Nature Walks
Woodland Walk from Okehampton Station
We walk to a beautiful woodland - a fine example of ‘temperate rain forest’. Here we take time to learn about this precious habitat and to study some of its amazing biodiversity, including luxuriant mats of globally rare mosses and lichens.
The path runs beside a tumbling boulder-filled river which we cross at a footbridge to enjoy our picnic lunch on the moors before climbing a path up through the woods and out onto fine heathland to complete our circular walk. We arrive back at Okehampton station in good time for the 16.26 train to Exeter.
What you’ll learn
You will learn what makes upland oak woods so special and fragile, and consider some of the species they contain, from ferns that grow on tree branches to lichens and mosses that cover almost every surface. We may be lucky enough to see some of the birdlife too, including dippers diving into the river and grey wagtails catching insects on the wing. You will learn the names of two or three species but the walk is not so much about absorbing facts as appreciating these very special woodlands.
Information
Time
10.15am-4pm. Walk starts when the Exeter train arrives, due 10.15.
Start point
Okehampton Train Station
Distance
4 miles
Knowledge level
Beginner
Walk difficulty
The paths are rough and irregular in places, and slippery when wet.
Equipment
Come prepared for all weathers, with waterproof jacket, waterproof trousers, warm layers, sun hat and walking boots or other well-treaded footwear. Bring a packed lunch.
Children
Suitable for all with an interest in nature and able to walk 4 miles
Dogs
Welcome on a lead
Maximum group number
Ten
