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Devon

Coombeshead bridleway walk at Arlington Couirt

A path through the woods on the right hand side with bluebells and trees on a slight slope on the left
Deer park woods, Arlington Court | © NTI/Katy Anderson

This walk starting in Loxhore takes you through woodlands and fields with rewarding views across the wider estate at the top of Coombeshead. The woodland really comes alive in spring, with the forest floor carpeted in bluebells and wildflowers. Look out for the original deer fence, installed by Rosalie Chichester to prevent the hunt taking place on her land.

Start point

Start at the Loxhore National trust car park, what three words empires.scatter.moderated. Grid reference: SS616387

Total stages: 6

Total stages: 6

Start point

Start at the Loxhore National trust car park, what three words empires.scatter.moderated. Grid reference: SS616387

Stage 1

Exit the car park onto the road turning left following the road up towards the church. Before you reach the church gates you will see the entrance to a farmyard on your left, turn into the yard. You should see a wooden sign on the barn ahead of you turn right through a gate onto a track. Follow this track all the way up until you reach a 90-degree right hand bend, shortly after this bend starts you will see a gate on your left, go through this gate into the field.

Stage 2

Follow along with the field boundary on your left, keeping the blossom trees on your right, please keep between the field boundary and the series of blossom trees planted along the route. Go through the gate at the top of the field and turn right, continue along the field boundary, heading left up the field in the corner by the finger post. Head through the gate at the top of the field and continue straight following the hedge until you reach a gate at the bottom of the field.

Stage 3

Turn left through the gate and follow the path along the fence line (on your right) and with the blossom trees on your left. Pass through the next gate and continue following the path, looking out for the original deer fence in the edge of the woodlands to your right.

Stage 4

Pass through the gate into the woodlands, following the track as it curves to your left. This area is particularly beautiful in the spring, with the forest floor carpeted in wildflowers. About halfway down the track there will be a fingerpost, continue straight ahead, along the track, following the main track signed Permissive Bridleway.

Stage 5

When you reach a T-junction with another finger post turn left following the track (marked Loxhore Church. Head through the next gate, into a field and follow the well-trodden path with the woods to your right,

Stage 6

Go through the gate onto another track follow this track till the end where you will reach another gate that will brig you out back at the car park.

End point

Start at the Loxhore National trust carpark, what three words empires.scatter.moderated. Grid reference: SS616387

Trail map

OS map of the Coombeshed Bridleway walk
Coombeshed Bridleway walk, Arlington, Devon | © OS Maps

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Get in touch

Arlington, near Barnstaple, Devon, EX31 4LP