Top 10 Walks In Devon

Written by Paul Gent in Places to WalkLast Updated January 30, 2025

top 10 walks in devon
Some links on posts are affiliate links and will earn us a commission from qualifying purchases

Devon, nestled in the southwest of England, is a county renowned for its diverse landscapes, rich history, and charming villages. Bordered by both the Bristol Channel and the English Channel, Devon is one of the few counties in the UK with two stunning coastlines.

It’s dramatic cliffs, golden sandy beaches, and hidden coves along the Jurassic Coast and North Devon Coast are a haven for walkers, nature enthusiasts, and fossil hunters alike. The South West Coast Path, which snakes along much of Devon’s coastline, offers some of the most spectacular walking experiences in the country.

Inland, Devon is home to two breathtaking national parks: Dartmoor and Exmoor. Dartmoor, with its windswept tors, ancient woodlands, and wide-open moorland, offers a sense of wild beauty and tranquility. Exmoor, straddling the border with Somerset, boasts rolling hills, deep valleys, and coastal cliffs.

The county’s rich history is evident in landmarks like Castle Drogo, charming market towns such as Totnes, and prehistoric stone circles dotted across Dartmoor.

Whether exploring peaceful riverside trails, challenging moorland routes, or scenic coastal paths, Devon offers an unrivaled walking experience, blending natural beauty with cultural heritage.

The Top 10 Walks In Devon

1. South West Coast Path (Exmouth to Budleigh Salterton)

  • Start/End Point: Exmouth / Budleigh Salterton
  • Distance: 5.5 miles (8.9 km)
  • Terrain: Coastal paths, some gentle climbs
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Notable Landmark: Red sandstone cliffs

A picturesque coastal walk along the Jurassic Coast with breathtaking views of red sandstone cliffs and the English Channel.

2. Dartmoor Tors Circular Walk (Haytor Rocks and Hound Tor)

  • Start/End Point: Haytor Visitor Centre
  • Distance: 5 miles (8 km)
  • Terrain: Moorland, rocky trails
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Notable Landmark: Haytor Rocks

Explore Dartmoor’s dramatic granite tors, with panoramic views over the moor and plenty of wildlife to spot along the way.

3. Clovelly to Mouthmill Cove Walk

  • Start/End Point: Clovelly Village / Mouthmill Cove
  • Distance: 4 miles (6.4 km)
  • Terrain: Woodland paths, coastal trails
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Notable Landmark: Mouthmill Cove and Blackchurch Rock

A charming walk from the historic village of Clovelly to the secluded Mouthmill Cove, featuring dramatic rock formations.

4. Lydford Gorge Walk

  • Start/End Point: Lydford Gorge National Trust Car Park
  • Distance: 3 miles (4.8 km)
  • Terrain: Woodlands, steep paths
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Notable Landmark: Whitelady Waterfall

Discover Devon’s deepest gorge on this scenic woodland walk, complete with cascading waterfalls and lush vegetation.

5. Valley of Rocks Walk (Lynton and Lynmouth)

  • Start/End Point: Lynton Car Park
  • Distance: 4 miles (6.4 km)
  • Terrain: Coastal cliffs, rocky paths
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Notable Landmark: Valley of Rocks

A stunning cliffside walk offering spectacular views of the sea and the dramatic rock formations of the Valley of Rocks.

6. Salcombe to Bolt Head Walk

  • Start/End Point: Salcombe South Sands Car Park
  • Distance: 4 miles (6.4 km)
  • Terrain: Coastal cliffs, grassy paths
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Notable Landmark: Bolt Head

A scenic walk along the South West Coast Path, with beautiful views of Salcombe Estuary and the rugged Bolt Head promontory.

7. Exmoor Coastal Walk (Heddon Valley to Woody Bay)

  • Start/End Point: Heddon Valley Car Park / Woody Bay
  • Distance: 6 miles (9.7 km)
  • Terrain: Coastal paths, woodland trails
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Notable Landmark: Woody Bay

A dramatic coastal walk in Exmoor National Park, with stunning views and opportunities to spot wildlife along the way.

8. Two Moors Way (Ivybridge to Scorriton)

  • Start/End Point: Ivybridge / Scorriton
  • Distance: 8 miles (12.9 km)
  • Terrain: Moorland, rocky trails
  • Difficulty: Challenging
  • Notable Landmark: Southern Dartmoor

Part of the long-distance Two Moors Way, this section offers a rewarding hike across the rugged beauty of southern Dartmoor.

9. Teign Gorge Walk (Castle Drogo)

  • Start/End Point: Castle Drogo Car Park
  • Distance: 4 miles (6.4 km)
  • Terrain: Woodland, riverside paths
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Notable Landmark: Castle Drogo

A beautiful woodland and riverside walk through the Teign Gorge, with stunning views and the historic Castle Drogo.

10. Beer to Branscombe Walk

  • Start/End Point: Beer Car Park
  • Distance: 4.5 miles (7.2 km)
  • Terrain: Coastal cliffs, woodland paths
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Notable Landmark: Branscombe Beach

A delightful walk along the Jurassic Coast, passing through charming villages and offering breathtaking coastal views.

Summary – Top 10 Walks in Devon

We hope you enjoy this list of walks and look forward to trying some of them out on your next visit to Devon. Why not take a look at other counties too when planning other trips.

Recent Posts