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Walks in Devon
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Exmoor National Park
This route is along the highest of the sea cliffs in the Exmoor National Park. Starting at Combe Martin take the coast path around Wild Pear Beach, then a stiff climb to Little Hangman (715 feet high). Climb on - more gradual this time - up to 1046 feet and the summit of Great Hangman to get the best of the panorama across Combe Martin Bay.
51.199
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Dousland to Princetown Railway Track
This disused railway line has been transformed into a spectacular walkway and rough cycle track that winds through deciduous woodland and past high moorland Tors. There are marvellous views of Burrator Lake and the Walkham Valley and the track passes the quarries of Sweltor and Foggintor, once famous for the granite used on many London buildings, including London Bridge.
50.501
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Drake's Trail
Named after one of Devon's most famous sons, Sir Francis Drake, the Drake's Trail project, launched in March 2009, includes a range of walking and cycling routes in West Devon for all age groups and fitness levels. The new off-road cycling route follows the old railway track between Tavistock and Plymouth, crossing open moorland at Roborough Down before reaching the wooded valleys of the River Meavy and eventually the River Plym.
www.drakesdartmoor.co.uk
50.512
-4.112
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Burgh Island
This little island off the Devon coast has seen a lot of history. As well as being the inspiration for two Agatha Christie mysteries, the much-filmed Art Deco Burgh Island Hotel has played host to such notable guests as The Beatles, Noel Coward and, reputedly, Churchill and Eisenhower. The lesser known 13th Century Pilchard Inn is also still serving, but mind your heads! At low tide the island can be reached on foot, but that would be missing half the fun. At high tide the sea tractor, a strange contraption originally designed in the 1930s, makes for a quirky 'ferry' ride, without having to get your feet wet.
50.279
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Wistman's Wood
Rare mosses and lichens festoon the trees and granite boulders in this ancient oak wood. With its eerie, gnarled, moss-covered trees, it's easy to see why local legend has it that Druids once performed Pagan rituals here. Today, Devon's oldest woodland is a National Nature Reserve and a hotspot for moorland birds in the summer months. Reach it on foot from the nearby village of Two Bridges at the crossroads of the B3357 and B3212.
www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk
50.579
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Lydford Gorge
A woodland trail through the South West's deepest gorge, alongside the River Lyd, past the spectacular 30m Whitelady waterfall to the 'Devil's Cauldron' whirlpools. Visit in May to see carpets of bluebells. Steep paths in places, can be slippery when wet - walking boots a must. Access to the Devil's Cauldron may occasionally be closed for safety reasons.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
50.643
-4.108
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Tavy Cleave Walk
This walk gets you quickly up on to the high moors of west Dartmoor but brings you home along the upper reaches of the River Tavy. Don’t expect too much company.
Head to Mary Tavy on the Tavistock to Okehampton road (A396). From Mary Tavy follow signs to Horndon and the Elephant’s Nest pub. From Horndon head towards Willsworthy and Lane’s End, which may feel more like Land's End when you get to the car park at the end of the lane - this walk really is for those who want to get out there on their own. Park at the car park at Lane’s End (OS Map 191 Map Ref. SX537825) and ahead of you rises Ger Tor. Follow your nose to Ger Tor and from the top you will see Hare Tor. It is an easy scramble to the top of Hare Tor which opens up a wonderful ...
50.624
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Valley of the Rocks
A truly dramatic landscape that has to be seen to be believed. Over many thousands of years, the elements have chiselled the sandstone, slate and limestone rock into strange and precarious formations. The Valley of the Rocks sits near the edge of Exmoor, where moorland plunges into cliffs to meet the sea, making for some superb walking. Start at the coastal town of Lynton, to the east of the Valley, for a circular five mile ramble that takes in moors, clifftops and stunning views across the Valley and out to sea. Don't forget to pack a picnic.
www.devon.gov.uk/walk37.pd
51.227
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Fernworthy Lake
While away a day angling for brown trout (permits available onsite), bird watching, picnicking or taking a stroll around the lake. There's also a designated trail for less able visitors with seats and information enroute, plus loos and parking.
www.swlakestrust.org.uk
50.638
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Hartland Point
The South West Coast Path provides some of the most stunning scenery including Lundy Island from the high cliffs in north Devon. Try starting at Hartland Point and walking towards the lighthouse and then the radio mast, looking out for the rusting remains of the Johanna shipwreck on the beach. A circular route along Blagdon Cliff and then Upright Cliff (where there is a small waterfall) will take you inland to Blagdon Farm and eventually your starting point.
51.022
-4.526
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High Willhays
At the top (621m), you can proudly claim to have reached not only the highest summit on Dartmoor, but the highest point in Great Britain south of the Brecon Beacons. Join in the latest countryside craze that is 'letterboxing' and orienteer between thousands of boxes hidden on the moors to collect rubber stamps and try for membership of the '100 Club'. But beware, this remote northern part of Dartmoor is periodically used by the military for firing practice, check before you go. Drive onto Dartmoor off the A30 near Okehampton and park in the Meldon Reservoir car park.
50.685
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Brendon House
On the edge of Exmoor in a glorious secluded valley, Brendon House is a fine place for a cream tea on a sunny afternoon. It's also a great centre for walking, cycling and horse riding. You can purchase Environmental Agency fishing permits here for the East Lyn river, home to salmon, sea trout and brown trout.
www.brendonhouse4u.com
51.22
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50.626
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Eggesford Garden and County Centre
Set in the beautiful Taw Valley, Eggesford is a good starting point for walks in nearby Eggesford Forsest or the Tarka Trail. Refuel with lunch at the Garden Restaurant or bring your own picnic. Pick up locally made arts and crafts in the County Crafts Gallery or come along to one of the many events held here throughout the year, including the Apple and Cider Fair in October and the Christmas Crafts and Food Fairs in November.
www.eggesfordgardens.com
50.88
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Haldon Forest Park
Walking, cycling and horse riding in 3,500 acres of woodland near Exeter. You'll also find the Centre for Contemporary Art and the Natural World here - an educational charity aimed at increasing our awareness and understanding of environmental issues, as well as a high wire adventure course and children's play area. Hungry after all the activity? The Ridge Cafe serves locally-sourced organic food and drink, or bring your own to enjoy in the picnic and BBQ areas.
50.652
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50.58127
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Lee to Bull Point
There are lovely sea and valley views along a walk from the small coastal village of Lee, west of Ilfracombe to Bull Point. Take a route through Borough Valley and Damage to the Point, returning along the coast by the lighthouse. The Brumpus Inn at Lee is good for lunch.
51.197
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Lundy Island
Lying off the north coast of Devon, Lundy Island is a magnet for rock climbers, walkers and bird watchers, as well as those just looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the mainland for some peace and quiet.
www.lundyisland.co.uk
51.167
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Lustleigh
A short three mile walk taking in some of the better known tors, starting in the lane above Lustleigh up the footpath into the woods. At the junction of two paths take the upper one and climb high above the River Bovey. At the end you will find Hunters Tor and the Ancient Hill Tor, follow the path down to the right and then take the dog leg to Peck Farm, returning to your car along the path on the lower slopes of the wood.
50.618
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Newton Poppleford
Start at Newton Poppleford Church, between Exeter and Sidmouth, for quiet countryside and good views across the Otter Valley. A circular route of 6.25 miles starts towards the west of the village before linking with the East Devon Way and crossing the River Otter.
50.699
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Postbridge National Park Information Centre
The friendly staff here can help you plan suitable walking routes to explore Dartmoor. There are displays and information about the area as well as a range of maps, guide books and other paraphenalia for outdoor enthusiasts. Situated in the heart of the moor, this is the most centrally located of Dartmoor's information centres. It is easily accesible from Exeter and Plymouth and provides a good gateway to the north moor, ideal for hill walking.
www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk/index/visiting/vi-planningyourvisit/
50.59578
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50.581
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The Puffing Billy Track
There is an old tramway track across the south of Dartmoor which climbs to 1,500 feet to give wonderful panoramic views down the south Devon coast. Originally used by the clay mining industry trams, this route forms part of the Two Moors Way, which runs from Ivybridge in the south to Lynmouth in the north.
50.39
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The River Torridge
An inland route along the River Torridge, start from Castle Hill in Great Torrington, looking across the valley towards the RHS Rosemoor Garden in the distance. Walk to the Waterloo Obelisk, built to commemorate the Battle of Waterloo, and explore the path returning to the town through the Commons, 350 acres of land donated to the public in the 12th Century.
50.948
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Fireside Breaks
Storm watching, star gazing, Dorset rocks and Devon stones - four reasons why we love the South West in winter.
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 | The wide open spaces and big skies of Dartmoor naturally divide Devon into three parts. The North is dominated by sweeping expanses of beach, aching to be sunbathed on, walked on and played on. Green rolling hills and a gentle coastline characterise the South - a haven for food lovers, and home to Meccas like The River Cottage. While Dartmoor’s wild, blustery, romantic moors are the perfect antidote to city life, promising to blow away the cobwebs with a welcome blast of fresh, country air.
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 | Grab your walking boots and blow the cobwebs away. |
 | Browse our selection of hand-picked activities for days out and short breaks in Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset. |
 | View your personal itinerary of things to do, places to visit and where to eat on your holiday. |
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