylesbeare Common RSPB nature reserve. To the south west is the town of Exmouth and the lovely Exmouth Nature Reserve. Also nearby is the River Otter and the Otter Estuary where you can enjoy waterside walking trails and a variety of wading birds.