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Ten of the best walks in Devon

January 23, 2022

If this year’s holiday plans don’t include visiting Devon, you could be making a mistake.

Especially if you love walking.

Devon was made for walkers

With two unique coastlines, both Exmoor and Dartmoor national parks, and mile after mile of rolling fields in between, Devon could have been designed for walkers.

Whether you’re looking for a gentle family walk, an accessible walking route, or a long distance route march, Devon walks have it all. Step it out along the South West Coast Path, collect a few Dartmoor tors, or try your hand at beachcombing in a secluded cove. Wherever your Devon walk takes you, you won’t be disappointed.

Especially if you choose one of my favourite Devon walks (including two accessible walking routes). 

I’ve lived and walked in Devon for 20 years now. I haven’t finished exploring yet but I do know a thing or two about the best places to walk in Devon.

And I’m more than happy to share some of my favourite walks with you.

All you have to do is pull on your trainers, lace up your hiking boots, and set off. I’ve done the hard bit. It’s time to get exploring on foot. What better way could there be to experience this most satisfying of counties?

The ten best walks in Devon

(According to me!)

1. Bossington to Porlock Weir – North Devon

4.5 km OS Maps downloadable route and map 

If alien landscapes are your thing, you’ll be right at home crossing the mysterious Porlock Salt Marshes. For ghost trees, rippling water channels, and some of Devon’s most photographable light, this short walk is a must for anyone looking for something a bit different.

Start at the National Trust car park in Bossington TA24 8HQ. Leave time to explore the village with its impressive chimney stacks, then enjoy lunch on the other side at Porlock Weir. I can definitely recommend Ziangs on the Weir for amazing take away noodles (reopens March 2022).

NB: To avoid the scramble onto the impressive shingle bank at the Porlock end, I recommend an early cut up to meet the road.

2. Lynmouth to Watersmeet House – North Devon

3.2 km – OS Maps downloadable route and map.

For a river walk, this one has its fair share of hills but it also takes you close along the banks of the East Lyn River. For the budding river swimmer there are plenty of pools on offer here but be warned, this river may look tame but it has quite a current.

Start at the car park by the Lyndale Bridge in Lynmouth EX35 6ES. You won’t need a picnic, there are refreshments on offer at the National Trust’s Watersmeet House but you might require a few snacks to get you up those slopes.

3. Start Point to Great Mattiscombe Sands- South Devon

3.2 km – OS Maps downloadable route and map.

You really can’t beat a lighthouse walk but this gem in the beautiful South Hams has so much more to offer. Especially if you’re interested in geology. Along the South West Coast path here you’ll find yourself walking on some fascinating ancient beach platforms where the sea levels have fallen (a strange concept in modern times).

Start at the Start Point car park TQ7 2ET, and don’t forget to include a detour down to the lighthouse. Take your beachwear for Great Mattiscombe Sands but watch the undertow here, and don’t get cut off by the tide. If you’re lucky, you’ll find a coffee van back at the car park.

4. Haytor to Hound Tor – Dartmoor

4.6 km – OS Maps downloadable route and map.

Both Hound Tor and Haytor are amongst Dartmoor’s most visited tors but the route in between is not so well explored, and always delivers. Discover the Templer Way stone tramway, take a traditional clapper bridge across the babbling Becka Brook, and ascend to discover the mysterious medieval settlement at Hound Tor.

Start at the top Haytor car park TQ13 9XT (not the Visitor Centre one), and pack a picnic. You might find the Hound of the Basketmeals van at Hound Tor car park but it’s not always there. On the way home I can recommend Home Farm Cafe at Parke near Bovey Tracey.

5. Widecombe to Grimspound – Dartmoor

5.4 km – OS Maps downloadable route and map

If you love a bit ancient history, this is the walk for you. Leave the picturesque (no it really is) village of Widecombe for the high, wide expanses of Hamel Down. Along the way spot Bronze Age cairns and barrows (burial sites) before you descend to explore the fascinating Bronze Age village at Grimspound.

Start at Widecombe car park TQ13 7TA, and treat yourself to coffee and cake at the Cafe on the Green before you set off. On your return I guarantee you’ll feel a wander down the lane to the Rugglestone Inn is worth the extra effort. If the atmosphere and building don’t do it for you, the pies and pints certainly will.

6. Bolberry Down – South Devon – ACCESSIBLE

1 km accessible – OS Maps downloadable route and map

By far the best thing about Bolberry Down is its expansive sea views but a really close second is that this walk is accessible for the whole family. With wide, wheelchair and pushchair friendly paths, and plenty of benches, this one offers the opportunity for everybody to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of a clifftop walk.

Park at the National Trust car park at Bolberry Down TQ7 3DY then wander at will. With such wonderful views, you might want to pack a snack but there’s also some great Devon grub available at nearby Ocean’s Restaurant. For a longer walk why not head west to beautiful Hope Cove or east to secluded Soar Mill Cove.

7. Kingswear to Stoke Fleming – South Devon

6 km – OS Maps downloadable route and map

You can start this walk in Dartmouth but I recommend taking the ferry from Kingswear. It’s a wonderful experience that will give you a water level view of the first section of your walk. You can’t beat the River Dart estuary for castles, coves, and contours. There are a fair few hills in this walk but each one reveals its own unique glimpse into Devon history.

Follow signs for the Dartmouth Lower Ferry then park at the Darthaven Marina car park TQ6 0BH. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot a steam train as you head for the ferry. I definitely recommend Dartmouth Castle Tea Rooms for a fantastic combination of coffee, cake and sea views. Once you’re back in Dartmouth you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to eateries.

8. Bovey Tracey to Lustleigh – South Devon

4.6 km – OS Maps downloadable route and map

It’s time to head inland now with a walk that joins the traditional market town of Bovey Tracey to the picture postcard thatched village of Lustleigh. Take your time as you wander along these leafy lanes. There’s plenty to admire. This walk gives you a welcome taster of the Dartmoor Way long distance walking route.

Park at the Station Road car park TQ12 2JE then cross the road to start your walk alongside the River Bovey. It would be rude not to celebrate your arrival at Lustleigh with cake from the thatched Primrose Tea Rooms. but don’t eat too much, there’s lunch at the Cleave Restaurant and Bar before you roll back down the hill to enjoy pasties in Bovey Tracey.

9. Ditsworthy Warren House – Dartmoor

3.0 km – OS Maps downloadable route and map

Dartmoor has plenty of film locations but the house at Ditsworthy Warren is probably its most well known. The atmospheric building has been home to the fictional Narracott Family in Steven Spielberg’s film version of Michael Morpergo’s War Horse, and the real (rabbit) keeper of Ditsworthy Warren. Explore and you might find the remains of pillow mounds, where rabbits were once bred for commercial sale.

Park at the Gutter Tor car park near Sheepstor village. Please note, the lanes here are very narrow. You will probably need to reverse your vehicle at some point. For easier parking, consider walking in from nearby Burrator Reservoir. You’ll need to bring your own refreshments for your film location picnic but please stay off the private land around the house itself.

10. Haldon Forest Park – Exeter – ACCESSIBLE

Various routes and trail maps available

Haldon Forest Park is another place that has something for the whole family. Even if one member likes to dangle from trees, and another is more comfortable on two wheels, Haldon can cater for all your needs. Whether you choose to walk, push or run on Haldon Forest’s walking trails is up to you but there’s plenty of information about their accessible trails here to help you choose.

There’s plenty of parking at the main Forest Park car park EX6 7XR. Haldon Forest Park really does have it all with Tramper off-road mobility scooters available to hire, and the Ridge Cafe for refreshments.

Top ten walks in Devon

So there we have it. My top ten walks in Devon. However, don’t let my list stop you from exploring further. With miles and miles of green lanes, bridleways and footpaths, Devon has something exciting around almost every corner. So many that I predict you’re going to need more than one pair of walking boots.

Enhance your website with walking tips

It could rightly be said that, as an outdoor writer living in Devon, Fi is ideally situated. She certainly has plenty to offer her growing portfolio of outdoor clients.

Fi is an Ordnance Survey Get Outside Champion. She teaches navigation skills and loves weaving stories, encouraging people to get outside, creating entertaining walks, and giving outdoor advice. Get in touch today to find out how Fi can help bring an outdoor spark to your website or magazine.

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There really isn't anything as good as outdoor swi There really isn't anything as good as outdoor swimming.

Okay so there probably is but my first sea swim of the year was just glorious. The sea is still cold and I did get seaweed stuck to my goggles but you really can't beat wild swimming when it comes to waking up.

The great news is that this Devon beach is just across the road from Torquay train station. That's only 3 hours from London and even less from Exeter.

Come on down. The Bay's looking great.

#swimming #beach #seaswimming #devon #outdoorswimming #sea #summer #calm
Want to.keep cool while you're walking? If you've Want to.keep cool while you're walking?

If you've ever walked on the Salt Path aka the South West Coast Path, you'll know it can be a hot place to be in the summer. 

All those sea views are marvellous but my favourite summer walking routes are river walks. With trees, pools and opportunities for outdoor swimming,  the UK's rivers have so much to offer.

And are perfect for my menopausal body.

There are rivers near train stations right across the UK. I've chosen three of my favourite locations to share with you. All of them are on long distance walking routes but walking sections can be just as rewarding.

1. The Thames Path. Walk from Kemble station to the source of the River Thames then on to London and beyond if you have the time. On the way meet Ratty and Co from The Wind in the Willows, visit Windsor Castle and dip in gently flowing waters.

2. The Ribble Way. Walk from Ribblehead station onto empty Gayle Moor to find the springs that feed the river then down to its estuary at Preston. On the way visit the famous Ribblehead Viaduct, cross God's Bridge and pass through beautiful salt marshes.

3. The Speyside Way. Join the route at Aviemore for a mountain town vibe then wander along Scotland's second longest river through the Cairngorms National Park then on to beautiful Moray Firth.

We are so lucky to have such a wonderful variety of rivers right on our doorsteps. They all need looking after. Perhaps the summer of 2025 will be the one when we all get to know them better.

#rivers #walkng #trains #walkingroutes #trainadventures
I haven't done this for a while. Sea swimming thr I haven't done this for a while.

Sea swimming through the winter saved my mental health through menopause but now, as I slowly come out the other side, I find I don't need the cold water kick as much.

Which means winter swimming doesn't happen as often.

Today I decided to celebrate summer by getting back in the sea for the first time since November.

It was cold but not biting.

And utterly marvellous.

Down here on the beaches of Devon, May is definitely the start of summer.

#devon #beach #seaswimming #outside #beachhuts
When you don't like your legs enough to wear short When you don't like your legs enough to wear shorts

But do it anyway.

The South West Coast Path in the sunshine; what better place to let my legs have a taste of sunshine.

Being a plus size and over fifty, I often envy people who have the confidence to wear shorts but find it difficult to accept that my legs are suitable for public view.

Today I decided that I actually didn't care.

It was very liberating.

Perhaps I should write an outdoor gear review for my legs.

#plussize #outside #outdoors #shorts #outdoorgear #gearreview #legs #overfifty #southwestcoastpath
Which of these counts as litter? 👇🏻 'Take a Which of these counts as litter? 👇🏻

'Take all your rubbish home with you.' It is an important part of the Leave No Trace message and it's particularly important when you're camping in beautiful wild camping locations.

But what counts as rubbish?

It's a question I ask DofE trainees every year.

1. Chocolate bar wrappers? Yes -take it home
2. Tea bags? Yes -take it home
3. Orange peel? Yes -take it home
4. Noodles? Yes -take it home
5. Banana skins? Yes -take it home
6. Toilet paper? Yes -take it home
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8. Poo? Yes -take it home (or bury it properly)

Some of these cause comments but arriving prepared to take everything (including yours or your dog's poo home) home is the best way to look after the places you wild camp.

Things we traditionally think of as 'biodegradable' will (after a long time) eventually disappear from view but everything leaves an invisible trace that wouldn't have been there if you hadn't.

This summer, let's look after the places we love.

#wildcamping #leavenotrace #location #walking
#outside #getoutside #takeithome #outdoors
I've got some news for you... There are only 43 d I've got some news for you...

There are only 43 days until the summer solstice. That's 43 days until the nights start drawing in again.

The weeks between the start of May and June 21st are my favourite of the whole year. They are the weeks when the world turns green and the sun sets golden.

And the days stretch on forever.

Summer might not officially start until June but May brings summertime to my heart.

It's easy to waste these long evenings though. Busy lives can often be tiring and getting outside after work can seem like a lot of effort compared to sitting in front of the TV.

But it's so much better for the soul.

Why not set aside an evening next week to spend some time outside. This was Dartmoor on a Thursday night but your evening outside could be anywhere. The local park, the beach, a nearby hill or even just a footpath.

I promise, you'll sleep much better than you would after a night watching Netflix.

#dartmoor #notflix #outside #summer #may #eveningwalk
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