Blackdown Hills AONB

We're located on the edge of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

The Blackdown Hills AONB provides a beautiful, diverse and tranquil landscape to enjoy. It is rich in wildlife and heritage and in touching distance from Forest Glade!

Despite being relatively small compared to other Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England, Blackdown Hills AONB has lots to offer and is bursting with charm.

A lot of its attributes come from its subtle and delicate beauty. It covers under 15 miles in each direction, and is packed full of heritage and wildlife sites – perfect for exploring while visiting the beautiful part of the country.

The combination of steep hillsides with much flatter ground provides superb views which were once used as lookout points to protect the community. Iron Age hill forts exist in the region providing lasting examples of this as well as a number of medieval buildings.

If you like to get off the beaten track, you’ll love exploring Blackdown Hills AONB. The landscape of heath and woodland creates a rich tapestry of colour throughout the different seasons – making it a great destination all year round.

 

culmstock beacon in Blackdown Hills AONB

Heritage sites

Ancient hillforts and heritage landmarks provide perfect opportunity to peel back the layers of time and develop an understanding of the cultural background of the AONB.

The Grade II listed Wellington Monument is an iconic landmark owned by the National Trust. The striking monument is famous for being a tribute to the Duke of Wellington and for being taller than any other three sided obelisk in the world.

Culmstock Beacon is a historical stone hut which was once used by the beacon-keeper for lighting warning signal fires and to keep watch across the ridgeway for advancing enemies. Now the vantage point is enjoyed for its outstanding views of the landscape, particularly in the late summer when the colour of heather is at its most vibrant.

Hemyock Castle is an interesting and rare example of the remains of a moated 14th century castle. Nestled within the village of Hemyock, its best to check before visiting as this is a privately owned site usually open to the public on special open days only.

Hembury Fort stands at the end of a spur facing south from the main plateau of the Blackdown Hills. It is defended and protected on three sides by steep natural slopes, leaving only narrow neck of level land on the north. What remains of the earthworks of an Iron Age multivallate hillfort overlying the remains of a Neolithic causewayed enclosure that are still evident today. It’s location was almost certainly chosen for its natural defensive qualities and the views across the Otter Valley.

Other heritage sites with fascinating history to uncover include Dunkeswell Abbey, as well as the ancient hill fort of  Dumpdon.

swan and cygnets birds birdwatching lake at Forest Glade

Wildlife sites

An abundance of wildlife can be found within the nature reserves, rivers and woodland habitats of the Blackdown Hills AONB.

Otterhead Lakes is a beautiful nature reserve which is located on the site of a former Victorian estate. Hear you’ll find variety of habitats inducing plantlife, woodlands with badgers and bats and freshwater streams that are home to otters and  multiple species of birds.

Blackdown Hills AONB offers such diversity in its remarkable range of habitats – making it an exceptional area to visit for nature spotters.

For a more detailed guide to the extensive list of wildlife sites that can be found in the Blackdown Hills wildlife sites guide.

family cycling through forest

Walking & Cycling

Explore the landscape of the Blackdown Hills by foot or on two-wheels. A range of walking routes across the valleys and woodland trails are great for exploring the area and act as a wonderful ramblers’ paradise.

Part of the National Cycle Network passes near the outskirts of the Blackdown Hills AONB’s eastern side. A route that provides superb on-road cycle roads for experienced riders as well as quieter country lanes.

For ideas and inspiration to get you started, see our guide to cycle routes in the Blackdown Hills. Whichever way you decide to navigate the area, we hope you enjoy your time exploring this beautiful part of the country!

Header photo: Alison Day on Flickr, Culmstock Beacon: Flickr, Swans in Sampford: on Flickr