Okehampton offers several clearly distinct walking routes: from a 4.5-mile circular walk starting in town to two long-distance trails with named endpoints. There are also the ruins of Okehampton Castle, the varied habitats of Old Town Park Nature Reserve and woodland paths in Simmons Park. So when planning, it is not just the distance that matters. Whether you are looking for a circular route starting in Okehampton or a route between towns can also help you choose where to stay.
Walking trails by length and route
The Two Castles Trail is 24 miles long, waymarked and runs between Okehampton Castle and Launceston Castle. The 37-mile West Devon Way runs from Okehampton to Plymouth. The West Devon Way is therefore the longer of the two routes; their endpoints also differ. These details help you consider them as two separate trail options, rather than choosing based only on their shared connection to Okehampton.
The Okehampton Deer Park Circuit is 4.5 miles long and is a circular walking route starting in Okehampton. It passes the remains of medieval longhouses and the Deer Park hunting lodge. Compared with the two point-to-point routes, its circular layout offers a different approach to planning; the historic sites also give this shorter walk a clear local focus. So, when weighing up the options, you can choose from different route types and distances.
Castle, river and nature reserve
The ruins of Okehampton Castle stand on a wooded ridge above the fast-flowing West Okement. This setting links the castle ruins with two striking landscape features: the wooded ridge and the river. Old Town Park Nature Reserve offers a different focus. The reserve includes woodland, wetlands and meadows; it was once part of a large deer park associated with Okehampton Castle. Here, varied habitats sit alongside a historic connection to the castle.
Local history on park paths and at the arcade
Simmons Park opened in July 1907 and was named after Sydney Simmons. Its features include woodland paths. These offer a different setting from the long-distance trails, while the opening date and namesake provide a specific link to local history.
The Victorian Arcade was completed in 1896 as the most direct link between Okehampton town centre and Okehampton railway station. Its date of construction and function go together: the arcade is not only a historic building, but is also associated with a specific connection between two named points. This adds another perspective on local history to the nature and walking themes.
Getting there and planning your stay
The Dartmoor Line connects Exeter St Davids, Crediton and Okehampton. If you are planning to use this connection to get there, check the timetable for your travel dates. It is also worth considering your planned route when choosing a hotel in Okehampton: the Deer Park Circuit starts in Okehampton, while each of the two longer trails connects Okehampton with another town. Plan your stay around whether you are choosing a circular route from Okehampton or a longer route with named endpoints.
Golf as another option
Okehampton Golf Club welcomes visitors and offers online booking. If golf is part of your travel plans, you can consider the club as a separate option. Check the current booking arrangements in advance, as they may change.
Discover more destinations: Colyton, South Pool, Ashreigney, Thorverton, Otterton, Dittisham, Shirwell, Ipplepen.
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