Circular walk from Kilkhampton to the Coombe valley

Kilkhampton to the Coombe valley

There are still 3 fallen trees from the storms across the paths. Some clambering under/over is required to bypass them until they are cleared (let us know if they are cleared).

A circular walk though the wildflowers of the Kilkhampton Common nature reserve and woods of the Coombe Valley, returning via the remains of the Norman castle at Penstowe which consisted of a stone tower perched on the top of a steep hill but surrounded by two baileys, rather than the usual one, the reason for which is a mystery.

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Download the (free) app then use it to purchase this walk.
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The app will direct you to the start of the walk via satnav.
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The app guides you around the walk using GPS, removing any worries about getting lost.
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The walk route is described with detailed, regularly-updated, hand-written directions.
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Each time there is a new direction to follow, the app will beep to remind you, and will warn you if you go off-route.
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A map shows the route, where you are at all times and even which way you are facing.
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Each walk is packed with information about the history and nature along the route, from over a decade of research than spans more than 3,000 topics.
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Once a walk is downloaded, the app doesn't need wifi or a phone signal during the walk.
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The app counts down distance to the next direction and estimates time remaining based on your personal walking speed.
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We keep the directions continually updated for changes to the paths/landmarks - the price for a walk includes ongoing free updates.

either as a GPS-guided walk with our app (£3.29) or a PDF of directions (£2.79) Example of directions

The walk starts at the church and follows West Street out of Kilkhampton. The route then follows the stream through Kilkhampton Common before climbing the valley across the Common to reach a footpath leading into the Coombe Valley. The route continues along lanes and tracks into the valley to reach Stowe Woods. After passing through the woods, the route loops back along small lanes and the footpath around Penstowe Castle to reach Kilkhampton churchyard and complete the circular route.

Highlights

  • Kilkhampton Church with magnificent stained glass and carvings
  • Kilkhampton Common nature reserve
  • Wildlife in and around Stowe Woods
  • Remains of Penstowe Castle

Considerations

  • After wet weather, the areas of bedrock along the path after Kilkhampton common get quite slippery so you may wish to take a walking pole if you have one.

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Vital statistics

  • OS Explorer: 126
  • Distance: 5 miles/8 km
  • Steepness grade: Moderate-strenuous
  • Recommended footwear: Walking boots
  • No stiles: ✓
  • Pub: ✓
  • Café: ✓

OS maps for this walk

Click or tap on map for more info (blue=laminated)

Pubs on or near the route

  • The London Inn
  • The New Inn

Adjoining walks

either as a GPS-guided walk with our app (£3.29) or a PDF of directions (£2.79) Example of directions

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