We are having such an amazing spring and early summer – it is just stunning. The dry weather it really a blessing as we build the cabins. But we also need to take a few moments just to soak this sun in, and no better way than to go for a walk on Staple Hill.
Staple Hill is owned by the Forestry Commission; it is just up the road from Buckland Farm Log Cabins. There is lots of parking and no matter how full the car park, it never feels busy when you walk around.
Staple Hill forms part of the Herepath (a more adventurous 12 mile loop) but within Staple Hill itself you can enjoy a peaceful loop of around 1.5 miles – though there are many diversions you could take to lengthen the walk and make it more challenging.
The main loop at Staple Hill has an excellently maintained solid and wide path. All gates have been recently removed to ensure this walk is suitable for people in mobility scooters and wheelchairs. It is also fairly level – though there is one part that involves a steepish zig zag.
The views from here are breath-taking – I live here and visit many, many times with the kids and dogs, but I never get bored of that view. It is a great place for dogs, but if your dogs isn’t great on recall, it’s best to keep them on the lead, as there are deer here – my golden (terrible at recall) therefore remains firmly on the lead.
On this walk I took the three kids, three dogs and my 14 year-old niece. The youngest took his bike. I don’t really need to say anything more – I’ll let the photos do the talking. Enjoy!
Mud rating: 2 out of 5 – The maintained paths mean this is a good place to walk whatever the weather and you can remain pretty mud free. But dogs being dogs – rain or shine, they will find some mud. So be prepared to rinse the dogs off.
There are many diversions you can take on this walk, and if you are lucky you may come across some free-range ponies and longhorn cattle that have recently been introduced to the forestland to keep the vegetation at bay, encourage butterflies and increase the biodiversity.
Take the strain rating: 1 out of 5. The main loop provides the perfect setting for a gentle stroll, but if you want to make it more challenging, there are many diversions you can make
Staple Hill is just a 20 minute walk from Buckland Farm Log Cabins (or a two minute drive)
Staple Hill offers a gentle walk among the woodlands