Tucked away on the edge of Woodbury Common near Exmouth, Bystock Pools is a peaceful nature reserve that feels like a hidden gem. Managed by Devon Wildlife Trust, it’s an ideal spot for a short walk, a picnic, or just some time alone surrounded by nature.

Getting There

The best way to reach Bystock Pools is by car. From Exmouth, drive towards Littleham and follow the signs for Woodbury Common. There’s a small lay-by near the entrance on Bystock Pool Hill (EX8 5EQ – click here for a map), though it fills up fast. For a longer but far more rewarding walk, park at the Wheathill Plantation car park instead. It’s easier to find a space, and you’ll avoid the risk of scratching your car!

What to Expect

The reserve features a mix of habitats – heathland, woodland, and freshwater pools – making it a haven for dragonflies, newts, birds, and butterflies. The main pool is fringed with reeds and waterlilies, often dotted with ducks and moorhens. A flat path leads around the water’s edge, with benches in quiet spots to sit and enjoy the scenery.

You can follow the circular walk through shady trees and open heath, where you might spot Dartford warblers, lizards basking on sunny rocks, or the occasional roe deer. In spring and summer, wildflowers are in bloom and the whole area hums with insects and birdsong.

Tips for Visiting

• Footwear: Some paths can be muddy after rain, so wear suitable shoes.
• Dogs: Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead to protect wildlife.
• Accessibility: The terrain is uneven in places and not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.
• Facilities: There are no toilets or cafés on-site, so come prepared.

Bystock Pools is a quiet, restorative place – perfect for nature lovers, photographers, or anyone needing a break from the bustle of the coast.

Bystock Pools walking route

This walk’s about 2.5km (1.5 miles) – I’d say it should be easy for any moderately fit person.

• From Wheathill Plantation car park, cross the road and walk in a straight line until you reach a junction where a sharp wrong turn would lead you to a now disused car park (at least it was last time I was there).
• Head left onto the heath – well known for supporting several species, such as Dartford warblers, nightjars, adders and silver-studded blue butterflies.
• From here, take an almost straight line across the heath to the next piece of woodland – you’ll approach a junction here that you should go straight across, but feel free to take a longer route if you want to spend more time here.
• Nip through the woods into the Bystock Pools reserve, sticking to the left for a direct route, or taking a right turn for an extended route across the short valley (worth it in my opinion).
• You’ll soon arrive at Bystock Pools, with the woodland providing cooling shade on a warm summer’s day.
• You can obviously retrace your footsteps for the return leg, or take a walk on the main road (pretty quiet) for a more direct route back towards the car park, diverting back onto the heath for a short stretch towards the end of the walk.

If you’ve got time, it’s always worth exploring this area – I’ll upload some photographs and more routes around Woodbury Common soon.