Blackdown Hills National Landscape – Wooded Ridges, Spring-Fed Valleys, and Quiet Plateaus

A Green Sandstone Landscape Shaped by Water, Woodland, and Farming

The Blackdown Hills National Landscape lies on the border of Devon and Somerset in South West England, forming a gently elevated plateau rising between the Culm Valley, the River Axe, and the Somerset Levels. Designated for its unspoilt rural character, this protected landscape is defined by spring-fed streams, deep wooded valleys, and small-scale farmland rather than dramatic elevation.

Walking in the Blackdown Hills is shaped by softness and shelter. Routes follow sunken lanes, grassy tracks, and river valleys cut into greensand and clay, creating a network of paths that feel enclosed, peaceful, and strongly connected to traditional land use. The absence of large towns and major roads gives walking here a notably quiet, unhurried quality.

Water plays a defining role across the landscape. Numerous springs rise along the plateau edge, feeding streams that carve steep-sided valleys through woodland and pasture. Many walking routes follow these valleys, passing mills, fords, and damp woodland rich in mosses, ferns, and birdlife. In contrast, higher ground offers gently rolling paths across hedged farmland with wide, open skies.

Woodland is a constant presence in the Blackdown Hills. Ancient coppice woods, conifer plantations, and mixed broadleaf valleys create a strong sense of enclosure on foot, with frequent changes in light and texture along the paths. Seasonal variation is especially pronounced, from spring bluebells to autumn colour and winter clarity.

Away from the valleys, quieter routes cross fields, commons, and old drovers’ roads linking scattered farms and hamlets. Traditional hedgebanks, narrow lanes, and small irregular fields reflect centuries of pastoral farming and contribute to the landscape’s intimate scale.

Village-based walking is well suited to the Blackdown Hills. Settlements such as Hemyock, Churchinford, Dunkeswell, and Upottery sit close to footpath networks, allowing walkers to plan circular and linear routes through valleys, woods, and plateau farmland without the need for long transfers.

Beyond walking, the Blackdown Hills support a range of low-impact outdoor activities. Cycling follows quiet country lanes and gentle gradients, while wildlife watching is particularly rewarding in woodland and wet valley habitats, home to otters, dormice, and a wide range of bird species.

Accommodation across the National Landscape includes rural inns, farm stays, small guesthouses, and country cottages, often tucked into valleys or perched on the edge of the plateau. Many provide direct access to footpaths, making it easy to explore the landscape at a slow, immersive pace.

For walkers seeking peaceful countryside, shaded valleys, and a deeply rural atmosphere, the Blackdown Hills National Landscape offers one of South West England’s most tranquil and understated walking destinations.

Where to Walk and Explore

Wooded Valleys & Spring Lines

‍Sheltered walking along streams, mills, and damp woodland corridors.

Plateau & Ridge Paths

‍Gentle routes across open farmland with long views and wide skies.

Sunken Lanes & Hedgebanks

‍Historic holloways linking farms, villages, and valleys.

Quiet Rural Farmland

‍Small-scale pastoral landscapes shaped by traditional land use.

Village-Based Routes

‍Circular walks connecting hamlets, woodland, and open countryside.

Adventure Highlights

• Spring-fed valleys and wooded walking routes
• Quiet plateau farmland and hedged lanes
• Strong sense of remoteness without high elevation
• Rich woodland and wetland wildlife
• Traditional rural character and low visitor pressure
• Ideal for slow, reflective walking