Walk 1 - Walk to Kenn

Circular walk to Kenn (21⁄2 miles – 1 hour)

This is a good introduction to the area. It is on quiet roads, footpaths and across fields. An uphill start is rewarded with great views of the Kenn Valley down to Kenn and Kennford and, in the opposite direction, across to Exeter and the Exe Estuary.

Directions

From the cottage turn right and walk down the road, passing the post office and crossing over the bridge. Take the road on the right (Kenn Lane). The lane bends to the right, where you go straight on taking the footpath up the hill, with the Old School House and village pump (dating back to 1840) on your right.

At the top enter a field via a gate, and follow the path which follows the hedge on your left. The path will shortly meet the road where you turn right.

Walk up the road, passing Kerswell Grange at the top. You will have a view down to Exeter and the Exe Estuary from here and on a clear day enjoy views to Woodbury Common and beyond.

Continue along this lane for a further 400 yard and just
before the gas pumping station take the footpath on the right
to a gate, to access a field. Follow the footpath down the field keeping close to the right hand hedge, to reach a stile at the bottom right hand corner.

As you walk enjoy the lovely views of the Kenn Valley and across to Haldon Forest, with Haldon Belvedere on the skyline (the white tower).

After crossing the stile keep to the right-hand hedge until you meet the two metal gates.

On crossing these you then follow the left hand boundary, following the waymarked signs (note Trehill House in the middle distance), down to St Andrew’s Church and through the churchyard to the front of the building.

Cross the road at the green and pass the Ley Arms pub (or call in !).

Cross the bridge, over the River Kenn, heading towards Exeter. The road takes you through the pretty village of Kenn, passing the delightful Brook Cottage and village library (the phone box!).

The road climbs out of Kenn passing the property “Greystones” at the top.

Soon after and opposite a 30mph sign, turn right down an unsigned lane (T junction), which shortly leads to a footpath. Continue to the end into a small Estate (Gissons Lane) to meet the main road (stopping to take in the view down to Kenn and the view across to the valley where you have walked).

At the Exeter road turn right to return to Kennford village centre where Cherry Tree Cottage will be found on the right.