Pebblebed Heaths Circular Walk

This walk starts at Squabmoor (free) car park on the Pebblebed Heaths, just on the outskirts of Exmouth. (What3Words: ///blushes.renting.optimists) It’s just under 3 miles long and dog friendly with dog bins at the beginning of the walk and half way along. My 6 year old daughter has no trouble doing this walk but the cafe stop at the stables definitely helps! I would advise wearing trousers for this walk due to a couple of narrow paths with gorse and the chance of ticks, especially in the Summer. Walking boots are a good idea, although I do this walk in trainers in the drier months. There is a little stream you need to cross, so be aware you may get wet shoes. This walk is hilly in places and unfortunately not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.

Squabmoor car park, beginning of the walk — The start of the walk, Squabmoor Car Park

Views of Squabmoor reservoir — First glimpse of Squabmoor Reservoir

From the car park, follow the path with the blue arrow pointing down through the trees. This path is little uneven in places due to the tree roots underfoot. Continue following this path where soon you’ll pass a sign saying ‘Squabmoor Reservoir Course Fishery’. You’ll eventually arrive at a wooden fence informing you that you’re now walking alongside Squabmoor reservoir.

More views of Squabmoor reservoir — Checking for fish, Squabmoor Reservoir

Lily pads at Squabmoor reservoir — The Lilypads in Spring

Carry on straight along this path, keeping the water on your right, if you do this walk in Autumn you’ll be treated to a range of different mushroom species along the way. In the Spring and Summer months there are beautiful lillies on the water, along with Mallard and Tufted Ducks and Canada Geese. Once you get to the ‘reservoir fishing car park’ follow the trodden path down through the middle of the meadow towards some trees (not the path to the left of the meadow). In the Summer this meadow is alive with a range of butterflies and moths feeding on the wildflowers, when we did this walk recently we saw so many Painted Lady butterflies here as well as the summer sound of grasshoppers around us.

Path through The Meadow at Squabmoor — The path through the meadow

Lovely waterfall as you cross the stream — Arriving at the stream

You’ll know if you’ve taken the correct path as you’ll arrive at a stream amongst the trees, this is the bit where you might get wet feet! Cross this stream directly opposite the kissing gate on the other side of the water where you’ll see a brick path under the water and some (unsteady) stones that can help you across. Once through the gate, you’ll now be walking onto Dalditch Plantation, from here, turn left and follow this stony path towards the trees in the distance. Both sides of this path will have water trickling alongside it, meaning it can get a little muddy on the path in certain times of year. In the Summer months, cattle are sometimes put on this land to graze the heaths so be aware if you have dogs off lead at this point.

Stepping stones across the stream — Time to cross the stream!

Kissing gate on the path through the Dalditch woods — The gate to the wooded area

When you reach the gates to the wooded area, enter through here and follow the path between the trees. This area comes alive with birdsong especially in Spring when you can hear Blackcaps singing, the repetitive call of Chiffchaffs and the high pitched calls of the Goldcrests and Firecrests. At the end of this woodland, you’ll come to a quiet lane (Dalditch Lane), turn right and walk up it, past some houses, including one named ‘Clover Cottage’. In the Spring this lane has beautiful bluebells and flowering Rhododendrons brighting up the roadside, continue on past the ‘horses and children’ road sign and you’ll soon reach a gate to Budleigh Riding School on the left. Feel free to have a cafe stop here, entering past the stables and arena to the beautiful building at the back named ‘Oak lodge Cafe’ (Note: Opening times vary but they usually open Wed - Saturday, be sure to check times on their website).

Path through the ferns in Pebblebed woods — The path through the woods leading to Dalditch Lane

Stop for a coffee at Budleigh Riding School cafe, Oak Lodge — Cafe Stop, Budleigh Riding School

Past the riding school, continue up Dalditch Lane until you reach a little path on the right (after a lay-by) leading to a gate which opens up onto Dalditch Plantation again. Once through the gate, turn left and walk up the hill where you’ll have beautiful views of the common on your right. Ignore the gate at the top, instead turn right and carry on along the path. See if you can spot Squabmoor Reservoir where we first began this walk, and if it’s a clear day you may be treated to a sea view in the distance. When you spot a metal gate on your left, pass through it and immediately turn right where you’ll arrive at some steps and a kissing gate.

Bluebells on the path back to Withycombe common — The path that leads back onto Dalditch Common

Views of the valley on an overcast day — Views of the common, on a grey day

You’ve now arrived at Withycombe Common which is a haven for wildlife. Please be aware of any signs on the gate that alert you to keep your dogs on leads if its nesting season for ground nesting birds (typically March - August). This area of the common is home to a lot of wildlife. I’ve spotted adders, deer, foxes, common lizards, dartford warblers, yellowhammers and stonechat along these paths. Turn right and follow the clear path down the hill. This part of the walk can feel long but be sure to listen to the different bird calls. On a Spring day I heard a mistle thrush, willow warbler and tree pipit and saw buzzards circling above being harassed by crows.

Withycombe common nature reserve — Withycombe Common

Entrance to Bystock Pools nature reserve — Arriving at Bystock Pools

When you reach the bottom of this hill, ignore the path on your left and continue on where you’ll soon turn round a corner and walk up a stony path. Sometimes I hear green woodpeckers in this area so be sure to listen out of their laughing call. Carry on walking until you reach a grassy patch on your right that takes you down a narrow path between gorse and heather where you’ll soon meet a kissing gate that leads to a road. Crossing this road will take you to a sign informing you that you’ve arrived at Bystock Pools.

The boardwalk around Bystock Pools — The boardwalk along Bystock Pools

Beautiful scenes of the pond at Bystock Pools nature reserve — The lilypads at Bystock

Follow this path alongside the pond, as you cross the bridge you’ll notice beavers have made a dam here, the path then turns into a boardwalk with benches inviting you to sit and enjoy the peaceful view. At the end of the viewing platform, pass through the kissing gate and walk over the little bridge and up some steps which opens up onto heathland. Follow the path to the left where you’ll soon be walking alongside a metal fence on your right. In the Summer I usually hear spotted flycatchers in this area, sometimes seeing them fly down catching insects before returning to their tree branches above. As you walk this path, you may notice wood ants in the summer months crossing the path to their nests on the right. Soon you’ll arrive at a tall kissing gate, exit the reserve here and follow the path ahead through the trees where soon it will open up onto the heaths again.

Bridge across Bystock Pools — The bridge at Bystock Pools

The walk around Bystock Pools — Walking the Heathland at Bystock

Continue straight up a slight incline until you arrive at a crossroads on the path. Turn right and follow the path down, keep an eye out for those sea views again. Soon you’ll be given an option of two paths, take the one on your right with the yellow arrow pointing in the direction we’re going. It won’t be long before you reach the end of this path, where you should soon recognise Squabmoor Car Park on the other side of the road where we first began.