Tom Davies describes a level circular walk of 4 miles around the National Trust’s Killerton Estate at Broadclyst, near Exeter. The walk does not require National Trust membership.
Start at or near the car park at Killerton (A) and walk along the road to the entrance drive at (B). There is a public footpath running through the fields to the south of the drive so National Trust membership is not required for this walk. Free parking is available at points (D) and (I) and the walk can be started at either place.
Follow the track across the fields and past the cricket field to point (C) where you will find a gate onto a lane which then continues to Columbjohn Farm at (D). Here you will find an impressive stone archway on your right (remains of the entrance to the original house) which leads to the original chapel at (E), where Sir Richard Acland’s family grave and various estate workers’ graves can be found.
The chapel is normally closed and was replaced by the operational chapel near the visitors car park for Killerton House when the original house nearby was demolished (the remains are now described as a folly by the National Trust).
Carry on north along the track until you reach a fork in the route, with the track going straight on and a footpath uphill bearing right at the entrance to Columbjohn Wood (F). In May it is worth walking through the wood to admire the bluebells, and alongside this footpath you will find a display board with information about the original Killerton House at (G).
From (F) and a short distance further along the track you will find another option at (H). Taking the left hand track leads along a level lane, past a cottage and arrives at (I). Carrying on along the right hand track is more picturesque and shady but does involve a gentle climb and descent to arrive at (I).
From (I) follow the shaded track towards Ellerhayes Bridge at (J). From here there is a clearly marked track southwards across open fields to point (K) where there is a gate leading to the public road and hence the start point (A).
More from
Walks
