Top Walking Routes in Devon

For thousands of years, holidaymakers across Britain have been discovering the astonishing natural beauty that Devon has to offer. From dramatic woodland to sweeping coastal paths, there’s something for every nature lover in Devon.

Every year, we help countless people discover their very own Devon via tremendous restaurants, historic ruins and world-class culture, but by far the most popular experience sought out in Devon is its walks. But which should you be heading out on?

As the third largest county in the UK, Devon is (rather unsurprisingly) home to a plethora of signposted and marked footpaths, bridleways and byways to explore. But if you’re in the mood for something a little more structured, we’ve got just the walks for you. Let’s get started

Short distance – Perfect for a stroll

If you’ve got a young family or simply don’t have the energy for a longer walk, Devon plays host to some wonderful short walks. Those include the tremendous National Trust location of Upper Plym and Trowlesworthy Tor which takes you along the route of the River Plym and up to High Moor, where it truly feels like you’ve entered a scene from hundreds, if not thousands of years ago. That impression is aided by bronze age archaeology found on the hill, making it a perfect place to educate the little ones. Better still, it can be completed in just one mile.

For a local walk, the Lyme Regis to Uplyme Walk covers 1.5 miles, but can extended by 1.8 miles, if you’re feeling confident. Going from Lyme Regis at the edge of Dorset up the River Lym to reach Uplyme, before returning back to the town.

If the seaside is more your pace, why not go for a walk down Brixham Harbour? It’s home to the highest lighthouse in Britain, even though it’s only 5m tall! You can take the walk as short or as long as you like, but however long you walk for, you’ll enjoy some lovely coastal views.

Medium distance – For a more serious walk

Want something with a little more challenge? Devon can accommodate that too. We’d recommend starting with the 3-mile walk between Ringmore and Ayrmer Cover. This undeniably lovely valley and hidden beach offer a fascinating day out. At low tide, you can see rock pools loaded with marine life, whilst the beach is often home to hundreds of basking reptiles. Take it in during the golden hour and you’ll be astonished by how beautiful it can be.

Alternatively, why not take the circular three-mile path which starts at Cadover Bridge? It takes you up one side of the River Plym and up to the Dewerstone, where legend has it the Devil and his pack of phantom hounds used to push people off. The views are astonishing.

Long distance – For challenge seekers

Ready for something longer? The South West Coast Path covers an incredible 630 miles of superb coastline, making it the longest National Trail in the UK. The path runs right through Lyme Bay, and is easily accessible from any of our cottages. There’s even an app to help you find specific walks!

For a more curated lengthy walk, give Wembury, a go. The conservation area was described by Bill Oddie as his favourite spot in the UK for rock pooling, and who are we to disagree? Take the Wembury to Mount Batten Point walk after you’ve checked out the pools, it’s around 6 miles and includes the Yealm Estuary – some truly special lands.

Heading back to the coast, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the 6-mile coastal walk that is Croyde, Woolacombe and Mortehoe. This part of the coast was used as planning for D-Day and is a fantastic, wildly varied coastal walk that takes in rugged grasses, soft sands even basking seals, if you’re lucky!