This loop creates a simple walk at Knowles Wood in the Blackdown Hills in Mid Devon. It is under 3 kilometres so a good lenght for little legs. I’m not actually sure what the wood is called. On the Ordnance Survey map it is called Knowles Wood (OS Explorer Map 128 Taunton and Blackdown Hills). But in the wood there is a Woodland Trust sign for Rhododendron Wood. Whatever it is called, there are certainly rhododendrons. And bluebells in the spring.
Where to park
There is a small, free car park on Broad Road on the right, just after Forest Glade Holiday Park (if approaching from the Sheldon direction). It is just after the road starts to drop steeply downhill. There is a height barrier marking the entrance. Although the car park is small, we have never had trouble parking.
Walk at Knowles Wood: Route
First head through the gate out of the car park and into the woods. There is a clear path to follow straight on.
Keep following the leafy path for just over a kilometre. This is a nice shady walk for a hot, sunny day.
A little after a kilometre, keep an eye out for a sharp right turn up the hill. If you are looking for a longer walk, going straight on here takes you to Blackborough Common.
Follow this path upwards for around half a kilometre. It’s a little steep but don’t worry, it’s not far!
At the top of the hill, keep going straight on at the crossroads of paths. At the next crossroads you have a choice. Either follow the track straight on. Or follow the footpath sign right into the wood. The immediately turn left to walk straight on through the wood. Basically, keep going straight on until you reach Forest Glade campsite
The footpath tracks along the edge of the tent camping field. Enter through the gate and follow the path straight on.
Turn right after the tent camping field
At the next crossroads of paths, continue straight on.
After around half a kilometre you will reach a bench with a view. Good for a snack break.
From here is it a short walk back down to the car park. The route is more or less square shaped, making for a simple walk at Knowles Wood. Although I did manage to get a wee bit lost in the woods on one occasion…
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