Harcombe

Visitor information

Explore our woodland trails on foot or horseback at Harcombe, part of Haldon Forest south of Exeter

The woods are a world of new adventure for everyone, so visit Harcombe and see what you discover. 

At a glance

  • Walking 
  • Horse riding 
  • Dogs welcome

Things to do

Harcombe is a short distance away from the main Haldon Forest Park car park and offers a waymarked riding trail. For access to the designated de-boxing car park, please contact Haldon Rangers at haldon.rangers@forestryengland.uk for the gate code. Once you are registered with us, you can ride whenever you like. You do not need a permit to ride at Harcombe. 

Riders are welcome to bring their dogs, but please keep them in sight and close by. For happy times and waggy tails, read our guidance for dogs in the forest.

The waymarked trail and forest road network are accessed from the horsebox car park via a horse stile. Riders are not restricted to the waymarked trail, but we ask you to stay on the stone surfaced tracks and be aware that Harcombe is used by other visitors.

For more information on our facilities, opening times and contact details, please see our visitor information.

Walking is the perfect way to get some fresh air and explore some of the area's most beautiful landscapes.

Explore the woodland on a range of grassy and gravel paths at Harcombe. 

Nearby forests

Autumn viewpoint at Haldon Forest Park

Whether you want a quiet gentle stroll or an exhilarating mountain biking experience, there’s something for you at Haldon Forest Park.

Haldon Forest offers a range of walking and cycling trails to suit all abilities, as well as a pump loop, cycle skills area, orienteering courses and so much more just waiting to be discovered.

Sunlight shining through woodland scenery

Take in the views over Exmouth at Kenton Common, part of Haldon Forest, south of Exeter.

The nearby village of Kenton boasts a beautiful 14th century church, built in the traditional Devonian style. Go for a woodland walk at Kenton Common and nip into the village for a bite to eat at the pub, and admire the historic church. Treat your four legged friend to their own adventure and bring them along for the fun as well! 

Child happily play running through grass

West of Exeter, Chalet provides a range of forest paths for you to explore, through gorse and heath as well as conifers and broad-leaved trees. The area is part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to the diversity of plant and animal life here. Bring your binoculars and see what you can spot, maybe you'll catch a glimpse of the elusive nightjar.

Family walking on gravel path through forest

With a variety of trees, beautiful scenery and gravel paths, Dawlish Waterworks provides the perfect setting for a day in the great outdoors. Keep your eyes and ears sharp as there are lots of opportunities for nature watching.  

Extend your forest adventure at the nearby Mamhead and Haldon Forest Park!

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