5 fantastic walks in Devon

Devon is synonymous with incredible scenery. It is home to two unique and glorious coastlines, multiple Areas of Outstanding Beauty, Blue Flag beaches, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, luscious green countryside and much more. It’s no wonder that the region is such a hit with walkers; you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to dramatic scenery and magnificent backdrops. Here are five fantastic walks in Devon that we think you’ll love.

1. Bolt Head Walk (Salcombe)

The Bolt Head Walk has wonderfully varied scenery, from dramatic coastline to hidden sandy coves to charming beaches and open farmland. This walk begins in East Soar and heads towards the delightful Soar Mill Beach. This is the perfect spot for a break and maybe a spot of lunch before continuing on your way. You will then pass the dramatic jagged rocks of Bolt Head as you head towards Salcombe. Be sure to stop and admire the incredible views that stretch from Dodman Point to Prawle Point. You may even see some Dartmoor ponies on this section of the journey. Next up, you’ll reach Starehole Bay, where you can find the remains if the Hezogin Cecile wreck, which has been in the waters of the cove since 1936. For a change of pace, head through Tor Woods and admire the vast and varied species of tree, plus watch out for Sika Deer and woodpeckers.

Duration – 2/3 hours

Difficulty – Easy

Length (km) – 7.2

Download a copy of the route here.

2. Kipling Tors walk (Westward Ho! North Devon)

This relatively short walk will make for an easy but very interesting afternoon excursion. Enjoy sea views and stunning landscape across Bideford Bay and inland towards Exmoor. Retrace the footsteps of author Rudyard Kipling, who attended the United Services College in Westward Ho!. His experience at the school later lead him to write Stalky & Co. Kipling Tors is where Kipling and his friends used to smoke cigars and pipes and read books together and was given to the National Trust in 1938 by the Rudyard Kipling memorial trust.

Duration – 30/40 minutes

Difficulty – Easy

Length (km) – 1.6

Download a copy of the route here.

3. Baggy Point to Woolacombe (North Devon)

This circular walk takes in some of the most breath-taking beaches and coastal views that North Devon has to offer. Begin at Baggy Point, a designated SSIS (Site of Special Scientific Interest) due to its incredible geological features. Try and see the pink granite boulder at nearby Saunton Beach that weighs around 12 tonnes. You can also see the preserved bones of a whale that washed up on Croyde Beach in 1915. Continuing onwards, there’s a detour off the main path where Lundy Island can be seen in the distance on a clear day. You may also spot some grey seals. When you reach the headland, stop and absorb the incredible view, before heading towards panoramic Woolacombe Bay, home to a Blue Flag-winning beach that is often voted the best beach in Britain. Follow the trail through sand dunes and enjoy views of the stunning beach.

Duration – 4 hours

Difficulty – Moderate/Difficult

Length (km) – 16

Download a copy of the route here.

4. Sidmouth to Beer (South West Coastal Path)

During the Sidmouth to Beer walk, you’ll get to take the South West Coastal Path, the longest foot path in Britain. The walk is kept entirely within the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and guarantees magnificent coastal and countryside views. This walk begins on Sidmouth’s sea front, with the spectacular red and white cliffs of Dunscombe visible in the distance. Prepare for some steep climbs along the way, but it will be worth it as your reward is truly idyllic scenery. Head towards Branscombe, a quaint village filled with pretty thatched cottages and a few small cafes. Onwards to Beer, you can walk by the surrounding white cliffs and visit its small shingle beach.

Duration – 3/4 hours

Difficulty – Moderate

Length (km) – 14.4

Download a copy of the route here.

5. Dartmouth to Greenway (South Devon)

This adventure follows the banks of the River Dart and is filled with hidden gems waiting to be discovered along the way. Travel through ancient woodland, mostly owned by National Trust, that is a complete haven for wildlife. It is inhabited by blue tits, tawny owls, sparrow hawks and more due to its plentiful supply of berries, amongst other ideal conditions. There is a steam railway in Dartmouth and the track runs along the River Dart, so be sure to keep an eye out for a magnificent steam train. Heading towards Greenway, you’ll see the family home of Agatha Christie and the inspiration of many of her books.

Duration – 2 hours

Difficulty – Difficult

Length (km) – 14.4

Download a copy of the route here.

If you’ve been inspired to take a tip to Devon, be sure to check out our Devon Cottages page and find your perfect holiday property.