Devon

Ancient trees walk at Killerton

This circular walk highlights some of the many ancient trees that you can see in the garden and park at Killerton. Examples include gnarled sweet chestnuts that were planted some 250 years ago but as you follow the route, look around you to see many more.

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Total steps: 8

Start point

The car park at Killerton. Grid ref: SS973001

Step 1

From the car park, head to visitor reception. Walk through the stable block and turn right, following the footpath towards the entrance to the chapel grounds.

Landscaped parkland

Sir Thomas Dyke Acland, along with his gardener and land steward John Veitch, started Killerton's tree collection during the 1770s. Veitch developed into an exceptional landscaper, and today Killerton exhibits rare veteran trees from around the world, many of which were the first of their kind to be planted in this country. Look out for a grove of tulip trees in the chapel grounds, planted by Veitch over 200 years ago.

Step 2

Leaving the chapel grounds via the wooden gate at the top, follow the track and turn right towards the wrought-iron fence and gate. Go through the gate into the open parkland. Continue straight ahead, then turn left along the track.

Step 3

Along this track, you'll find stunning views over the estate, along with ancient oak trees, some of which are over 600 years old. These trees are of great ecological value, providing a habitat to many insects, fungi and lichen. Killerton is also home to more than 12 species of bat.

Step 4

Bear left into the plain of the park, an open area with ancient birches, redwoods and thorns. One of the thorns in the left-hand corner dates back to the early 1800s.

Step 5

Head towards the top-right corner of the plain and go through the wooden gate. Then turn left through another gate, onto the Iron Age hillfort.

Step 6

Go across the hillfort and straight over the crossroads in the path. Head towards the wrought-iron fence that encloses the garden, and go through the gate into the garden.

Step 7

Head down through the garden, looking out for the old sweet chestnuts, the giant redwood and a wide range of unusual trees.

Step 8

Follow the garden path past the front of the house, go through the garden gate and head down the drive back to your starting point.

End point

The car park at Killerton. Grid ref: SS973001

Trail map

Map of Killerton ancient trees walk — Map of the ancient trees walk at Killerton | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey

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Broadclyst, Exeter, Devon, EX5 3LE

01392881345

killerton@nationaltrust.org.uk

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