Area: Devon

'The East Devon Way, one of the County's long-distance recreational walking routes, stretches for nearly 40 miles between Exmouth and Lyme Regis inland of and parallel to the South West Coast Path. There are a number of places where the two can be linked, thus creating a series of long-distance circular walks throughout East Devon ...'

Devon County Council

'Dartmoor has walks to suit everyone, no matter what your experience, level of fitness, or mobility. The Authority along with Dartmoor for All have produced the Easy-Going Dartmoor publication which can help those who are less mobile or who have very young children, make the most of what Dartmoor National Park has to offer.'

Dartmoor National Park Authority

'With the help of community rail funding, ALRUG is producing a series of walks leaflets called Avocet Ambles! The walks have been devised and produced by members of the Committee.'

The Avocet Line

'Downstream from Aveton Gifford, the river Avon winds through its beautiful and secluded valley to the sea. This fine walk traces its course, and you are rarely out of sight of the river, or its rich birdlife.'

South Devon AONB

'The castle grounds are a haven for walkers with the woodlands offering a great opportunity to view the castle from different perspectives. Follow the John Musgrave Trail to enjoy beautiful views up to the castle from the lake ...'

English Heritage

'Bicton Park Botanical Gardens is home to many rare plants with origins from all parts of the world, including one of the finest collections of trees in Britain. This Heritage garden is maintained by a team of dedicated gardeners who look after and tend the different areas, so that you can enjoy them to their fullest. The 63 acres of land and gardens to explore will keep you coming back time after time as you see them progress through the year and change with the seasons.'

'The Blackdown Hills are a little-known group of hills lying on the border of Devon and Somerset. Broadly, the area extends from Wellington in the north to Honiton in the south and from Cullompton in the west to Chard in the east.'

'The East Devon parish of Broadhembury, with a population of some 700, lies partly within the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). It includes the historic and picturesque village of Broadhembury and surrounding hamlets of Kerswell, Luton, Colliton and Dulford.'  Suggested Walking Routes,

'Discovery, tranquillity and history – an ancient gem in the Tavy Valley landscape ... You’ll discover meadows, orchards and woodlands where you can enjoy far-reaching views of the Tavy Valley. Our way-marked trails are a riot of colour through the seasons, with an unmissable carpet of bluebells in spring.'

National Trust

'Here, we have detailed a few walks that have been walked by Parish Councillors over the years ... Burrator is one of the largest and most sparsely populated Parished in England, over 5945 hectares. Ancient manors and hamlets are found at Hoo Meavy, Meavy Barton, Goodameavy, Lovaton and Welltown. There are four larger settlements within the Parish: Meavy, Sheepstor, Dousland and Walkhampton.'

'This is a circular route in a pleasant corner of West Devon. The walking is not strenuous and takes place over a variety of footpaths, woodland paths, moorland and quiet roads. The short route [7½ Miles] visits 9 Crosses and the longer route [12½ Miles] takes in a further 4. For each cross visited, a link will take you to the appropriate page on our site for further information. Links are also provided to the notes ... for other points of interest.'

Dartmoor's Crosses

'Discover the beautiful Lutyens-designed terraced garden with dramatic views of Dartmoor. There's plenty to see from the rose garden to the quaint Bunty House (Wendy House) complete with its own miniature garden.'

National Trust

'Crediton is a town and civil parish in the Mid Devon district of Devon in England. It stands on the A377 Exeter to Barnstaple road at the junction with the A3072 road to Tiverton, about 7 miles (11 km) north west of Exeter. It has a population of 6,837. The town is situated in the narrow vale of the River Creedy, between two steep hills and is divided into two parts, the east or old town and the west or new town.'

Devon Walks with GPS

Can be described in two Parts. The first Part follows the route up the right-hand side of the Dart from Kingswear - across the river from Dartmouth itself - to Greenway. (It is also possible to walk up the left-hand side of the River direct to Dittisham, but this is not so interesting.) The second Part continues from Dittisham up to Totnes.

The Long Distance Walkers Association

'Bringing to light a 50 mile hike around the ancient boundary of Dartmoor as stated in the year 1240 ... I'd like to emphasize the walk was not designed as a race; there is no time limit. You may start and finish the walk at points most convenient to you. The submission of a short report at the finish will entitle you to a certificate and the opportunity to purchase a badge.'

Ian & Caroline Kirkpatrick

A Perambulation of the Forest of Dartmoor [Moorland Ramblers] (PDF)  

Dartmoor's Ancient Boundary Perambulation [LDWA]

'Dartmoor National Park is a fabulous place to go walking whether you are looking for a family stroll, following a woodland or reservoir trail, joining a guided walk, or heading off for a challenging hike over remote moorland.  With over 730km of waymarked public rights of way and 47,000 hectares of open country set in dramatic, rugged landscape, there really is something for everyone.'

'I've been lucky enough to have grown up on Dartmoor and after a spell in the military, I returned to live on the moor. As a teenager, many of my weekends were spent walking for enjoyment and in more recent years I have rediscovered that joy of walking on Dartmoor ...'

Dartmoor Walker

'Walking on Dartmoor is excellent. Different tastes and experiences are catered for. For the less demanding walker there are car parks from which brief, pleasant excursions can be made. For the more hardened explorer many miles over hard ground can be tramped in challenging conditions ...'

Richard Knights

'The Dartmoor Way Walking Route is a 108 mile-long circular route which winds its way around the natural beauty of Dartmoor National Park, linking hamlets, villages and towns along its length. Most of the route is on a separate alignment (footpaths) to that of the cycling route (minor roads).' Virtual launch scheduled for September 2020.

'A two hour gentle walk around the town of Dartmouth taking in historic features of interest.'

Discover Dartmouth

'An area of grassland, sand dunes, mudflats and centres on a 1½ mile long sandspit/beach across the mouth of the Exe Estuary ... it is one of the most important places for wildfowl and wading birds in the whole of the South West.  Thousands of birds come to feed, on migration, or to spend the winter here. The dunes and grassland have a host of special plants. Over 600 different types of flowering plants have been recorded on the Warren. This varied Reserve has many different habitats including salt marsh, fresh water ponds, wet meadows and woodland.'

South West Coast Path

'These pages are designed to encourage the family group out into rural areas on safe and easily accessible paths, which have been chosen to exclude stiles, steps or any obstruction which would cause difficulty to those with limited mobility.'

Devon County Council

Member of the Ramblers - Devon Area Grouping

'The Forum is a voluntary body with fifteen members, appointed following advertising, to represent land managers and owners, users of land and those with other interests. The Forum will advise the local authority and other bodies on access issues and will also consider wider strategic issues such as the Rights of Way Improvement Plan.'

Devon County Council

'With over 100 walks in Devon to choose from Devon has something for everyone.'

'The Devon group generally walk on the 1st Sunday of each month.'

'The Parish Paths Partnerships Scheme is an initiative to ensure that the entire rights of way network is legally defined, properly maintained and well publicised. It has the support of the National Association of Local Councils and is Devon County Council funded.'

Devon County Council

'To find out more about your local footpaths, bridleways and byways please use the Interactive Map showing all the public rights of way in Devon ...'

Devon County Council

'The Heritage Trail links historic and cultural points of interest in Devonport. It is a great way to explore the local area, once an important town in its own right. The Trail also offers a way-marked detour from the popular South West Coastal Footpath; starting at Admiral's Hard in Stonehouse to connect with the Plymouth Waterfront Walkway and the Cremyll Ferry - linking Devon and Cornwall.'

Visit Plymouth

'Walking is one of the best ways to get to know an area, and get a little exercise at the same time. Walks in Dartmouth are everywhere – the town is situated on the South West Coast Path and in the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and so a range of walks accessible all year round are on offer. Choose from short easy historical trails, more moderate river walks, or challenging coastal hikes – whichever you choose, the views from every direction are rewarding. We’ve listed just a few of our top walks in and around Dartmouth for you to try.'

Exploring the odd and interesting on Dartmoor National Park  'Dartmoor National Park in Devon has a rich variety of landscape, from moorland and tors, to forests and reservoirs. It spans 368 square miles (953 sq.km)  and is approximately 22 miles (35 km) east to west and 24 miles (38km) north to south. Add that a wealth of history and archeological remains and you will always find somewhere interesting to explore.'

Gillian Adams

Two short walks - with variations - starting from the NoBody Inn in Doddiscombsleigh.

'Cycling and walking route linking Tavistock with Plymouth. This important part of Devon's recreational route network runs through superb countryside with attractive scenery along the western edge of Dartmoor together with much historical and heritage interest. But the trails aren't just about Drake - they take you through wooded river valleys and across open moorland, up close to fascinating wildlife and history.'

Devon County Council

'A series of circular routes off the East Devon Way have been developed for us by the Ramblers with the support of East Devon District Council. To see these routes in detail please register for free on the Ramblers web site, look for a local walk, click the link to the map then you can find and print the walk you like. Or you can print the overview map ...'

Member of the Ramblers - Devon Area Grouping

'A walking route through the heart of the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, linking to the South West Coast Path, the beautiful Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site and the Exe Estuary.'

East Devon AONB

'Situated within the stunning, rolling hills of South Devon, Torbay's geology has created the beautiful coastline of today, which fundamentally links the rich diversity of landscape with wildlife, people and culture ...  The 20 mile coast path is part of the South West Coast Path and is complemented by many miles of country rambles and beautiful nature reserve.'

English Riviera Geopark Organisation

'Between Sequers Bridge ... and Plymouth, with a spur to Wembury, all in the south west corner of Devon; the route is comprehensively waymarked ... Links with the Erme Valley Trail at Sequers Bridge; in conjunction with that route and the Two Moors Way. it forms part of a coast-to-coast walk across Devon; also links with the South West Coast Path at Plymouth and Wembury and the West Devon Way at Plymouth.'

Devon County Council

Erme-Plym Trail [OutDoors RouteBuilder]

'The development of the Exe Estuary Trail is an important element of the County Council's aspirations to encourage more sustainable and healthy travel by walking and cycling ...  The Exe Estuary is a fantastic and beautiful place to live, work and visit. As organisations with responsibility for managing aspects of the Estuary we work together in voluntary partnership, balancing competing demands and addressing any conflicts as they arise, to help ensure that the Estuary retains its magic far into the future ...'

Devon County Council

Exe Explorer Leaflet [Exe Estuary Management Partnership]

'A river valley walk between source and sea along the beautiful River Exe.'

Devon County Council

Member of the Ramblers - Devon Area Grouping

Exeter Walking Map [PDF] ... Self-guided Walks.

'Provides a great walking experience within the boundaries of Exeter - from green countryside valley parks to the pavements of quiet leafy suburbs.'

Exeter City Council

Exeter Green Circle [Devon Walks with GPS]

'A friendly walking and social group, with a programme of activities in and around Devon. Our members are generally in the age range from 40s to 60s, but can be slightly older or younger.'

'We are an informal and friendly group of people who enjoy walking in the glorious Devon countryside and further afield. The Club is over 70 years old, having been founded in 1938, and is affiliated to the Ramblers, the Walking Partnership and HF Holidays. We currently have around 70 members of all ages and abilities, drawn from Exeter and the surrounding area.'

'Information to help you choose a pleasant walk - long or short - through the Riverside Valley Park.'

Exeter City Council

'A self-guided tour of sculptures on the Streatham Campus of the University of Exeter ... The walk takes approximately two hours. The sculptures can be viewed throughout the year, with internal sculptures accessible from 9am - 4pm on weekdays and external sculptures accessible both on weekdays and at weekends.'

University of Exeter

'Exeter's Valley Parks are there for all to enjoy. Close to people's homes, they offer a wide choice of leisurely walks, places to relax, fine views, and plenty of wildlife ... The Valley Parks offer ample opportunities to experience wildlife and natural, open spaces ... All Valley Parks are open 24 hours seven days a week.'

Devon Wildlife Trust

'Explore Braunton is a community project, established by the North Devon Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty Partnership, which aims to bring to life the wealth of resources for local residents, visiting public and school children in a way that has never been seen before.'

Braunton Countryside Centre

'A 34.5 acre green, open space in the heart of Plymouth. The Trust recognises the importance of this much-loved urban wildlife refuge and manages it for the public benefit and for the protection and propagation of its wildlife ...'

Ford Park Cemetery Trust

'The Grand Western Canal Country Park and Local Nature Reserve meanders through beautiful mid-Devon countryside and quiet villages between Tiverton and Lowdwells (near the Somerset border).'

Devon County Council

'A beautiful purpose built cycle track running between Okehampton and Lydford. Itʼs part of the National Cycle Network route 27 Devon Coast to Coast and runs through Dartmoor National Park. There are spectacular views from Meldon Viaduct and Lake Viaduct, idyllic pubs offering an array of food and of course you can always treat yourself to a Devon cream tea on route.'

'Links the beaches and buses of Torbay with the National Trust's historic Greenway House and Garden on the River Dart.  It passes through some superb landscapes and offers spectacular views over both Tor Bay and the Dart. The route is waymarked - look out for the colourful little waymark plaques featuring a boathouse.'

Devon County Council

'Whether you're looking for play and adventure or a bit of peace and quiet to observe the wildlife, we've got a Trail for you.'

Forestry England

A Walker's Paradise 'Dramatic coastal walking and 17,000 acres of outstanding natural beauty for you to explore. And the Walkers are Welcome accolade means the whole community welcomes you here.'

'Hartland Abbey & Gardens are set in over fifty acres of parkland including extensive woodland walks, coastal strip and formal gardens. Visitors are able to walk the many paths on the estate and enjoy the splendid location on the Atlantic coast ... Built in the 12thC, Hartland Abbey survived as a monastery longer than any other in the country. In 1539 Henry VIII gifted the Abbey to the Keeper of his Wine Cellar whose descendants still live here today..'

'Ilfracombe is the centre for some of the finest walking country in England. Whether you enjoy a gentle promenade walk around Capstone Hill, the rugged coastal path or prefer the river valleys and tranquillity of the moorland hills of Exmoor National Park you will find the scenery spectacular. Words somehow cannot fully capture this natural beauty, this "great outdoors".'

'There is an array of formal and informal leisure opportunities available in and around the town, and, of course, the vast wilderness of Dartmoor National Park and the tranquil South Hams countryside offer both families and the serious walker a plethora of inspiring routes.'

'We walk fortnightly on a Sunday, regardless of weather conditions .. Walks are generally 3-4 hours in length, with the distance travelled dependent on the terrain and conditions ... Some walks may be strenuous with moorland or coastal path stretches ... Please arrive at the start point suitably equipped because the Walk Leader may refuse to take you if you are not, as this can affect the safety and well-being of the whole group. Everyone walking with our Group does so at their own risk.'

'Walking trail encompassing parts of Torbay, South Hams and Teignbridge ...'

South Devon Ramblers

'Until the mid 19th century this was a remote area. Then in 1855 Charles Kingsley set his novel Westward Ho! here and a small resort was developed on the coast and named after the book. It is now the only town in Britain with an exclamation mark as part of its spelling. This walk starts by circling inland behind the town before heading to the cliffs to the west. It then returns along the South West Coast Path.'

Devon County Council

'Kingston is an unspoilt village lying between Dartmoor and the sea in the South Hams District of Devon County Council ... It is surrounded by working farms and miles of beautiful coastline and estuaries which are havens for birds and wildlife. The parish is in the middle of the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the village includes two conservation areas. The National Trust owns farmland and coastline in Kingston.'

Kingston Parish Council

'There is a wealth of interesting history associated to the area surrounding Blagdon's Meadow and the River Plym. The Laira is part of the Plym Estuary. It extends north from Laira Bridge to the A38 dual carriageway at Marsh Mills.'

Visit Plymouth

'Five rewarding walks in and around Lee.'

The Web Site of Lee Bay North Devon

The walking capital of Exmoor  'Located on the stunning North Devon coast and surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of Exmoor National Park, it's easy to see the appeal of Lynton & Lynmouth as a top walking holiday destination ...'

"Modbury today is a very pretty little market town, surrounded by the soft rolling countryside of the South Hams. As well as exploring its unique heritage take a little time to browse around its delightful shops or pause a while in one of the pubs or cafes."

Member of the Ramblers - Devon Area Grouping

National Trust

'You don't have to live in Newton Abbot - our members come from Exeter, Dawlish, Teignmouth, Torbay, Totnes, Ashburton, Buckfastleigh and beyond ...'

'A number of easy access trails within North Devon's Biosphere Reserve have been specially ... Each walk is described through a slideshow of photographs, providing information which lets you see just what the walk is like. They include information on the surrounding environment, the walk distance and the features and highlights that you will find along the way.'

North Devon Biosphere

Member of the Ramblers - Devon Area Grouping

'Lies at the western edge of the Taw Torridge Estuary ... Northam Burrows Country Park is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. It is about 253 hectares of grassy coastal plain with salt marsh, sand dunes and generally unimproved grasslands. The Burrows  provides one of the access points for the two miles of Westward Ho! Beach, thus combining the best of opportunities for land and marine leisure activities ... The Park is open to pedestrians at all times but there are restrictions on vehicles.'

Torridge District Council

'Parks, nature and green spaces ... Green infrastructure provides many benefits for local people including areas for exercise, relaxation and play, wildlife areas, flood alleviation, food and fuel production and sustainable transport links. Improving and protecting these assets is a key aspect of planning and delivering Plymouth's growth agenda ... 32 per cent of the city is green space and it is surrounded by three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), Dartmoor National Park and an European Marine Site.'

'All Forum meetings are open to the public and you can find out where and when the next meeting is on the agendas, meetings and minutes page along with copies of meeting minutes.'

Plymouth City Council

Member of the Ramblers - Devon Area Grouping

'Enjoy the outdoors with a short stroll or long walk through one of Plymouth's country parks, nature reserves, woodlands or local parks ...  Circular walks in Plymouth ... Long distance walks.'

Visit Plymouth

'Suggests a few walks for those interested in visiting the ancient settlements and antiquities such as stone rows and stone circles on Dartmoor. The walks featured are all based on the use of public transport.'

'Check with TravelineSW before travelling !'

'In Devon alone there are in excess of 2600 members. Without influence from this organisation we would not be enjoying the pleasures of walking that we all take for granted. National Parks, long distance footpaths, and many open access areas would not have happened.'

'Rosemoor Garden is an internationally renowned collection of gardens in North Devon, England.'

Royal Horticultural Society

'The Riviera Line is a local railway line that links the city of Exeter with the "English Riviera" resorts of Torbay in Devon, England. It is linked with the Exeter to Plymouth Line with which it shares the route along the South Devon sea wall. It is part of the Network Rail Route 12 (Reading to Penzance).'

'Enclosed by the upland expanses of Bodmin, Exmoor and Dartmoor, and to the north by the wild North Devon coast, Ruby Country is very much "undiscovered Devon". A haven of tranquillity, with some of the blackest night skies in the UK, a visit to Ruby Country is a visit to deepest darkest Devon, where you can experience the peace and quiet of being truly off the beaten track.'

Ruby Country

'Our park is the ideal space for a stroll, however far you want to walk. We have a mixture of easy access paths, suitable for wheelchairs and buggies, and more out of the way tracks to explore ... There are 500 acres with a remarkable range of different habitats, including farmland, beaches, saltmarshes, meadows, woodland and an estuary, as well as the 18th century folly, known as the Amphitheatre.'

National Trust

'This walk includes a sample of Sidmouth and the River Sid as well as one of the town’s neighbouring ridges, and links the two elements via the Coast Path which gives superb views along the Jurassic Coast.'

Devon County Council

A town caught still in a timeless charm 'That was the Sidmouth that captivated the Poet Laureate, John Betjeman, and it will captivate you, too. Beautiful gardens and leisurely walks, Regency history and fine hotels, clean beaches and friendly shops…. it’s all here in this lovely seaside town that nestles beneath majestic red cliffs and the green hills of the glorious Sid Valley.'

Visit Sidmouth

'The Sid Valley has 56 miles of pathways, maintained by the Parish Paths Partnership to enable you to explore this section of the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Also the valley is crossed by two long distance paths, the East Devon Way, and the South West Coast Path ...'

Sid Vale Association

Usually held Late September.

'Salcombe is perhaps Devon's best-known yachting centre, but it can also serve as a centre for a variety of attractive walks.  This one explores the mouth of Salcombe's estuary and the area around and inland of Bolt Head, one of South Devon's most prominent headlands.  At its furthest extent the walk reaches the well-named high point of Soar, before descending to the nearby charming inlet of Soar Mill Cove.'

Devon County Council

'Covering 337 kilometres - 130 square miles - of coastline, estuaries and countryside, South Devon AONB stretches from Berry Head in Brixham to Jennycliff in Plymouth. As well as being a place of fabulous views and fantastic countryside it is home to 34,000 people.'

Member of the Ramblers - Devon Area Grouping

Member of the Ramblers - Devon Area Grouping

'South West Lakes Trust is the region's largest combined environmental and recreational charity. Its 50 inland water sites, spread across Devon, Cornwall and West Somerset, attract in the region of 2m visits annually ... With 150 km of paths in varied terrain, we can cater for all the family’s needs.'

'A Site of Special Scientific Interest and Local Nature Reserve ... Woodland, lake and marsh, heathland, grassland and a substantial variety of wildlife. It is also designated as a dragonfly hotspot by the British Dragonfly Society ... The Ted Hughes Poetry Trail has been created to celebrate his poetry and long-standing links with Devon. Visitors to the trail can read examples of Hughes’ finest poems relating to the natural world. These poems have been chosen with the help of Carol Hughes to relate to the wildlife to be seen and heard around the Park. The Park features 16 specially designed "poetry posts", each displaying a poem by Ted Hughes on a theme relating to the natural world.'

Devon County Council

'The Harbour Heritage Trail is the best way to discover everything Sutton Harbour has to offer, from its history and heritage to the best places to eat and drink. The one-mile circular route off the South West Coast Path reopened in the summer of 2013, after works were completed to improve accessibility and safety for walkers, wheelchair users and pushchairs.'

Experience Sutton Harbour

'Walks around Talaton: Use them or lose them !'

Chris Harwood

'Discover theTamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty along this 30-mile walking route. Waymarkers guide you through scenic woodland, historic river quays and rural villages.'

Tamar Valley AONB

'The Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, or TVAONB for short, is a special area around the rivers Tamar, Tavy and Lynher ... On one side is Devon, the other Cornwall. The Tamar Valley extends north from the broad estuary at Plymouth to the intricate, deeply incised river that meanders just below Launceston and Tavistock. It borders Dartmoor National Park to the east and the Kit Hill area to the west.'

'A 136-page full-colour book featuring 60 self-guided walks from each of the thirteen stations along the 39 mile route.' Tarka Line Walks: 60 glorious Mid-Devon walks from the wayside stations of the scenic Tarka Line by Peter Craske (Crimson Publishing, 2013)

Tarka Rail Association

'The Tarka Trail is one of the country's longest continuous traffic-free walking and cycling paths, and forms part of the Devon Coast to Coast Cycle Route.'

Sustrans

Tarka Trail [Wikipedia] | Tarka Trail [North Devon Biosphere]

Member of the Ramblers - Devon Area Grouping

'Before he died, the Poet Laureate Ted Hughes requested that a granite stone be engraved with his name and placed at his favourite spot on Dartmoor. Hughes, who moved to North Devon in 1961, died from cancer in 1998. In accordance with his wishes, a slab of Dartmoor granite was duly inscribed and sited near the rising of the Taw, Dart, East Okement and Teign rivers. The stone was airlifted into place in 2001, following special permission from the landowners, the Duchy of Cornwall. English Nature and the Dartmoor National Park Authority also gave permission. However, the exact location remained a secret - until 2003, when it was discovered.'

BBC