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  4. Discover scenic walks from Alpine Park Cottages to the East Devon Pebblebed Heaths and RSPB Aylesbeare Common — perfect for nature lovers.

Discover scenic walks from Alpine Park Cottages to the East Devon Pebblebed Heaths and RSPB Aylesbeare Common — perfect for nature lovers.

calendar_today 8th April, 2025 by Alpine Park Cottages

The East Devon Pebblebed Heaths are a rare and protected landscape, covering around 1,400 hectares of lowland heath. Their name comes from the ancient rounded pebbles that lie beneath the surface.

These heaths are home to an extraordinary variety of wildlife, including Dartford warblers, nightjars, stonechats, and an impressive array of butterflies and dragonflies. The landscape itself is wonderfully atmospheric — swathes of purple heather in late summer, golden gorse in spring, and the soft colours of bracken and grasses year-round.

One of the joys of staying at Alpine Park Cottages is the easy access to this remarkable landscape. From your front door, you can join footpaths and bridleways that lead you through peaceful countryside lanes towards Aylesbeare Common — part of the RSPB's network of reserves.

The route is flexible, depending on how far you’d like to walk. A circular route can easily be tailored to 4-6 miles, with longer options for keen walkers. The terrain is mostly gentle, with a few undulating sections typical of heathland.

Public Bridle Path onto Aylesbeare Common

Walking from Alpine Park Cottages

  • Leave Alpine Park Cottages, turn left and head towards the Hidden Oak Cafe

  • Follow the main road at the side of the cafe and pick up the Public footpath signs for Aylesbeare Common.

  • Once on the common, you’ll be immersed in heathland — keep your eyes peeled for birdlife flitting amongst the gorse and listen for the distinctive song of the Dartford warbler.

  • Take time to explore some of the waymarked trails across the RSPB reserve — there are information boards highlighting the wildlife and habitats you might spot.

  • Alternatively, pop in the car.  Turn left at the entrance and turn right onto the Sidmouth Road.  Head along for 1 miles then turn right. You can park the car here and the walks are signposted.  

Walking from Alpine Park Cottages Tree

Practical Tips

  • Wear sturdy walking shoes — paths can be uneven and sandy in places. Please note walking from Alpine Park Cottage is not advisable during wet weather. The start of the walk can be very muddy.

  • Take a map or use a walking app — paths are well-marked but it's easy to wander further than you intended!

  • Bring binoculars if you enjoy birdwatching.

  • Dogs are welcome but should be kept under close control, especially during ground-nesting bird season (March to August).

Practical Tips Tree

Aylesbeare Common

Aylesbeare Common Tree

Other News

Discover scenic walks from Alpine Park Cottages to the East Devon Pebblebed Heaths and RSPB Aylesbeare Common — perfect for nature lovers.

calendar_today 8th April, 2025
If you're staying at Alpine Park Cottages in East Devon, you're in the perfect location to explore one of the most stunning and wildlife-rich landscapes in the area - the East Devon Pebblebed Heaths and RSPB Aylesbeare Common. This is a walk that combines peaceful countryside, panoramic views, and the chance to experience some of Devon’s rarest wildlife
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