Hembury Woods and Fort Circular Walk
This circular walk explores Hembury Castle Hill Fort and Hembury Woods in Buckfastleigh, Devon. There's miles of shady trails with waterside paths along the Holy Brook and the River Dart, which runs through the eastern side of the wood.
There's parking areas along the country lane which runs through the woods, including one just to the west of Hembury Castle. From here you can pick up paths leading up to the Iron Age Hillfort before descending into the surrounding woodland. Head east and you can pick up a nice trail running along the River Dart, before heading along the Holy Brook to return to the car park.
The site is located on the edge of the Dartmoor National Park with the Dartmoor Way passing along the southern edge of the woods. If you prefer you could start the walk from Buckfasltleigh and follow the trail to the site. To extend your exercise follow the waymarked path north west to go deeper into the National Park.
Just to the north of the woods you will find River Dart Country Park where there's 90 acres, of lakes, parkland, woodland trails and another nice waterside footpath along the River Dart.
Just to the south east is the delightful Buckfast Abbey where there's a series of well laid paths through lovely gardens surrounding the abbey.
Venford Reservoir is also nearby. It has a nice easy trail to follow around the water.
Postcode
TQ11 0HW - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locationsHembury Woods Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Hembury Woods Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Hembury Woods OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Hembury Woods Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
The circular Holne Woods Walk explores the woods and river around the neighbouring village of Holne. The walk also visits the viewpoint at Bench Tor and the secluded Venford Waterfall just to the north of the Venford Reservoir.
To the south west there's the impressive Avon Dam Reservoir. Here you'll find a fine walk running along the River Avon up to the lake where there's a photogenic dam and some excellent views.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
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Track below Hembury Woods. Fence and trees cast shadows across the fallen leaves in this autumn shot.
A glimpse of the stream with the meadow occupying the floor of the valley on the far side.
Hembury Woods Fort. The central mound of the remains of an Iron Age Hillfort and motte and bailey Norman castle.
By the Dart in Hembury Woods. Here the river is just dividing on the right on either side of Duckpool Island. The pale fencing a short way ahead is where the bank has been reinforced after being eroded.
The River Dart. Lovely view of the river flowing through the eastern side of the woods.
Autumn leaves in November.