Huxham Brake
Evergreen woodland with fine views across the Exe and Culm valleys
- Grid ref:
- SX944968
- what3words:
- vampire.curtail.cleansed
- Nature
- Walking, cycling & riding
Off-road tracks, frequently muddy; unsuitable for wheelchairs or buggies
What to see
Tall poplar, spruce and Douglas fir trees dominate this wet woodland, creating an evergreen canopy of conifers where buzzards hunt the skies. Deciduous trees line the edges and the shaded forest floor is full of woodland wildflowers, damp-loving ferns, mosses and lichens.
Overlooking the flood plains where the River Exe meets the River Culm, the wind catches the top of the hill here. Ancient trees in Stoke Woods are within walking distance, connecting this landscape across Iron Age and Roman history.
Nearby Stoke Post marks where the old Roman road connected Exeter with Cullompton.
This is an exposed, windy site and trees are being managed carefully to regenerate the woodland ecosystem. Some areas are significantly wet, with surface water sitting on clay soil. You’ll need boots for the muddy footpaths crossing the wood or walk the ancient bridleway route to pass alongside and lead down into the village of Huxham.
How to get here without a car
Train
Pinhoe Station: 2.5 miles from Huxham Brake (via Station Rd / Church Hill)
Bus
Stagecoach bus service to Pinhoe. Walk up Church Hill to Stoke Post. Huxham Brake is approximately 2 miles from Pinhoe
On foot
Various walking trails lead from Pinhoe, Pennsylvania (Exeter) and across Stoke Woods. Accessible by public footpath and a bridleway down the hill into Huxham.
Very muddy tracks crossing central pathways through the woods, and forest tracks are not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.
Easier walking routes: footpaths and bridleways around the edges of the wood with paths leading into the village of Poltimore
Trails
Clyst Valley walk 1: Exeter to Killerton 9 km / 6 miles walk (one-way) varied route (Jon Freeman / 2 parts)
Other information
- Car parking
-
Yes
- Contact
- Forestry Commission