Ausewell Wood
Discover Ausewell Wood, a captivating woodland with ancient forest fragments, unique rock formations, and busy wood ant colonies.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Ants are active in sunshine
Ausewell Wood
Best Time
Ants are active in sunshine
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Ausewell Wood, a captivating woodland with ancient forest fragments, unique rock formations, and busy wood ant colonies.
"A lovely woodland walk with interesting rock formations and a chance to see busy wood ants."
🚗 Small Car Park Alert
Arrive early or on weekdays to secure a spot in the small car park.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
Some paths are steep and can be muddy. Wear appropriate shoes for varied terrain.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ancient Woodland Fragments
Throughout Ausewell Wood
Explore remnants of temperate rainforest clinging to hillsides, featuring moss and lichen-covered oaks and birch.
Unique Rock Formations
Circular walking trail
Discover intriguing rock formations scattered along the circular path, adding a geological marvel to your walk.
Busy Wood Ant Nests
Sunlit clearings
Witness large, active wood ant nests, often built around decaying tree stumps, especially in sunny spots.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wild Woodland
Parking and Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Small Car Park Alert
Arrive early or on weekdays to secure a spot in the small car park.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
Some paths are steep and can be muddy. Wear appropriate shoes for varied terrain.
🐕 Dogs on Leads
Keep dogs leashed, especially during bird nesting seasons, to protect ground-nesting birds.
🐜 Observe the Ants
Look out for the impressive wood ant nests, particularly active in sunny clearings. 
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Small Car Park Alert
Arrive early or on weekdays to secure a spot in the small car park.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
Some paths are steep and can be muddy. Wear appropriate shoes for varied terrain.
🐕 Dogs on Leads
Keep dogs leashed, especially during bird nesting seasons, to protect ground-nesting birds.
🐜 Observe the Ants
Look out for the impressive wood ant nests, particularly active in sunny clearings.
🌳 Explore Beyond the Path
While the main path is on the outside, venture off slightly (where safe) to appreciate the woodland's inner beauty.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Ausewell Wood for its beautiful, wild woodland and interesting rock formations, offering a peaceful escape. However, some find the main path skirts the outside of the woods, and the limited seating and small car park can be drawbacks.
"About 2 miles from Ashburton towards Buckland in the Moor. Ausewell woods is well worth a walk for a couple of Hours
The car park is on the small side so can get busy. Most foot paths. on the circular route are easy walking and fairly level. However their are some steeper gradients of the circular trail that lead to stunning views. The Rock formations on the circular walk are quite interesting. Good for dog walkers and not bad for children"
Jon Bromfield
"Beautiful woodland with fragments of Temperate rainforest clinging on in exposed hillsides and hidden dell's, steep decent down to the river Dart, not recommended for the less able or small children, quite a hike back up to the (Free) carpark.
As well as moss and litchen covered Oaks and Birch, the woodland contains large areas of gloomy timber plantations in contrast to the ancient native woodland fragments."
Joel Green
"There is a clearly marked circular path that circles the wood. The wood itself seems lovely wild, and healthy with thick under canopy. The reason for 3 stars... It would be lovely to have a path that goes through the wood mood so we can appreciate the beauty of the woodland, the path is skirting on the outside so it doesn't feel you get an opportunity to bask in the woods beauty. I also felt have some benches for sitting and watching the woodland would have been lovely."
Stephanie Bickford- Smith
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ausewell Wood is located about 2 miles from Ashburton towards Buckland in the Moor. The nearest car park is on the side of the road.
Yes, there is a car park, but it is small and can get busy. Arriving early or on weekdays is recommended.
Information on public transport to Ausewell Wood is limited. Driving is the most common method of access.
A clearly marked circular path circles the wood, offering a good route for exploration.
While some paths are gravel, the terrain can be steep and uneven in places, making it more suitable for walking than cycling.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Ausewell Wood is free. The car park is also free of charge.
Ausewell Wood is a natural woodland and is accessible at all times. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and enjoyment.
There is no admission fee to enter Ausewell Wood.
While technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to safety concerns and the lack of lighting.
Dogs must be kept on leads during bird nesting seasons. Otherwise, there are no specific entry restrictions.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Ausewell Wood features a circular walking path that skirts the outside of the wood. There are also steeper gradients leading to stunning views.
Ausewell Wood can be suitable for children, but some sections are steep and may not be ideal for very young children or those with mobility issues.
Currently, there are limited benches for sitting and enjoying the woodland.
You can observe busy wood ant colonies, especially in sunny areas, and various bird species.
While the river Dart is nearby, there isn't a direct riverfront access point within the main walking area of Ausewell Wood.
📸 📸 Photography
The ancient woodland fragments with moss and lichen, unique rock formations, and the busy wood ant nests offer excellent photographic opportunities.
Absolutely! The diverse flora, fauna (like ants), and atmospheric woodland make it a prime location for nature photographers.
Spring mornings are great for seeing active ants in the sunshine, while autumn afternoons offer beautiful foliage.
Keep an eye out for vibrant toadstools, intricate moss and lichen patterns, and the industrious wood ants.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with local authorities or the Woodland Trust for any restrictions before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage kids to look for wood ants and their nests, which are fascinating to observe.
Keeping dogs on leads is important for their safety and to protect local wildlife. 🐕 Dog Walkers
🚶♀️ Nature Enthusiasts & Hikers
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ecology of Ausewell Wood
The presence of wood ants is a significant ecological feature. These industrious insects build large, heat-generating nests, often around decaying tree stumps, which thrive in sunny clearings. Their activity is a sign of a healthy woodland ecosystem.
+1While the main circular path offers a good overview, the contrast between the ancient, wilder sections and the more managed timber plantations provides a complex landscape for exploration and appreciation.
Navigating the Trails and Terrain
However, the wood also features steeper gradients along parts of the circular trail, particularly as it leads down towards the river Dart. These descents can be challenging for those with limited mobility or very young children, and the subsequent climb back up to the car park requires a reasonable level of fitness.
While the main path provides access, some visitors have expressed a desire for more trails that delve deeper into the heart of the woods to fully appreciate its beauty.
A Photographer's Paradise
+1The unique rock formations along the trails provide interesting foreground elements or focal points for landscape shots. In spring, the wood ant nests become a captivating subject, showcasing the intricate work of these insects in sunny clearings.
+1For the best light, consider visiting during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon, especially in autumn when the foliage provides a vibrant palette. The contrast between the ancient woods and the timber plantations also offers diverse visual narratives for photographers.
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