02 ESCAPE TO A WILD WATERSIDE
Bystock Nature Reserve, Devon | 6 miles | 3.5 hours | Easy–moderate
Bystock Nature Reserve and its mosaic of lily ponds, heaths and open meadows sits on the doorstep of the Jurassic Coast. Of the 50 reserves managed by Devon Wildlife Trust, it remains a firm favourite among visitors and Devonians alike.
Explore the heart of this wild reserve, take a stroll through the picturesque village of East Budleigh, and then end the day with a view of adventurer and writer Sir Walter Raleigh’s birthplace.
1 DAZZLED BY DRAGONS
Begin your walk at Bystock Nature Reserve’s north entrance car park, and head downhill across the field to a wooden gate. Follow the path to the right through some woodland until you see a boardwalk, then bear left uphill before descending to the famous Bystock pools.
The creeping warmth of summer attracts over 20 species of dragonfly and damselfly to the waters to breed. From the boardwalk, it’s easy to spot the emperor, downy emerald and golden-ringed dragonflies, as well as the small red damselfly. Take your time as you follow the walkway to a large pool of water lilies.
Bystock’s proximity to heathland, meadows and woodland creates an oasis for over 30 species of
