Best walks in Devon

Distance: 2.5 miles

Difficulty: moderate

This Jurassic Coast journey skirts the coast near our fantastic Devon Cliffs Holiday Park. Traverse a rare and unique beach landscape, meandering between Orcombe Point and Sandy Bay beneath the dramatic chalk cliffs, providing ample space for dogs to roam. A popular halfway point on the route is the South Beach Cafe, where you can pause and enjoy the scenic surroundings.

The return leg follows a well-defined public footpath along the cliffs, showcasing breathtaking views throughout. Alternatively, if you didn’t get enough of the spectacular Jurassic Coast on the way out, you can opt to explore the beach up to Sandy Bay and retrace your steps. Please note that during high tides, completing this walk may be impossible, so it's best to check conditions before setting out.

Distance: 7.5 miles 

Difficulty: challenging 

Commencing in Sidmouth, this trail passes through the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, takes you through a circular route, winding its way through both wooded and open landscapes. Renowned for its popularity among hikers, runners, and walkers, this trail attracts enthusiasts from all corners who seek to relish the breathtaking coastal views. 

As you follow the route, keep an eye out for the intriguing remnants of the "Napoli," a ship that once ran aground, adding a touch of maritime history to the journey. This trail is ideal for those seeking both coastal vistas and a satisfying hill-climbing challenge.

Distance: 5 miles 

Difficulty: moderate 

This captivating circular walk around Kingswear and the Dart estuary offers a blend of coastal charm and historical wonders. Begin at Kingswear Marina, where panoramic views of Dartmouth set the stage. Follow the South West Coast Path along the river, passing Kingswear Castle with its counterpart, Dartmouth Castle, in the distance. Explore Brownstone Battery, a World War Two coastal defence site, before venturing inland to The Daymark, a striking landmark. Conclude your journey with a visit to the National Trust’s Coleton Fishacre, a 1920s arts and crafts-style house to guarantee a rewarding experience before circling back to Kingswear Quay.

Distance: 2.5 miles 

Difficulty: easy 

Discover enchanting Dartmoor with this 2.5-mile circular walking route in Lydford Gorge. Follow a stream through the lush ravine to encounter captivating waterfalls and the impressive Devil’s Cauldron whirlpool. 

The 1.5-mile-long gorge, surrounded by steep sides, unveils the majestic 30 metre-high White Lady waterfall at one end. Formed naturally over thousands of years through 'river capture,' this breathtaking chasm stands as a testament to nature's sculpting prowess as the raging torrent flows through a deep gorge surrounded by trees.

Distance: 3.5 miles 

Difficulty: moderate 

The captivating Valley of Rocks is one of Exmoor’s real highlights and is best explored on foot. There’s an otherworldly ambiance in this North Devon valley on quiet days, as you take the winding path meandering through the place where a river once flowed. Marvel at the grandeur of towering sea cliffs and watch the agile goats navigate skilfully among Devonian crags during this brief circular walk around the rocky coastal valley.

Distance: 3.5 miles 

Difficulty: moderate 

Escape the bustling crowds of Salcombe as you follow tranquil, shaded woodland paths leading to secluded sandy coves in this circular route. Ascend to the historic lookout point at Gara Rock, offering a serene resting spot, before making your way back through the fields. This walk is best when the bluebells are just coming out and the smell of wild garlic and sweetness is all around. Make sure to stop off halfway through at the Donkey sanctuary where ice cream is available.

Distance: 6.5 miles 

Difficult: moderate to challenging 

Explore Dartmoor National Park on the Great Staple Tor and White Tor Walk, a popular trail weaving through stone-strewn summits and ancient historical sites. Starting from the car park, take in the sights of Little, Middle, and Great Staple Tor, continuing northeast through undulating terrain. Pass Roos Tor with its Bronze Age settlement remnants, revealing the early Dartmoor settlers' stone huts. Head west to summit White Tor, an ancient hill fort, before returning south, crossing Cox Tor, and concluding the journey back at the car park.

Distance: 2 miles 

Difficulty: moderate 

The Babbacombe Downs stand proudly as the highest promenade in England, offering a delightful stroll accompanied by breathtaking views. Walls Hill, once a limestone plateau hosting an Iron Age fortification 2,500 years ago and later transformed into a limestone quarry, now holds the status of an Ancient Monument and is safeguarded as a site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). 

The initial stretch of this walk unfolds on a comfortably flat tarmacked surface along Babbacombe Downs, allowing for an easy ramble. Upon reaching the endpoint, you can opt to either retrace your steps or unwind at one of the numerous places to eat. The latter part of the journey involves a brief yet invigorating ascent to Walls Hill, rewarding you with panoramic vistas across Lyme Bay - an enchanting payoff for your efforts.