Skip to content
Oil painting on canvas of Rudyard Kipling
Rudyard Kipling | © National Trust Images / John Hammond
Devon

Kipling Tors walk

This circular route is next to the sea, with stunning views across Bideford Bay and inland to Exmoor. Rudyard Kipling's novel, Stalky & Co, is based on his schooldays here. Kipling Tors is where Kipling and his friends used to smoke cigars and pipes and read books together.

Total steps: 5

Total steps: 5

Start point

Car park on Merley Road, grid ref SS423290

Step 1

From the car park turn right and walk along a wide and reasonably surfaced path – this was once the site of a railway track that continued along the coast to Abbottsham. After approximately 330yd (300m), turn left and follow the steep path next to the National Trust sign. This hill is the most challenging section of the walk.

Step 2

As you reach the top of this path, you'll see an old coastguard lookout. Go inside to be greeted by stunning views and wonderful artwork created by the local Primary School. There's also a Toposcope inside with interesting information for you to read. On leaving the lookout go back down the hill a short distance and take the first path on the right. Please note the path beyond the lookout is private access only.

Step 3

This is a long and fairly level path with great views and a great place to watch sea birds and try and spot porpoises in the bay. At the end of this path turn left and walk downhill for a short distance where you'll see a path on your right. Take this one down through some broadleaved woodland. At the end of this path you'll meet another path, turn left here.

Step 4

Where these two paths meet take a sharp left and take the public footpath. You can take the zigzag path through woodland which ends up in the same place.

Step 5

Keep going along this path until you reach a wooded gate and a path junction, turn right here and follow the path down through the chalets and back to the car park.

End point

Car park on Merley Road, grid ref SS423290

Trail map

Kipling Tors walking trail route
Kipling Tors walking trail route | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey

You made it

Share your experience

More near here

Bluebells on a slope on a sunny day at Beckland Woods
Trail
Trail

Beckland Woods bluebell walk 

This two mile circular route starts and finishes at the National Trust car park at Brownsham. Enjoy quiet woodland and sea views, as well as natural history and sites of archaeological interest.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 2 (km: 3.2)
Horse riding through the woods
Trail
Trail

East Titchberry to Exmansworthy circular walk 

This invigorating four and a half mile circular route from East Titchberry incorporates bridleway, farm tracks, quiet lanes and beautiful Devon scenery: perfect for horse riding.

Activities
Horse Riding
DistanceMiles: 4.5 (km: 7.2)
View across Peppercombe and Portledge at Bideford Bay, Devon
Trail
Trail

Peppercombe Valley circular walk 

This scenic one-mile circular route starts and finishes at Peppercombe Bothy, taking in quiet country tracks, a wooded valley and memorable views of the North Devon coastline.

Activities
Running
DistanceMiles: 0.5 (km: 0.8) to miles: 1 (km: 1.6)
Small stone dwelling on hill overlooking beach
Trail
Trail

Peppercombe Bothy circular walk 

This is a four-mile circular route starting and finishing at Peppercombe Bothy. It passes through wooded valleys and quiet lanes, and incorporates part of the South West Coast Path.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 2.5 (km: 4) to miles: 5 (km: 8)

Get in touch

Rangers office, Brownsham, Hartland nr Bideford, Devon, EX39 6AN

Our partners

Cotswold Outdoor

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

Visit website 

You might also be interested in

Two small children and an adult looking out to sea from the beach at Bideford Bay and Hartland
Article
Article

Things to see and do at Bideford Bay and Hartland 

Discover what to see and do when visiting Bideford Bay & Hartland, including unspoilt villages, historical landmarks, wildlife watching spots and lush orchards.

Family walking on the estate at Arlington Court, Devon.

Walking in Devon 

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

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

A visitor carrying a backpack and walking along a footpath at Divis and the Black Mountain with stone walls either side, the countryside visible in the background.
Article
Article

Follow the Countryside Code 

Help to look after National Trust places by observing a few simple guidelines during your visit and following the Countryside Code.

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.

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

Visitors exploring the rocks in the Owler Tor area of Longshaw, Burbage and the Eastern Moors, Derbyshire

Outdoor activities 

Searching for a new outdoor activity to try? Discover the best places in our care for outdoor activities, including off-road cycle tracks, walking trails and lakes and coastlines for water sports.