Redhills, Exeter, Devon
Barley Valley Park
Mixed-habitat reserve
Place photograph
6.4
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Free
Cost
Peaceful
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.4A rural-feeling ridge and valley on Exeter’s western edge, where woodland, meadows and footpaths sit unexpectedly close to the city.
Barley Valley earns its place for the contrast: a patchwork of woods and meadows, rural valley paths and views across Exeter, all within the city’s western fringe. It is a worthwhile short escape rather than a destination for elaborate facilities or a full-day itinerary.
Peaceful · Wild · Secluded
Find your way
Open mapRedhills, Exeter, Devon
Opening map…
The experience
Explore the path network through woodland and meadow, choosing a shorter wander or extending the visit along connected paths and bridleways. Expect some steep or muddy sections, and check signs for temporary woodland closures.
Things to do
Walk the meadow-and-woodland paths
Explore the reserve’s patchwork of woods and meadows using its network of footpaths. Some sections are steep or muddy.
About 1 hour for a short visit; longer if extending onto connected paths
Pause for views across Exeter
The park’s western ridge offers views over the city. The supplied visitor account describes views towards Exeter Cathedral from higher paths.
Look for the old oaks along Bowhay Lane
Devon Wildlife Trust’s introductory video identifies Bowhay Lane as an old drover’s road on the edge of the park, with old oak trees.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · About 1 hour
Quick Escape: Valley paths and city views
- 01
Enter from one of the reserve entrances listed by Devon Wildlife Trust.
- 02
Follow the open paths through the meadow-and-woodland landscape, choosing a manageable section.
- 03
Take in the western ridge’s views across Exeter, then return the way you came.
Half day · 2–3 hours
Make a Half Day of It: Follow the changing landscape
- 01
Start at an entrance listed by Devon Wildlife Trust and explore the network of paths through woods and meadows.
- 02
Continue towards a higher ridge path for views across Exeter, allowing extra time for steep or muddy sections.
- 03
If conditions and signs permit, extend along connected footpaths or bridleways towards the farmland fringes; do not enter the temporarily closed woodland.
Verified history
Devon Wildlife Trust notes that a German bomber crashed in the reserve during the Second World War bombing raid on Exeter. The supplied source does not provide a date, aircraft details or a specific marked site to look for.
Hidden details
An old drover’s road at Bowhay Lane — Devon Wildlife Trust’s introductory video describes Bowhay Lane, on the park’s edge, as an old drover’s road and points out its old oak trees.
A Second World War aircraft crash — The reserve’s official page records that a German bomber crashed in Barley Valley during the bombing raid on Exeter. No crash location or surviving physical evidence is specified in the supplied source.
When to go
April · May · June · July · Morning or late afternoon for softer light, based on the supplied visitor account.
The supplied reserve information and visitor account associate spring and summer with meadow flowers. The park is listed by Devon Wildlife Trust as suitable to visit at any time.
Some paths can be muddy, particularly after rain; wear footwear suited to uneven ground. Check reserve signs for temporary closures.
What to look for
Look for the shift between open meadow, woodland and the ridge’s views across Exeter. Bowhay Lane, at the edge of the park, is identified in Devon Wildlife Trust’s video as an old drover’s road with old oak trees.
The story
Second World War: the reserve’s official page notes that a German bomber crashed there during the bombing raid on Exeter.
Best time to go
Spring and summer for meadow flowers; any time for a walk and city views.
Spring and summer are the best-supported choices for meadow flowers. Early morning or late afternoon may suit visitors seeking softer light; this timing is suggested by the supplied visitor account, not an official recommendation.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Walkers · Wildlife lovers · Photographers · Dogs
Practical information
Opening & access
Devon Wildlife Trust says the park is always open and free to enter. It has several entrances; some paths are steep and muddy. A small woodland area is currently closed because of unsafe ash trees, so follow on-site signs.
Parking
Parking arrangements are not confirmed by the reserve’s official visitor information; check before visiting. Several entrances are listed, including at Higher Barley Mount, Bowhay Lane and Antonine Crescent.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Dogs
Dogs should be kept under effective control, according to Devon Wildlife Trust.
Accessibility
The path network includes steep and muddy sections. The source information does not confirm step-free access or accessible facilities; check current conditions before visiting.
Check before visiting
Cost
Free
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Barley Valley Park
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances