Walking the Estate

Woodland Walks

Explore the ancient woodlands here at Buckland Abbey and you will soon realise why the Medieval monks chose to settle in this spectacular area over 700 years ago.  

There are a number of way-marked walking trails taking you through meadows, orchards and woodlands where you can enjoy far-reaching views of the Tavy Valley.

The circular routes start at the waterfall and takes you past the lovely gardens into Great North Wood and on to the River Tavy where you can follow the riverside path through more woodland. There's plenty of wildlife - look out for Badgers, bats, eels, hobbies, barn owls and deer as you make your way through the woods. 

Please be advised that the red and blue routes are extremely muddy at the moment. 

Which walks are best?

The Yellow Route is currently closed for woodland management.

The Red Route - Medium

The red route is about 2.5 miles long and is the most picturesque and takes you through the fields and woodlands. This route can get quite muddy, especially after heavy rain, so remember to pack the wellies. 

Walking boots are reccomended for this walk, as the paths can be uneven through the woods.

This walk will take around 45 minutes to complete.

The Blue Route - Hard

For a longer and more distanced walk, the blue route through the woodlands over looking the river is glorious this time of year.

Walking boots are essential for this walk an will take about 1.30hrs to finish. 

Dog friendly walking 

We are very dog friendly and all the walks are great for dog walking.

Please just remember to keep your dog on a lead at all times.

We do not have any dog poo bins onsite. If your dog has accident whilst you are on the woodland walks - please feel free to 'stick and flick' into the hedgerows. 

Your dog is also welcome inside the Cafe.

Tree planting conservation project

Over the next few weeks 2,000 additional trees will be planted; 1,500 to create a new hedge line using a mix of deciduous species to include hawthorn, spindle, holly, oak and beech, and the rest used for small blocks of infield tree planting around the periphery of fields. 

The infield trees will be a mix of native trees including many of the above plus dog rose, sweet chestnut and crab apple.

The estate has also been growing its own oak trees from acorns saved from trees on the estate and will be planting 15 of these trees in-field to create more of a parkland habitat.

James Robbins, area ranger says: “This latest initiative will enhance biodiversity in less productive areas and we aim to attract more birds, bats and pollinators as well as dormice. 

“The new hedgerow will connect two blocks of existing mature woodland.  The in-field woodland blocks as well as being important wildlife corridors, will provide shelter and protection for grazing livestock.”

The new trees and hedging will take up to five years to really establish themselves – whereas the oak trees are already three years old.

The project has been funded by the Trust itself and a bequest.

Ox Yard Cafe

The Cafe is open daily from 10-5pm for you to enjoy. 

Or why not bring a hamper filled with tasty goodies to enjoy in one of our picnic spots?