Devon Walks
The Best Ways to Explore Devon on Foot
As a land of hills, pastoral fields, meadows, woodland, blue sea and dramatic cliffs, Devon epitomises the best of the British countryside. Perhaps you have even chosen to visit the region specifically for the walking opportunities, or you just want a few ideas of how to see Devon in all its glory on foot. This guide has been designed to highlight the region’s best and most interesting walking routes, with people of all ages and abilities in mind.
Tarka Trail
This 180-mile route across North Devon and Exmoor is popular with walkers and cyclists alike. Designed in a figure of eight, the coastal route (Lynton, Ilfracombe and Woolacombe) meets the country route (Bideford, Great Torrington, Oak Hampton, Sticklepath, Eggesford and Chumleigh) at Barnstaple. With such a large area covered, the Tarka Trail is very easily accessible to guests staying in one of our cottages in the North. To find out more about the trail, sights on the route and how to access car parks and public transport links to the trail, visit their website here.
The Tors, Dartmoor
Dartmoor National Park is defined by its craggy, granite tors which rise from the ground in a very dramatic and fascinating manner. Many hikers flock to Dartmoor year upon year to explore the Tors but with so many, it can be hard to know where to start. For a shorter walk, try Venford Reservoir and Bench Tor - a route that takes you up to an open viewing point, but totals less than two miles. Great Staple to White Tor is a more challenging hike, totalling over 6 miles, but takes you to the site of what is believed to be a Neolithic enclosure made of rocks. You can find out more about how to access these historic and fascinating sites by visiting Dartmoor’s official website.
Lydford Gorge
Sticking with Devon’s mystical theme, the two waterfalls at Lydford Gorge have equally witchy names: White Lady Waterfall and Devil’s Cauldron. As the South West’s deepest gorge, the water at Lydford is truly a sight to behold. But be warned, the three-mile circular around its two main waterfalls does come with a wet feet warning - be sure to wear sensible shoes! Starting from the car park at the National Trust site dedicated to Lydford Gorge, the route is easily accessible and clearly signposted - a great one for getting into the Devonshire countryside and some fresh air.
Salcombe to Hope Cove
This eight-mile walk is along the Southwest Coast Path and takes you from the village of Hope Cove to Salcombe, one of South Devon’s most popular coastal holiday destinations and home to a large number of our Devon Holiday Cottages. The path takes you across meadows and past Bolt Head and Bolt Tail, where ragged rocks meet the blue sea. A lovely stretch of path, this walk is quite long but on moderate terrain, so as long as you are well-rested and prepared, it should be lots of fun!
The Agatha Christie Mile
This walk takes place in Torquay, the birthplace of Agatha Christie and where she spent most of her life. As the route is only a mile through the town centre, it is a fairly easy route and is an absolute must for fans of the author. Starting at the Grand Hotel, where Christie married her husband in 1914, the mile passes a range of buildings with connections to the author. These include Princess Pier where Agatha enjoyed a spot of roller skating, the Agatha Christie bust and the Imperial Hotel, which featured in several of her novels and where the walk ends.
