Ashclyst Forest

The National Trust provides access to the forest along a choice of colour coded trails ranging from 2½ km to 11 km, and including a 3½ km butterfly trail suitable for wheelchairs and buggies. The clay soil does render paths very muddy in winter but the National Trust have surfaced some paths to make them accessible all year round. There are no toilets or shop, so please come prepared.

The forest is an important site for pearl-bordered and small pearl bordered fritillary butterflies, twelve species of bats, dormice, and breeding birds. Creating glades along the rides are crucial for the butterflies. Ancient oak pollard trees have been identified and work has begun to clear conifers from around them as part of the restoration of wood pasture.

Explore Ashclyst Forest on one of the great routes:

Killerton to Ashclyst Forest Circular

Start from Killerton House to explore Ashclyst Forest on foot or by bicycle.

Big Electric Forest Ride

Confident cyclists could take on the whole route, otherwise the first leg from Cranbrook to Killerton and back is suitable for over 16’s accompanied by an adult. Treat yourself to lunch at the Stables café, Killerton, or take a picnic to have at Ashclyst Forest and treat yourself to a drink and cake at Killerton!