Cattle may be grazing within areas where dogs are normally permitted off lead. Follow the signs on each gate and keep dogs on a short lead around livestock, the main drive and visitor areas. Woodland paths can become very muddy after rain.
The walk
Overview
This varied two-and-a-half-mile circuit explores the parkland and woodland surrounding the Killerton estate. Beginning near the main visitor car park, the route passes the house and chapel before climbing into the open landscape of the former Deer Park.
Beyond the initial climb, grassy paths lead around the upper edge of the valley before entering quieter woodland. The route continues beneath mature trees and through Deodar Glen, eventually descending across the parkland and returning towards Killerton House.
One of the walk’s main attractions for dog owners is the opportunity for responsible off-lead exercise. Signs on gates indicate where dogs can be released, but short leads are required around the main visitor areas and wherever livestock are present. Cattle frequently graze parts of the route, so conditions and local signs should always take priority.
The walk is relatively short and easy to follow using the blue waymarkers, although the opening incline is steep and woodland paths can become muddy after wet weather. With open countryside, shaded woodland and dog-friendly refreshments at the finish, it offers plenty of variety without requiring a long day out.
Important before you set out
Access & safety
Check these practical points early, especially if you have mobility or access requirements, use a wheelchair, mobility scooter or pushchair, or are walking with a less-mobile dog.
Access & mobility
Route access
Not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. The route includes uneven woodland paths, muddy sections and a steep incline near the beginning.
Safety
Before you go
Woodland paths can become muddy and slippery after wet weather, and there is a steep incline near the start of the route, so sturdy footwear is recommended. Cattle may be grazing in the parkland at different times of year; keep dogs under close control and follow any temporary livestock signage. Dogs should also remain within sight and under reliable recall in off-lead areas, particularly around wildlife and other visitors.
Follow the route
Route directions
Use these directions alongside the map and local signage. Paths, access and conditions can change.
9 steps
Get directions to the start- 1
From the main visitor car park, walk towards the stable block and visitor reception. Turn right onto the main path towards Killerton House, then follow the blue waymarker at the crossroads towards the chapel. Before the chapel gate, remain on the path as it curves left and climbs uphill.
- 2
Continue straight across the next crossroads. Shortly afterwards, turn right off the main path, pass through the metal gate and cross the rutted track. Follow the grassy route as it bends left around the top of the valley.
- 3
Remain on the well-used path around the upper edge of the valley. Continue following the blue waymarkers as the route gradually enters the woodland.
- 4
At the next gate, pass through and continue straight ahead when the path divides.
- 5
At the following fork, take the left-hand path uphill. Before reaching the wooden gate, turn right at the fingerpost and continue through the trees.
- 6
When the path divides around a large oak tree, take the right-hand branch and continue following the blue waymarkers.
- 7
Enter the clearing at Deodar Glen and take the middle path, which climbs gently to the right. Remain on this path and continue straight ahead through the woodland.
- 8
At the pair of wooden gates, pass through Bluebell Gate on the right. Turn left and descend through the field, keeping the fence on your left. Put dogs on a lead if cattle are present.
- 9
At the bottom of the hill, pass through the wooden kissing gate on the left and continue straight across the parkland. Walk past Killerton House, then use the wooden gate on the left to return to the stable block and main car park. Dogs should be back on a short lead around the drive and visitor areas.
Dog-first route detail
Dog suitability
There is no single dog-friendliness score. These practical dimensions help you judge whether the route suits your own dog.
A generally dog-friendly route, while the individual conditions below still matter for each dog.
Dogs can exercise off lead in the parkland and woodland outside the designated lead-only visitor area. Signs on the gates identify where dogs may be released. Dogs must remain visible, return reliably when called and be placed back on a lead whenever livestock or temporary restrictions are present.
Cattle frequently graze within parts of the parkland used by this route. Check the signs at every gate and use a short lead whenever livestock are present. Give cattle plenty of space and avoid allowing dogs to approach or chase grazing animals.
No dependable natural drinking-water access is identified along the route. Water bowls are provided around the main visitor area, but walkers should still carry sufficient water for their dog.
A mixture of grassy parkland, well-trodden woodland paths and estate tracks. Woodland sections can become muddy after rain, and one part of the route crosses a rutted track. There is also a fairly steep climb near the beginning of the walk.
The woodland section provides useful shade, while the parkland and Deer Park sections are more open and exposed to the sun.
The short distance and generally easy terrain make this a good option for older puppies accustomed to countryside walks. The steep opening climb, livestock, muddy woodland and need for reliable control should still be considered. Walk length should always be adjusted for the puppy’s age and fitness.
Dog notes
Killerton provides water bowls, dog-waste bins and a dog-rinsing station near the visitor area. Dogs are welcome inside the Stables Coffee Shop but not inside the historic buildings or Killerton Kitchen Café, except for assistance dogs. Keep dogs on a short fixed lead around the main visitor facilities and follow all seasonal signs.
Recommended for
Parking
Availability: Yes
Parking is free for National Trust members, while non-members need to pay at the car park. From the car park, follow the signs towards the Stables, where the blue waymarkers for the dog walk begin.
Up to 2 hours: £2.60 All day: £5.20 National Trust members: Free Open parking mapFacilities
Toilets: Yes — Toilets are available in the main visitor car park, which is particularly useful as they are right by the start/end of the walk. There are also additional toilets near the house and in the garden. Accessible toilets and baby-changing facilities are available.
Cafe / pub: Yes — Stables Coffee Shop at the start/finish is dog friendly and serves drinks, snacks and light meals. A second café is available beside Killerton House, but only assistance dogs are permitted there.
Best season
Spring, Autumn
A mixture of grassy parkland, well-trodden woodland paths and estate tracks. Woodland sections can become muddy after rain, and one part of the route crosses a rutted track. There is also a fairly steep climb near the beginning of the walk.Nearby highlights
Killerton House and Garden are right beside the route and are worth exploring if you have extra time. The wider estate also includes historic parkland, an Iron Age hill fort and extensive woodland. For a longer outing, nearby Danes Wood offers ancient chestnut and oak trees, while Ashclyst Forest has a much larger network of woodland trails and is particularly good for wildlife.
Research & route confidence
Researched
This route has been researched using current mapping, access and facility information and has not yet been field-tested by BandiBoo.
How BandiBoo researches and verifies walks
Routes, access, livestock and facilities can change. Check local signage and current official notices before setting out.
