Devon

Front Park and The Clump walk at Killerton

While visiting Killerton, enjoy a circular walk across Front Park and up Dolbury Hill, known locally as The Clump. An extinct volcano, it's said to be home to a friendly dragon. At the top, you'll find an Iron Age hillfort and spectacular views across the Exe Valley.

View or download a print-friendly version of this trail

Total steps: 9

Start point

Visitor reception, Killerton. Grid ref: SS 97622 00091.

Step 1

From Killerton's visitor reception, cross the drive and walk towards the house. After a short distance, you'll see a farm gate on the left – head through this to enter Front Park. Walk towards the large pond.

Aerial view of the Killerton estate, Devon — Killerton is surrounded by ornamental trees | © National Trust Images/Edwins Aerial Photography

Step 2

Bear right to follow the remains of an old Roman coach road that appears as a dip in the ground. Head straight across Front Park, keeping the cricket pitch on your right, and enjoy the view of the house and garden.

Step 3

Turn right to pass the cricket pavilion, which has a signpost pointing towards Bluebell Gate. The pavilion was built in 2014 to replace an older one in bad repair. Larch was sourced from, and milled on, the estate to provide the timber frame and cladding, while the roof features around 9,000 roof shingles made from western red cedar.

Step 4

Keep straight ahead, leaving Front Park through a kissing gate to the left. Turn right, following the sign to Bluebell Gate, and climb up the hill. Look out for birds and butterflies in the hawthorn hedgerow.

Memorial for St Thomas Dyke Acland, Killerton, Devon — The Memorial Cross | © National Trust Images/Clive Nichols

Step 5

Stop at the bench to enjoy views down the River Culm and across the Exe Valley. Then go through Bluebell Gate on your right and head through the next kissing gate, also on your right. This is a beautiful place to see bluebells in the spring. Follow the path as it bends up to the left towards another bench.

Step 6

Take the right fork in the path to join the main track, and continue up to Dolbury Hill.

Dolbury Hill

Dolbury Hill, also known as The Clump, is brimming with folklore. According to legend, a friendly dragon was born out of the flames of this volcano, and lives here to keep watch over the people who reside on the Killerton estate. Lava rock from the extinct volcano features in many of the buildings on the estate, and during the Second World War the rock was also used for building runways at Exeter Airport.

Step 7

Stick to the path you're on and continue ahead. For a view north-east towards the Culm Valley, take a short detour to your left before returning to the path.

Step 8

Bear right on a path that leads to some wooden steps. Go down the steps and you'll reach a kissing gate above the Deer Park. Go through the gate.

Step 9

Bear right towards a black metal gate, and go through it. To return to where the walk started, follow the signs to the Stables Coffee Shop. Alternatively, turn left after the gate for a short detour past the chapel grounds (please note: only assistance dogs are allowed inside the chapel grounds).

End point

Visitor reception, Killerton. Grid ref: SS 97622 00091

Trail map

Map of Front Park and The Clump walk, Killerton, Devon.jpg — Map of Front Park and The Clump walk, Killerton | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey

Man and woman walking along winding woodland path with abundant green foliage to either side

Trail

Danes Wood walk

An enchanting walk from the Killerton estate to nearby Danes Wood, a haven for wildlife.

Trees in early spring in the parkland at Killerton, Devon

Trail

Ancient trees walk at Killerton

This circular walk highlights some of the many ancient trees that you can see in the garden and park at Killerton, including sweet chestnuts that were planted some 250 years ago.

Broadclyst, Exeter, Devon, EX5 3LE

01392881345

killerton@nationaltrust.org.uk

We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.

Visit website

Walkers climbing rocks against a bright blue sky with the mountains in the distance at Sugarloaf, Monmouthshire

Walking

Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.

Walking in Devon

From rugged coastline with captivating views to gentle woodland strolls, these are some of the best walks in Devon this winter.

A group of people in a hiking group are being guided on a hike by rangers at Marsden Moor, West Yorkshire

Article

Cotswold Outdoor: our exclusive walking partner

Find out more about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor as our exclusive walking partner.

An aerial view of an adult and baby walking a dog along a path at Baggy Point, Devon

Article

Staying safe at National Trust places

The special places in National Trust care sometimes come with a few risks for visitors, be it coastline or countryside. Find out how to keep safe throughout your visits.