Abstract: A first path extends through the combined blocking and relief valve (10) from a first inlet/outlet port (44) to a first actuator port (88), and a second path extends from a second inlet/outlet port (46) to a second actuator port (82). The first path includes a spring biased poppet valve member (64) positioned to open in response to system pressure introduced into the valve (10) via the first inlet/outlet port (44). The second path extends between one end of a pilot piston (68) and one end of a relief piston (74). Pressure in the first path from port (44) acts on an area (A2) of the pilot piston (68) to produce a force on the pilot piston (68) tending to bias it away from the closure member (64). This same pressure is applied against an opposite side area (A5) on relief piston (74). This area (A5) is equal to the difference between the pilot valve area (A2) and the poppet valve area (A1) so that the pressure forces on the pistons (68) and (74) cancel each other out regardless of the pressure in the first path.