Haldon Forest Park

With miles of off-road routes for you to enjoy, escape the stuffy gym, embrace the fresh air and get fit where you can be inspired by stunning natural surroundings.

Supported by Sport England and using National Lottery funding, the network of marked trails make running through the forest more accessible, so you can feel confident to just hit the trails and enjoy all the benefits of being active outdoors.

Pick up a handy pocket map from the Info Pod for £1 or take a photo of the map board in the visitor hub.

1-3km running routes

Follow the turquoise waymarkers.

This 3km route begins to get the lungs working. There are turn around points for you to achieve 1km and 2km distances before going on to complete the full 3km loop. It’s a great way to build up your distance. Halfway round there is a steep incline and you’ll be rewarded by Haldon’s famous viewpoint.

5km Challenge running route

Follow the grey waymarkers.

This 5km route is good for building your fitness. It has some inclines including a couple of short, steep hills. This route will take you through beautiful woodland and past Haldon’s breath-taking viewpoint.

5km Challenge+ running route

Follow the brown waymarkers.

It's in the name: this 5km is challenging. There are steep gradients, both up and down, and some steps. Running over gravel and grassed surfaces you can spot many wildlife species.

Whether you're looking for play and adventure or a bit of peace and quiet to observe the wildlife, we've got a trail for you.

For visitors with reduced mobility, we have three Trampers available to hire that are capable on the Discovery, Raptor and Butterfly trails.

Get ready to join Zog on his latest forest adventure with a brand-new family activity trail and free app!

How does it work?

1. Download the new ‘Zog: A Forest Adventure’ app before you visit

Point the brand new app at special markers along the trail and access all sorts of exciting challenges as you go.

Thanks to amazing augmented reality technology, you’ll be able to collect golden stars, just like Zog and have the chance to take a photo with everyone’s favourite dragon at the end of the trail!

Capture the fun by saving videos and photos as you complete the bonus activities!

Get it on Google Play     Get it on the App Store

2. Get your claws on a Zog trail activity pack 

Grab the Zog trail activity pack for £4 from the Info Pod.

Inside you’ll find: 

kraft bag to colour in. 

dragon wings to decorate and wear. 

Zog glasses. 

stickers. 

trail leaflet. 

pencil and crayon. 

3. Follow the trail

Collect golden stars as your little dragons learn how they can help care for the forest, and how the forests can care for them.  

Share your Zog fun using the #ZogTrail hashtag.

Zog © 2010 & TM Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler. Licensed by Magic Light Pictures Ltd.

Whether you've just bought your first bike, or you're happy shredding through rock gardens, Haldon Forest Park offers a fantastic opportunity for natural cycling. Situated just outside of Exeter, the trails give beautiful views back across the city and the surrounding countryside.

For riders with reduced fitness or mobility, contact our cycle hire partner for details of specialist options, including electrically assisted bikes. All cycle hire is heavily discounted for over 55s.