Okehampton: Walking, Nature and History

Okehampton can be explored from different perspectives: walking trails lead from here to a range of destinations, nature reserves bring together several types of landscape, and places such as the Victorian Arcade tell the story of the town. It is worth considering these differences when planning your trip. This will help you decide whether walking, nature or historical connections should be the focus of your stay before you choose a hotel for your trip.

Nature along the West Okement

The ruins of Okehampton Castle stand on a wooded ridge above the fast-flowing West Okement River. The river and the wooded ridge define the castle’s landscape setting. Old Town Park Nature Reserve adds woodland, wetlands and meadows. The reserve therefore encompasses several habitats rather than representing just one type of landscape.

The history of the nature reserve is also connected with Okehampton Castle: Old Town Park Nature Reserve was once part of a large deer park associated with the castle. This earlier use offers a different way of approaching the landscape from today’s walking routes. If you are interested in the historical context, you can include it in your trip planning alongside the nature-related attractions.

Compare walking routes by length and type

The three routes mentioned differ considerably in length and course. The Two Castles Trail is 24 miles long, waymarked and runs between Okehampton Castle and Launceston Castle. The West Devon Way is a 37-mile long-distance walking route from Okehampton to Plymouth. Both therefore run between named endpoints, while the Okehampton Deer Park Circuit is a 4.5-mile circular walk starting in Okehampton.

If you want to compare the lengths first, the Deer Park Circuit is the shortest of the three routes described. The two longer routes offer a different point of reference through their endpoints: the Two Castles Trail links two castles, while the West Devon Way leads all the way to Plymouth. Comparing the circular walk with the long-distance routes can help you choose the right walking focus for your trip without treating the routes as equivalent based on length alone.

The Deer Park Circuit also offers a historical connection along the route. It passes the remains of medieval longhouses and the Deer Park hunting lodge. This circular route therefore combines a specific route type with historic structures. If you would like to look out for places like these while walking, this is another aspect to consider when choosing between the three routes.

Town history and paths in the park

Simmons Park opened in July 1907 and was named after Sydney Simmons. The park includes, among other things, woodland paths. This means that both a specific historical date and a present-day feature of the park are relevant to your planning: the opening and namesake provide a historical connection, while the woodland paths describe what the park has to offer.

The Victorian Arcade offers a different glimpse into the town’s history. It was completed in 1896 as the most direct connection between Okehampton town centre and Okehampton railway station. Together with the history of Simmons Park, this building broadens the focus beyond nature and walking routes to include the town’s development and its connections.

Getting here and other interests

The Dartmoor Line connects Exeter St Davids, Crediton and Okehampton. If you want to plan your arrival or onward journey around this connection, check the timetable for your travel dates. This lets you take the rail link into account without assuming a particular schedule for your trip.

Golf may also be relevant to your trip planning: Okehampton Golf Club welcomes visitors and offers online booking. As booking arrangements may change, check them before your visit. This ensures your plans are based on the booking options available at the time.

The different route lengths, landscapes and historical connections offer specific points to consider. You can then choose a hotel based on your own requirements and travel dates.

Discover more destinations: Bampton, Newton Saint Petrock, Uffculme, Saint Giles in the Wood, Kingsbridge, Holsworthy, Lynmouth, Holne.

For the main travel overview: Devon.