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Haldon Forest Park

(Average user rating4 unrated 4/5)
 

The Haldon ridge lies just south of Exeter and climbs to a height of 250m above sea level. Haldon Forest Park is a haven for birds of prey, and home to over 30 species of butterfly. 30 miles of trails are available for you to explore on bike, by foot, or on horseback.

The Discovery Trail is a multi-use, all-ability trail with traditional and natural play features, whilst the Sensory Trail at Mamhead has been specially designed to stimulate the senses of visitors of all abilities. The Discovery and Challenge cycle trails help you gain confidence in off-road cycling and there is a technical trail designed for the more experienced mountain bikers. If you are looking to develop new skills try the cycle Skills Area and Pump Track. Horse riders also have their own exclusive area with almost 10 miles of trails, including a quarter mile gallop stretch.

You will also find:

The Centre for Contemporary Art & the Natural World. Part gallery, part studio, with exhibitions and regular live events and activities. Call 01392 832277 or visit www.ccanw.co.uk for more information and opening times.

Forest Cycle Hire can be found in the Hub, near the Ranger's Office. Call 01392 833768 for bookings and information or visit www.forestcyclehire.co.uk.

Go Ape! highwire adventure course of rope bridges, tarzan swings and zip slides - all set high up in the treetops. Call 0845 643 9215 or visit www.goape.co.uk for booking and information.

 

How to get there:

Exeter is the nearest town or village.

Travelling by car on the A38 turn off at the exit for Exeter Racecourse (there are no slip roads for this turning). Follow the signs for Haldon Forest Park. The Haldon Gateway car park is signposted further along the road on the left. For the Mamhead car park follow the signs for Mamhead and Starcross from the A380.

Please don't use our postcode in your Sat Nav! It will take you to the Forestry Commission Office and not the Haldon Forest Park visitor car park. Instead, carry on past the first gateway you see ('Office entrance only' is painted on the road there) and 200 metres on you will see the main entrance.

OS Grid Reference: SX884849
For details of public transport visit http://www.transportdirect.info

Start your visit from:

Mamhead Car Park
Haldon Gateway
Bird of Prey Viewpoint
Harcombe Horse Box Park
Haldon Christmas Tree Sales Centre

What's on in Haldon Forest Park

May

  • Fun in the Forest
    Saturday 31 March 2012 to Friday 29 June 2012
  • Nordic Walking
    Saturday 12 May 2012
    Saturday 19 May 2012
    Saturday 2 June 2012
    Saturday 16 June 2012
    Saturday 30 June 2012
    Wednesday 16 May 2012
    Wednesday 30 May 2012
    Wednesday 27 June 2012

June

  • Fun in the Forest
    Saturday 31 March 2012 to Friday 29 June 2012
  • Nordic Walking
    Saturday 12 May 2012
    Saturday 19 May 2012
    Saturday 2 June 2012
    Saturday 16 June 2012
    Saturday 30 June 2012
    Wednesday 16 May 2012
    Wednesday 30 May 2012
    Wednesday 27 June 2012

July

View all events

User Comments

5 Stars 5 Stars

Anonymous, 23/Apr/2012
4 Stars 4 Stars

I love walking in Haldon Forest Park all year round. I am there most weekends and I think it is beautiful. However, on a few occasions, I have been scared walking up there. I love to walk right across through the park and I do not appreciate when some cyclists, who do not own a bell, sneak up behind you, do an emergency break, which makes me jump out of my skin, and then complain in vulgar language that you are in their way. And they do not only use the designated cycling paths, any path or opening will do. And they are treating them like racing tracks. Please note that the majority of cyclists do behave well. It is yet again a few who spoil it for the many. One question: Is there a "Right of Way" for cyclists policy on Haldon?

Crissy, 8/Mar/2012
3 Stars 3 Stars

I am really keen that everyone should enjoy the forest, but walkers MUST learn to be aware of the NO ENTRY signs at the start of the bike tracks and not walk on these tracks. CYCLISTS HAVE RIGHT OF WAY. It is dangerous and would ruin their day and also mine if I was to crash into an ignorant walker while riding my bike .

Anonymous, 22/Feb/2012
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Children on the Play Equipment at Haldon Forest Park

Facilities and Activities

ToiletsParking ChargeInformationEasy AccessRefreshmentsOther FacilitiesParking
Horse RidingCyclingWalkingWildlife ActivitiesPicnicView PointOrienteeringArtsPlay Area
HorseRiding.gif
Use of the riding trails at Haldon Forest Park is now free of charge.

Contact:

Haldon Forest Park
Ranger's Office
01392 834251

What's of interest

The forest is home to the famous Bird of Prey Viewpoint from where you can sometimes catch a glimpse of a bird of prey as it soars over the forest below.

Related pages

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