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Devon

Bluebell trail at Buckland Abbey

A clump of English Bluebell flowers close up, against a green background
Bluebells at Buckland Abbey | © Barry Mitchell

In late April to early May, the woodland at Buckland Abbey is carpeted with a sea of bluebells and wild garlic. It's a wonderful time to enjoy this 2.5 mile circular route and take in the sights, sounds and smells of spring in the Devon countryside.

Please note

All trails are within the pay for entry area at Buckland Abbey, so normal admission charges apply (National Trust members free). This trail is signposted by red way markers. These all feature numbers - should you require assistance at any time, please contact the property on 01822 853607 and quote the nearest marker point to assist us in locating you.

Total stages: 6

Total stages: 6

Start point

Begin at the gate next to the Great Barn, grid reference SX487667.

Stage 1

From the gate, follow the track directly ahead, keeping the pond on your right and the garden wall on your left. This will take you past the entrance to the orchard on the right, and a gateway offering views back towards the north side of the Abbey on the left.

Stage 2

After passing a bungalow on the right, you'll go through a gate into an avenue of beech trees. Do not follow the track which leads off to the left across the field, but continue straight up the hill, keeping between the line of trees.

A view of hundreds of tree guards in the foreground with the Abbey buildings and trees in the background.
Community Forest tree planting at Buckland Abbey | © Kate Hillson

Stage 3

At the top of the hill, you will start to bear to the left and the natural play area will be ahead of you. Follow the path through a gate into the woodland, and then take the track to the left, following the red way marker.

Stage 4

This track continues through the woodland for approximately 1 mile. Continue to follow red way markers which will lead you along the path, as a guide, you should remain close to the field boundary line on the left side.

A woodland path leading through two banks of bluebells, with trees lining the route
Bluebells in the woods at Buckland Abbey | © Laura De'Ath

Stage 5

Leave the woodland through a kissing gate, and go across the sloping field to the opposite side. You'll go through another gate in the top corner of the hedge line, and then go straight across the second field, meeting the gate at the bottom where the three trails converge. Go through this gate, and then follow the yellow way markers from this point.

Stage 6

This section of the walk is uphill, and follows the stream through another area of woodland, before bringing you back to the path leading down to the Abbey or across to the great barn.

A verdant and inviting pathway through a wood
Cott lane in spring at Buckland Abbey in Devon | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

End point

Grid reference SX487667.

Trail map

A drawn map of the Buckland Abbey estate showing three waymarked trails
Trail routes at Buckland Abbey | © Beci Boxall

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A panoramic view of Buckland Abbey seen from the north. The Great Barn stands out prominently to the left.
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Buckland Abbey 

Discovery, tranquillity and history – an ancient gem in the Tavy Valley landscape

Yelverton, Devon

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