Skip to content
A gate to the parkland at Arlington Court, North Devon
Over twenty miles of footpaths beckon on the Arlington estate | © Yvonne Beer
Devon

Winford Valley walk at Arlington Court

Explore the woodland and open fields of the wider Arlington estate on this two-mile walk. Along the way, look out for some historic buildings and, in spring, a carpet of scented bluebells in the woods.

Total steps: 8

Total steps: 8

Start point

Old Kitchen Tea-room, grid ref: SS611405

Step 1

From the tea-room, follow the purple waymark signs. Head along the drive towards the old lake and wider estate. Turn right through the gates topped with herons, then left down the road, past Home Farm.

Step 2

Continue down the road, past the first public footpath on the right, and take the second public footpath on the right.

Step 3

Go straight across the field, over the stile and down the steps by the edge of the wood.

Step 4

At the bottom of the steps, turn right, following the woodland track. After 220yd (200m), go through the gate and follow the path across the field.

Carpet of bluebells in the woods at Brockhampton, Herefordshire
Visit in spring to enjoy woodland bluebells | © National Trust/Steve Betts

Step 5

Go through the gate, along the path and turn right at the next junction, following signs for Arlington. Go over the stile, heading uphill, and then over another stile. Continue on the path up the hill and between the hedge banks for approximately 440yd (400m).

Step 6

At Glebe Cottage, the yellow building, turn left onto the tarmac road then right towards Arlington. The road forks here. Don’t take the right-hand fork but carry on along the main track. You are now walking around the back of the historic stable block, where the track is a bedrock formation. Keep right and you’ll find yourself outside the gates to the stable yard.

Step 7

Follow the path down the hill, passing St James Church on your right, and you’ll find yourself in the gardens of Arlington Court.

A church and graveyard
St James Church at Arlington Court, Devon | © National Trust Images/Matthew Antrobus

Step 8

From the gardens, follow the path back to the tea-room, where you’ll find signs directing you to your starting point at the car park.

End point

Old Kitchen Tea-room, grid ref: SS611405

Trail map

Ordnance Survey map of the Arlington Court Winford Valley walk
The Arlington Court Winford Valley walk | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey

You made it

Share your experience

More near here

A view across the parkland at Arlington Court
Trail
Trail

Centenary walk at Arlington Court 

Take a steep climb through woodlands and alongside the lake to enjoy stunning views of the house and parkland on our walk created to mark our centenary year.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 2.75 (km: 4.4)
A tree on a hillside overlooking a stretch of woodland on the estate at Arlington Court, Devon
Trail
Trail

Woodland and Cott Brake circular walk at Arlington Court 

Walk through ancient woodland and climb the steep grassland of Cott Brake for views of the estate, its historic buildings and wildlife including red deer.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 5 (km: 8)
A sign post for the lake walk at Arlington Court
Trail
Trail

Lake walk at Arlington Court 

Enjoy the most popular and established walk around the designed landscape of Arlington Court, where you can get closer to nature at the bird hide and heronry.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1.75 (km: 2.8)
Three red deer under a tree in the woodland at Fountains Abbey in North Yorkshire
Trail
Trail

Arlington Court deer park circular walk 

Keep your eyes peeled for red deer on this picturesque walk through ancient woodland, parts of the estate's wildlife reserve and alongside the lake.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 3 (km: 4.8)

Get in touch

Arlington, near Barnstaple, Devon, EX31 4LP

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

A group of people walking along a path with Arlington house visible through the trees in the background
Activity
Activity

Walking at Arlington Court 

Over 20 miles of footpaths criss-cross the estate at Arlington Court, ranging from easy strolls around the lake to more demanding walks with rewarding views.

A close up of a cake on display at Polesdon Lacy restaurant, Surrey
Article
Article

Eating and shopping at Arlington Court 

Explore your options for eating and drinking at Arlington Court and the National Trust Carriage Museum, including what’s on the menu throughout the day.

A dog enjoying a winter walk in the grounds at Trelissick, Cornwall
Article
Article

Visiting Arlington Court with your dog 

Find out how to have a dog-friendly visit to Arlington, when to keep them on a lead and what facilities are available. Arlington Court is a three pawprint rated place.

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.

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.

Visitors with a dog walking through the woodland in the summer

Walking in Devon 

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

Visitor crossing water via stepping stones with their dog on an autumnal walk at Wallington

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.