Hembury Hillfort: walking through local history
Hembury's large earth banks make the scale of a prehistoric settlement visible in the landscape. Near Payhembury, the hillfort has evidence of both Iron Age and Roman occupation. It is a destination for a walk with an archaeological question at its centre: how did people use and defend this hill?
For families staying at Primrose Cottages, it offers an outdoor history visit that can connect with what children learn at school. The Blackdown Hills National Landscape links to resources developed with Devon's archaeology team for primary-age children. Adults with an interest in early Devon history can use the same features as a starting point for a closer look.
Finding the permitted approach
Access is by public footpath from the A373. Use the official location and access information to choose the approach and parking. Countryside ground and the earthworks require footwear suited to the conditions.
Dumpdon Hillfort offers another archaeological walk overlooking the Otter Valley. Comparing the two during a walking holiday near Honiton gives you different examples of how the area's high ground was used, without needing to turn either visit into a long-distance hike.