Walks in Devon
Walking in Devon is a delight for nature enthusiasts, history buffs, and casual strollers alike. This picturesque county in southwest England offers a vast array of landscapes, from the dramatic cliffs of the Jurassic Coast to the rugged beauty of Dartmoor National Park. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely walk along a sandy beach or a challenging hike across wild moorlands, Devon provides endless opportunities for exploration and enjoyment.
Popular Walking Routes in Devon
- Location: Extending along the Devon coastline
- Highlights: This path offers some of the most breathtaking coastal scenery in the UK, including parts of the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Notable sections include the rugged cliffs around Lynton and Lynmouth and the sandy stretches near Woolacombe.
- Location: Central Devon
- Highlights: Dartmoor is famous for its tors, wild ponies, and vast open landscapes. Popular walks include the ascent to Haytor Rocks for panoramic views and exploring the ancient Wistman’s Wood, a mystical forest of dwarf oak trees.
3. Exmoor National Park
- Location: North Devon, extending into Somerset
- Highlights: Exmoor’s diverse landscapes include moorland, woodland, cliffs, and river valleys. The Valley of Rocks walk offers stunning geological formations, while the Tarka Trail follows the routes through the serene countryside described in Henry Williamson’s novel.
4. The Tarka Trail
- Location: North Devon
- Highlights: This is one of the longest traffic-free walking and cycling paths in the country. It traces the journey of Tarka the Otter in the classic novel, winding through the scenic landscapes of the North Devon Biosphere Reserve.
- Location: From Ivybridge on the southern edge of Dartmoor to Lynmouth on the north coast of Exmoor
- Highlights: This route covers some of the best upland walking in England and crosses both Dartmoor and Exmoor national parks. It offers a mix of wild moorland, rolling hills, and deep wooded valleys.
Tips for Walking in Devon
- Preparation: Always check the weather forecast before setting out, as conditions can change rapidly, especially on the moors.
- Gear: Suitable walking boots and waterproof clothing are essential. The terrain can be rugged and wet underfoot.
- Navigation: While many of the popular routes are well marked, carrying a map and compass is advisable, particularly on less-traveled paths or in foggy conditions.
- Safety: Let someone know your planned route and expected return time, especially when venturing into remote areas.
- Respect the environment: Stick to marked paths to protect the natural habitat and minimize erosion. Leave no trace of your visit to keep Devon beautiful for everyone.
Devon’s trails not only offer physical exercise but also provide a chance to relax, unwind, and connect with nature. With each path offering a new perspective of Devon’s breathtaking landscapes and rich history, walking in Devon is truly an experience not to be missed. Whether you’re seeking solace in solitude or fun with family and friends, Devon’s walks cater to all.
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Waymarked Trails
| Walking Trail | Distance |
|---|---|
| Avon Estuary Walk | 14 km / 9 miles |
| Brit Valley Way | 18 km / 11 miles |
| Coleridge Way | 80 km / 50 miles |
| Dart Valley Trail | 27 km / 17 miles |
| Dartmoor Way | 172 km / 107 miles |
| Dartmoor Way – High Moor Link | 37 km / 23 miles |
| Devonshire Heartland Way | 69 km / 43 miles |
| Drake’s Trail | 34 km / 21 miles |
| Drake’s Trail – Walking Spur 2 – Meavy to Burrator | 8 km / 5 miles |
| Drake’s Trail – Walking Spur 3 – Yelverton to Buckland Abbey | 14 km / 9 miles |
| East Devon Way | 61 km / 38 miles |
| Erme Valley Trail | 5 km / 3 miles |
| Erme-Plym Trail | 27 km / 17 miles |
| Exe Valley Way | 84 km / 52 miles |
| John Musgrave Heritage Trail | 56 km / 35 miles |
| King Arthur Way | 249 km / 155 miles |
| Land’s End Trail | 488 km / 303 miles |
| Liberty Trail | 45 km / 28 miles |
| Macmillan Way West – Castle Cary to Barnstaple | 164 km / 102 miles |
| Mary Michael Pilgrims Way | 563 km / 350 miles |
| Monarch’s Way | 946 km / 588 miles |
| Samaritans Way South West: Bristol to Lynton | 166 km / 103 miles |
| South West Coast Path National Trail | 1014 km / 630 miles |
| Tamar Valley Discovery Trail | 50 km / 31 miles |
| Tamar Valley Discovery Trail – Bere Peninsula Loop | 11 km / 7 miles |
| Tamar Valley Discovery Trail – Kit Hill Link | 5 km / 3 miles |
| Tamar Valley Discovery Trail – Lifton Link | 6 km / 4 miles |
| Tamar Valley Discovery Trail – Seasonal Loop | 2 km / 1 miles |
| Tarka Trail | 127 km / 79 miles |
| Templer Way | 29 km / 18 miles |
| Two Castles Trail | 38 km / 24 miles |
| Two Counties Way | 90 km / 56 miles |
| Two Moors Way (Devon Coast to Coast) | 172 km / 107 miles |
| Wessex Ridgeway | 221 km / 137 miles |
| West Devon Way | 57 km / 35 miles |
Latest walking trails in Devon
- Appledore
- Arlington
- Ashburton
- Ashford
- Ashwell
- Atherington
- Babbacombe
- Beer
- Berry Head
- Bickerton
- Bickleigh
- Blagdon
- Bovey Tracey
- Bowden
- Bradwell
- Branscombe
- Brixham
- Broadsands
- Burford
- Chagford
- Challacombe
- Cheriton
- Chivenor
- Christow
- Churchill
- Circular Walks on Dartmoor
- Clovelly
- Coleford
- Colyton
- Combe Martin
- Compton
- Crediton
- Dartmouth
- Dawlish Warren
- Derby
- East Budleigh
- East Prawle
- Eastleigh
- Ford
- Fremington
- Great Torrington
- Grenofen
- Hemyock
- Kingston
- Knowle
- Leigh
- Littleborough
- Littletown
- Meeth
- Milford
- Modbury
- Moretonhampstead
- Mortehoe
- Nomansland
- Noss Mayo
- Okehampton
- Otterton
- Ottery St Mary
- Paignton
- Postbridge
- Princetown
- Rattery
- Seaton
- Shaldon
- Sidmouth
- South Molton
- Stoke
- Sutton
- Thorverton
- Torquay
- Totnes
- Tuckenhay
- Two Bridges
- Upham
- Upton
- Ware
- Water
- Weston
- Whitchurch
- Woodbridge
- Wotton