A little fresh air: our favourite autumn and winter walks at THE PIG-at Combe
Muddy boots, crisp country air and a cosy spot by the fire. Discover our favourite countryside walks starting from THE PIG-at Combe.
There's something rather lovely about getting out for a good countryside walk as the seasons start to turn. Crisp mornings, muddy footpaths, leaves underfoot and a bit of fresh Devon air to blow away the cobwebs. Autumn and winter are made for pulling on your walking boots, wrapping up warm and heading out for a wander.
Here at THE PIG-at Combe, we're lucky to have some lovely walks right on our doorstep, with trails leading from the house into the surrounding countryside. Whether you're after a gentle meander or a longer stomp, there's a route to suit.
We've picked out a couple of our favourites, both starting and finishing back at ours. And the best bit? Once you've had your fill of fresh air, there's a cosy spot waiting for you back at the house. Think a well-earned tipple by the fire, or perhaps staying a little longer for dinner.
A gentle meander: Gittisham Village
If you're after a gentler stroll, the 3.75-mile circular walk to Gittisham Village is a lovely place to start. Setting off from THE PIG-at Combe, follow the footpaths through the surrounding countryside towards this pretty Devon village.
There's plenty of scenery to take in along the way, with winding paths, open fields and that lovely feeling of being far away from it all. Take your time, enjoy a bit of fresh air and have a good nose around the village before following the route back to the house.
A lovely little wander for those days when you fancy stretching your legs without making a whole day of it.
The walk: 3.75 miles | Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes | Circular route.
For a longer stomp: East Hill and Gittisham Village
If you've got a little more energy to burn, the six-mile loop taking in Gittisham Village and East Hill is a lovely longer walk.
You'll head out from the house and through the surrounding countryside before making your way towards East Hill, where you'll be rewarded with some lovely views looking out towards Sidmouth. It's a proper countryside stomp, with a mixture of footpaths, hills and open views, so wrap up warm and bring your walking boots.
On a clear winter's day, the views are particularly lovely, and there's something rather satisfying about reaching the end of a longer walk knowing there's a warm welcome waiting back at Combe.
The walk: 6 miles | Approximately 2.5 hours | Circular route.
The best bit comes afterwards...
After all that fresh air, there's only one place to head: back to ours. Kick off your muddy boots, find a comfy spot by the fire and settle in with a well-earned drink. Whether it's a warming cocktail, a local cider or a generous PIG Cut pour, you've certainly earned it.
Feeling a little peckish? Why not stay for dinner, too? Our restaurant menu follows the seasons, with dishes shaped by what's growing in our Kitchen Garden and the brilliant local producers on our doorstep.
And if you really don't fancy heading home just yet, make a night of it. With cosy bedrooms waiting upstairs, you can enjoy a proper countryside escape, from a good long walk to a leisurely dinner and a night tucked up at ours.
A little fresh air, a little something warming and a very good reason to stay a while longer.
Fancy a countryside escape? Come for a walk, stay for dinner and make a night of it at THE PIG-at Combe.
