Devon

Knightshayes veteran tree walk

Woodland trees in winter at Haresfield Beacon and Standish Wood in Gloucestershire — Explore the Parkland at Knightshayes | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Discover the veteran and champion trees that grow at Knightshayes on this circular trail. Champion trees are the largest of a species at a county or country level. Veteran trees are very old, very large or have cultural or conservational significance. Knightshayes is home to over 18 champion and veteran trees and along the route you'll see county and country champions, including the tallest redwood in Devon and the biggest turkey oak in the UK.

Near to

Knightshayes

Start point

The Stables, Knightshayes, EX16 7RQ

Trail information

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Difficulty*

Full trail

DistanceMiles: 1.25 (km: 2)

Duration1 hour to 1 hour 45 mins

Dog friendly**

*A mix of gravel paths and fields. For further details, please see Terrain section.
**Dogs are welcome. For further details, please see section marked Facilities.

Total stages: 11
Total stages: 11
Start point
The Stables, Knightshayes, EX16 7RQ
Stage 1
Start outside on the stables lawn. Walk down the gravel path to the drive. Continue to walk down the drive for about 73m before turning right onto the path with the arrow saying 'Parkland'.
Stage 2
Follow that track for 260m until you see a green dog waste bin next to a gate on your left. Go through the gate and the ash tree is directly on your right next to the fence.
Stage 3
Walk down the field bearing left diagonally towards the ditch with the stream running through it. Cross the ditch and the redwood tree is diagonally in front of you to the right.
Stage 4
Continue down the field and follow the path around to your right where there is another ditch crossing. Cross the ditch and 54m in front of you is the holly tree.
Stage 5
Walk back across the ditch, turn right and go through the brown gate. Follow the dirt path up the hill and bear left through the turkey oak avenue.
Stage 6
At the end of the avenue is a gate. Go through this gate, cross the drive and go through the other gate directly opposite.
Stage 7
Once in the field, walk straight forward. Bear left around the first group of trees, then walk straight to the next group of trees. There is a shady path through the trees to the sweet chestnut tree.
Stage 8
Carry on walking up the field to the left and the turkey oak tree will be right in front of you.
Stage 9
Walk to the top of the field and go through the gate in the left corner. Follow the path for around 48m and the alder tree is on your right.
Stage 10
Carry on up to the house for about 31m and, if you look to your left, on the opposite side of the drive is the aesculus tree.
Stage 11
Follow the gravel path back up to the stables.
End point
The Stables, Knightshayes, EX16 7RQ
Trail map
OS Map showing the trail for the Champion trees walk | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
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Trail

Knightshayes parkland circular dog walk

This circular route is perfect for dog walking and for exploring the historic parkland. It takes you through open fields and past some special trees in the Knightshayes parkland, including the Turkey oak, believed to be the largest in the UK.