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Devon Coast Feature

Tackling one of the many beautiful walks in Devon is the perfect way to experience the region’s sublime beauty at first-hand – so we have selected some of the best Devon walks for you to explore.

Admire the heavenly sands and cliff-top views along the Devon coast, or get away from it all in one of two picture-perfect National Parks, as well as a handful of AONBs wrapped in luscious landscapes.

Discover 7 of the best walks in Devon…


1. Hope Cove to Salcombe

Salcombe

Start at: Hope Cove, TQ7 3HJ

Length: Approx. 8 miles

This stretch of idyllic coastline, along the South West Coast Path and within the South Devon AONB, is undoubtedly one of the best walks in Devon. While a more direct route can be taken through the marvellous countryside, the coastal trail is more than worth the extra effort.

Starting at Outer Hope gives an early indication as to just how impressive the scenery is along this magnificent Devon walk. Be sure to admire the panoramic views of Hope Cove from Bolt Tail, before heading on round to Bolberry Down, Soar Mill Cove and Bolt Head where the picturesque Salcombe Estuary will come into view.

Use one of our South Devon holiday cottages as a base for experiencing this mesmerising walk. Also make full use of our Salcombe Travel Guide for more ideas and inspiration on how best to experience this region.

View full directions for the Hope Cove to Salcombe walk.


2. Dart Valley Trail

River Dart Walk

Start at: Mayor’s Avenue Car Park, Dartmouth, TQ6 9NG

Length: 9 miles

Spend a day exploring the magnificent Dart Valley Trail, without a doubt one of the most stunning walks in South Devon. With a number of stiles, flights of steps and steep climbs throughout, this is a Devon walk suited to the more agile among you.

As well as enchanting woodland and idyllic waters, the Dart Valley Trail also comes surrounded in compelling history – adding an extra dimension to this already magnificent Devon walk. Take the passenger ferry from Dartmouth to Kingswear before following the yellow-signed footpath along this tranquil route.

Choose a Dartmouth cottage to fully experience this marvellous location. Our Dartmouth Travel Guide is also right on-hand to offer any further inspiration to ensure a memorable trip.

View full directions for the Dart Valley Trail walk.


3. White Tor and Great Staple Tor

Great Staple Tor Walk

Start at: Pork Hill Car Park, PL19 9LQ

Length: 6.5 miles

Head to the delights of Dartmoor to enjoy a scenery-filled walk across two of the most picturesque tors imaginable. Intriguing ancient rock formations thought to be of Neolithic origin bring an added sense of fascination to this popular walk in Devon.

Challenging ascends and descends make this a Devon walk for the more active, however the unique historic sites make the perfect excuse for a rest when it’s needed. Admire far-reaching views across the luscious landscapes below you, sure to keep you amazed for the entire three-and-a-half hours.

Stay at a Dartmoor cottage for easy access to this stunning hike, and if you’re looking for even more things to do on your retreat, browse our Dartmoor Travel Guide.

View full directions for the White Tor and Staple Tor walk.


4. Jurassic Coast, Sidmouth to Beer

Sidmouth Beach Walk

Start at: Sidmouth Beach, EX10 8RZ

Length: Approx. 7 miles

The world-renowned Jurassic Coast really needs no introduction, being one of the most naturally beautiful walks in the UK. The path from Sidmouth to Beer, within the East Devon AONB, gives you an idea of just why this is such a popular place to visit.

Experience unique natural landmarks such as the dramatic Salcombe Hill Cliffs and Chapman’s Rocks, and perhaps even spot some of Exmoor’s resident ponies along this beautiful Devon walk. After you’ve conquered this sublime trek, treat yourselves to a much-deserved drink overlooking the beach at the delightful village of Beer.

If you’re looking to tackle this popular walk in Devon, why not book one of our Sidmouth cottages? When you’re not out exploring the great outdoors, use our Exeter Travel Guide for the best recommendations of what to see and do nearby.

View full directions for the Sidmouth to Beer walk.


5. Dartington Hall Gardens

Dartington Hall Devon

Start at: Dartington Lane, Dartington, T19 6EL

Length: 800 acres of grounds

The 800 acres of immaculate gardens surrounding the historic Dartington Hall are perfect for those seeking a slower-paced walk in Devon. As well as tranquillity and floral beauty, the gardens are wrapped in an intriguing past, which you can learn all about in the Visitor’s Centre.

An all-terrain mobility scooter is available for hire, making these Grade II listed gardens a Devon walk that all can enjoy! Use the handy illustrated map to find your way around Dartington Hall Gardens, enjoy an informative guided tour or simply discover it for yourselves.

Book a cottage in Totnes to be close to these beautiful Devon gardens, and make the most of our handy Dartmoor Travel Guide, with a whole host of things to see and do in the area.


6. Baggy Point to Woolacombe Circular Walk

Baggy Point Walk Devon

Start at: Baggy Point, Moor Ln, Croyde, EX33 1PA

Length: 10 miles

This idyllic North Devon walk is the ultimate way to experience this picture-perfect region. Along with mesmerising seascapes, also come across luscious countryside and farmland along this popular walk in Devon.

Begin this magnificent circular Devon walk with one of the region’s most iconic viewpoints, the National Trust’s Baggy Point. The coastal splendour continues right round the coast towards the glorious sands of Woolacombe, before looping back round through stunning countryside. This beautiful Devon walk then passes the stunning Croyde Bay, and finally arrives at Baggy Point once more.

One of our Woolacombe holiday cottages would be the perfect spot to stay at before embarking on this stunning coastal walk in Devon. Also make the most of our handy Croyde Travel Guide to get even more ideas on how best to experience this area.

View full directions of the Baggy Point to Woolacombe Circular Walk.


7. The Agatha Christie Mile

Torquay Agatha Christie Mile

Start at: Torquay Seafront, TQ2 6NT

Length: 3.4 miles

Book-loving ramblers can walk in the footsteps of one of the world’s most famous authors, Agatha Christie, along the awe-inspiring English Riviera. There are 12 landmarks connected with the author along this 3.4-mile-route, from spots that inspired her works to the seven plaques waiting to be found.

Amble in and around Torquay, taking in the glimmering seascapes whilst learning stories of your favourite author – the perfect summertime stroll. Mainly consisting of flat paths aside from the hill towards the Imperial Hotel, this is a walk that can be enjoyed by intermediates as well as the more experienced.

Return to one of our Torquay cottages after this fascinating Devon walk, and make full use of our Torquay Travel Guide – offering recommendations for the best things to see and do nearby.

View full directions for the Agatha Christie Mile.


Book yourselves a cottage in Devon as a base near one of these magnificent Devon walks. Our Devon Travel Guide will offer inspiration on what to do, where to eat and how to get there.


Image Credits: Jonathan CampCC BY-SA 2.0; Dave_S.CC BY 2.0; Derek HarperCC BY-SA 2.0; Alison DayCC BY-ND 2.0; Reading TomCC BY 2.0; Torquay PalmsCC BY-SA 2.0

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