Broadhembury Circular Walk

Starting near the picturesque village of Broadhembury in Devon, England, the Broadhembury Circular Walk is a delightful 7 km (approximately 4.3 miles) loop trail with an elevation gain of around 100 meters (328 feet). This medium-difficulty trail offers a blend of natural beauty, historical landmarks, and charming rural scenery.

### Getting There To reach the trailhead, you can drive or use public transport. If driving, head towards Broadhembury, which is easily accessible from the A30. There is limited parking available near the village center. For those using public transport, the nearest major train station is in Honiton, about 8 km (5 miles) away. From Honiton, you can take a local bus or taxi to Broadhembury.

### Trail Overview The trail begins near the village center, close to the historic Broadhembury Church, a significant landmark dating back to the 13th century. As you set off, you'll be greeted by the quintessential English countryside, with rolling hills, lush meadows, and ancient woodlands.

### Key Sections and Landmarks

#### Broadhembury Church to Woodland Path (0-2 km) Starting from the village, the first 2 km (1.2 miles) take you through narrow lanes bordered by traditional hedgerows. The initial section is relatively flat, making for a gentle warm-up. Keep an eye out for the local wildlife, including rabbits, pheasants, and a variety of songbirds.

#### Woodland Path to Hilltop Viewpoint (2-4 km) As you enter the woodland area, the trail begins to ascend gradually. This section is particularly enchanting in spring when bluebells carpet the forest floor. After about 2 km (1.2 miles) of walking through the woods, you'll reach a hilltop viewpoint. Here, you can take a break and enjoy panoramic views of the Devon countryside. The elevation gain to this point is around 50 meters (164 feet).

#### Hilltop Viewpoint to Open Fields (4-5.5 km) Descending from the viewpoint, the trail leads you through open fields and pastures. This section is relatively flat and offers a different perspective of the landscape, with expansive views and the occasional sighting of grazing sheep and cattle. Be sure to stick to the marked paths to avoid disturbing the livestock.

#### Open Fields to Village Return (5.5-7 km) The final stretch of the trail brings you back towards Broadhembury. As you approach the village, you'll pass by several traditional Devon cottages and farmhouses, some of which date back several centuries. The last kilometer (0.6 miles) is a gentle descent, making for a pleasant end to your hike.

### Navigation and Safety For navigation, it is highly recommended to use the HiiKER app, which provides detailed maps and real-time tracking to ensure you stay on course. The trail is well-marked, but having a reliable navigation tool can enhance your hiking experience and provide peace of mind.

### Historical Significance Broadhembury itself is steeped in history. The village is a designated conservation area, and many of its buildings are listed for their architectural and historical importance. The Broadhembury Church, where the trail begins, is a focal point of the village's heritage, with its origins tracing back to the medieval period.

### Flora and Fauna Throughout the hike, you'll encounter a variety of flora and fauna. The woodlands are home to oak, ash, and beech trees, while the fields and hedgerows support a diverse range of plant species. Wildlife enthusiasts may spot deer, foxes, and a plethora of bird species, making this trail a delight for nature lovers.

This trail offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, historical intrigue, and rural charm, making it a must-visit for hikers exploring the Devon region.