Devon is a walker’s paradise. From the iconic South West Coast Path running across both coasts to a smorgasbord of natural wonders in between, you’re never too far from a wonderful discovery on foot.
Most of our most popular routes are well-trodden, especially around our places to stay in Chagford, meaning there are many signs and paths to help you explore. Whether you’re an experienced hiker looking to put some miles in your boots or just seeking a picturesque stroll before lunch, here are some of our best scenic walks for all abilities.
Castle Drogo & Teign Gorge
Start/End Point: Castle Drogo, Drewsteignton
Distance: 4 miles
Time: 2-3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate – Some uneven terrain and significant hills
Few locations can capture everything Devon has to offer, but this walk around Teign Gorge is probably the closest you’ll find. Starting at Castle Drogo, the last castle built in England, and trailing through the beautiful Teign Gorge, this walk literally gives you the highs and lows of Devon.
Expect stunning views over Devonshire hills, some wonderful historical architecture and plenty of wildlife along the river. This is one of Dartmoor’s most popular walks, so there are plenty of facilities.
This walk is also right next to us at Mill End Hotel – perfect if you’re looking for somewhere to stay for your next holiday in Devon!
Haytor & Hound Tor
Start/End Point: Haytor Car Park
Distance: 6-7 miles
Time: 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate – Mixed terrain and limited signposting
Another of Dartmoor’s most popular walks, this takes you past two of the most recognisable and accessible tors on Dartmoor, both steeped in history and stunning views.
Haytor is one of the biggest tors in Dartmoor. It’s also one of the most accessible, with a car park and facilities close by and only a gentle incline to the tor itself.
For a slightly more challenging walk, combine Haytor with a walk to Hound Tor, one of Dartmoor’s most atmospheric spots, with medieval village ruins and plenty of ghost stories.
This walk provides a great look at Dartmoor’s wilderness, crossing old tramlines and beautiful forests depending on your exact route. It’s a popular circular, but it’s also not signposted, so you’ll want to make sure you know where you’re going first (there’s a visitor centre at Haytor that can help).
Lydford Gorge
Start/End Point: Lydford Gorge (Waterfall Entrance)
Distance: 2 miles
Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Moderate – Steep, slippery slopes
There are not many opportunities in the UK to see waterfalls, which is why Lydford Gorge has been a popular attraction since Victorian times. There are multiple walking trails around this National Trust location, but the most popular walk is to the top of the 30-metre high Whitelady Waterfall.
Along with the waterfall, this walk also includes some wonderful woodlands. If you wanted to make a day of it, there’s also a popular walk into the deepest part of the gorge, called the Devil’s Cauldron, that you can explore.
Wistman’s Wood
Start/End Point: Two Bridges
Distance: 3miles
Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate – Mainly pathed but with some steep inclines
Wistman’s Wood is one of Dartmoor’s most enchanting sites and probably one of its most photographed. One of Britain’s only temperate rainforests, it’s a wonderful site of mossy rocks and lichen-covered trees that feels imbued with magic.
Wistman’s Wood isn’t near a car park, so most visits involve this well-trodden circular heading out from Two Bridges. If you enjoy a challenge, you can go beyond Wistman’s Wood to the top of Longaford Tor, which provides stunning views over the Woods and the valley.
Baggy Point
Start/End Point: Baggy Point Car Park
Distance: 3 miles
Time: 1-2 hours
Difficulty: Easy – Gentle sloping path with some narrow sections.
This is a wonderful, easy walk for anyone wanting to visit the rugged coastline of North Devon. The jutting headland provides some stunning views of the sea as well as local beaches, while it’s also a popular spot for bird watching. The path has been well-maintained to provide a gentle and easy walk around, with a slightly steeper option available for more capable hikers who wish to push themselves.
For history buffs, there are also many remnants from when Baggy Point and the nearby beaches were used as training zones for American forces as part of preparations for D-Day.
Branscombe to Beer
Start/End Point: Branscombe/Beer
Distance: 3 miles
Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate – Uneven walking path with some steep sections.
One of South Devon’s most popular coastal walks, uniting two beautiful villages. This walk captures so many different sights, from stunning views of the Jurassic Coast cliffs to undulating green hills and some small woods too.
You can do this walk going either direction, and both ways you’ll be rewarded at the end with a wonderful village with beautiful scenery and plenty of pubs to get a bite, relax and refresh.
There are a few different options for getting back – you can retrace your steps, walk inland to do a circular, or catch a bus.
Valley of the Rocks & Watersmeet
Start/End Point: Lynton
Distance: 7-8 miles
Time: 4-5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate – Well-trodden paths but lots of elevation.
If any walk epitomised the beautiful ruggedness of North Devon, it would probably be the Valley of the Rocks. One of Devon’s iconic natural landmarks, these high-rising cliffs offer striking views across the water and are also home to some daredevil wild goats that perch on their edges. There are plenty of paths around the Valley of the Rocks, although some of the sheer cliff edges can test the nerves of those scared of heights!
Combine a visit to Valley of the Rocks with a trip to nearby Watersmeet, an idyllic riverside walk deep in a steep valley surrounded by ancient forests.
This route is great for a complete day of walking adventures around Lynton. Many also choose to visit either individually in a couple of hours.
Bellever Forest
Start/End Point: Bellever Forest Car Park
Distance: 3 miles
Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate – Surfaced track and moorland up a steep hill.
Bellever Forest is a fantastic place to visit for people of all walking abilities. With lots of well-paved sections and some more testing climbs to the peak of Bellever Tor, there’s something here for everyone.
Walks through Bellever Tor are well signposted, but there’s still plenty of open land for you to explore. The most popular route is up the hill, through the forest and over the moor to Bellever Tor, which offers stunning views over Dartmoor. You’re also likely to come across some wonderful wildlife on your trip, including Dartmoor’s famous wild ponies, which love grazing here.
These walks only scratch the surface of what Devon has to offer. No matter where you are or what kind of scenery you enjoy, you’re never too far from a special walking adventure.
