Killerton garden winter walk
Take a stroll around the chapel and house gardens. See the colourful barks not usually visible in spring and summer, and admire winter and early spring flowers. This is one of four seasonal walks that takes you on a short tour around the main paths of the garden to enjoy nature's wonders. Feel free to explore the grassy paths which take you up to the garden's lofty heights and into hidden areas between the gravel paths.
Map
Start:
Stable-block, grid ref: SS977001
1
Walking out of the stable-block turn right. Turn right again up to the chapel grounds to see the cyclamen carpeting the ground, a spectacular sight and well worth the walk.
Cyclamen at the chapel
Follow the looping path around the chapel grounds to see the vivid purple of cyclamen blanketing the ground in a stunning display in January and February.
2
Retrace your steps down to the main path again and turn right along that path towards the house. Once you reach the forecourt walk through the garden gate. At the end of the house turn right up the gravel path.
3
Follow the path around the curve to the left and on to the straight, then take the next right uphill.
4
Just beyond the thatched buildings on your right is a winter bed with hellebores ranging from white to purple, and winter sweet. On your left are crocuses and early spring bulbs in the grass. Also, along the grass path on your left, you can see a Tibetan cherry tree.
Tibetan cherry tree
Wander off the beaten path to get a closer look at the glorious glossy, burgundy bark on this Tibetan cherry tree. This species was brought back to England from China in 1908 by Ernest Wilson, one of the most successful plant hunters for Veitch Nurseries, who were closely associated with Killerton. The tree is grown in particular for its beautiful stem and does not flower much.
5
Follow the gravel path uphill. You can see the dried heads from hydrangeas, coloured stems, crocuses and other early flowers.
6
Along the path on your right you'll see a giant redwood. On your left are excellent examples of the Victorian fascination for dark, brooding conifers. (If you fancy some great views you can walk uphill here and find the higher paths - just remember to return to the main path afterwards.)
7
Continue along the beech walk and cross the rustic bridge. Walk on, and on your right look out for the grove of white-stemmed birches.
Birch grove
Enjoy the ghostly sight of this grove of white-stemmed birches. In recent years rhododendrons have been cleared away from their stems to make the grove more visible.
8
Walk downhill and enjoy sweeping views across parkland to Dartmoor on your right. Pass the memorial cross and walk down to a fork in the path. Nestled in the fork is the umbrella pine, whose needles look like umbrella spokes.
9
Take the left-hand path and see the Bear's Hut and Rock Garden. Return to the fork and walk downhill, looking out for a grove of large knarly Lucombe oak trees on your right.
10
At the curve look downhill to see signs of early bulbs and, beyond, winter interest plants. You may be able to see the red and orange stems of the striking Cornus 'Midwinter fire'.
11
Continue along the gravel path towards the house, and enjoy views of the house, garden and parkland. Walk down the gravel path by the house, turn left and return to the Forecourt.
End:
Forecourt, grid ref: SS974001
