Staple Hill Car Park

(Average user rating 5 unrated

5/5)

Please note: We advise people not to use the trails during heavy snow, due to the danger of hidden hazards and dangerously hanging branches. The car park will remain open, but will be untreated and may be extremely icy. If you chose to use the trails or car park at this time, you do so at your own risk.

Park at Staple Hill and take a short, easy walk to the viewpoint, or set off on an all-day hike and explore the Staple Fitzpaine area.

Staple Hill Easy Access Viewpoint Trail

Approximately 1km (0.6 miles) long, this trail allows people of all abilities to experience and enjoy the outdoors and far reaching views across the Vale of Taunton.

Staple Fitzpaine Herepath Trail

A circular trail 22km (13.7 miles) long passing through the Forestry Commission woodlands around Staple Hill, Castle Neroche, Bickenhall, Thurlbear and Wych Lodge, and the surrounding countryside.

Please note that the entrance to Staple Hill car park has a height restriction barrier of 2.1m.

How to get there:

Staple Hill Car Park is in Staple Hill which is part of Blackdown Hills.

From Taunton take the B3170 through Corfe. Continue to the top of the hill, then turn left at the crossroads. The car park is signposted with a small green sign a further one and a half miles along this road.

Staple Fitzpaine, Corfe, and Taunton are the nearest towns or villages.

OS Grid Reference: ST247159
For details of public transport visit http://www.transportdirect.info

User Comments

5 Stars
we went to Staple Hill today armed with 3 energetic boys and a excited dog ..have never been to staple hill before kept passing saying we will walk there soon ...was lovely had a great walk ,lovely views and the kids enjoyed a game of manhunt( hide and seek) in all the woodland didnt walk all the way round as i feel we would still be walking it ;0) ..but one day we will ..great day out for those who enjoy the countryside views and adventure

Gough family , 7/May/2012

5 Stars
We regularly use the viewpoint trail. The wide pathways make it excellent for both pushchairs and push along bikes! The benches are ideally positioned to stop for a short picnic and take in the stunning views. A really worthwhile visit.

Anonymous, 7/Sep/2009

Please tell us about your visit

Please email us at enquiries.peninsula@forestry.gsi.gov.uk if you have an enquiry or would like a reply to your comments.

Facilities and Activities

Staple Hill Easy Access Viewpoint Trail

The Staple Fitzpaine Herepath is suitable for experienced off-road cyclists. Some sections are more difficult than others and short stretches are currently not suitable for cycling (see Neroche Scheme website). If you plan to cycle the trail make sure you have a well maintained mountain bike and a suitable level of fitness

The Staple Fitzpaine Herepath follows existing public bridleways and a new section of permissive bridleway.
Horse riding in other areas of the forest is by permit only. Please contact the District Office on 01392 834231 for an application pack.

A short, easy walk is rewarded with breathtaking views that can sometimes stretch to the coast of Wales. Look too for the buzzards that soar serenely over Taunton Vale, and take in the rolling hills of the Quantocks and Mendips in the distance.

Contact:

East Devon Team
01392 834213
e-mail: enquiries.peninsula@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

What's of interest

The Neroche Scheme is a Landscape Partnership Scheme supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund and a range of local organisations, led by the Forestry Commission. There have been many changes taking place in the area - to find out more, and how you can get involved, visit the Neroche Scheme website on the link below.

Useful sites

Neroche Scheme