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Devon walks
Countisbury and Watersmeet from Lynmouth
This Exmoor walk includes coast, valley and high level sections. Starting from Lynmouth, the route climbs to Contisubury before crossing high pastures to descend to Watersmeet. The return leg of the walk follows the River Lyn downstream to the coast.
Morte and Bull Points, Combesgate valley from Woolacombe
This circular walk from Woolacombe explores a beautiful section of the South West Coast path which leads to Morte Point and Bull Point overlooking wild beaches. Then, you will use paths inland close to Mortehoe village and go down to the start following a gorgeous path along Combesgate Valley.
Holcombe Rogus and Great Western Canal
Holcombe Rogus is situated on the Devon/Somerset border with the town of Wellington to the east and Tiverton to the west. This walk takes in rural farm land, which includes the Grand Western Canal nearby and the Blackdown Hills to the south.
Kingswear to Coleton Fishacre coast path circular
This is a (mostly) circular walk that takes in a short section of the South West Coast Path and passes sub-tropical plants, dramatic cliffs and WW2 relics on a route that skirts the beautiful Coleton Fishacre house and gardens. The path is clearly marked and well-trodden. There are several steep sections and plenty of steps, but there are lovely views as compensation.
Slapton
A jewel in our wildlife crown and stories of a changing coastline. Like a satisfying meal, this walk has the shingle sweep of the beach to start, a main course of all the wildlife you could wish for on a National Nature Reserve, and the sweet and characterful village of Slapton for dessert. Perfect!
Cornwood, Hangar Down via Hangar Cottage & Moor Cross
A circular walk, some on roads, crossing Hangar Down.
Codden Hill
This short circular walk with ascents and descents close to Barnstaple provides a good way to explore Codden Hill which overlooks the surroundings valleys and River Taw Estuary.
Green Lanes around Cornworthy
A circular walk using some of Devon's historic 'green lanes' through Cornworthy, Tuckenhay and Allaleigh. The route passes through the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with views from coast to moor.
The Doone Valley from Malmsmead
Starting from Malmsmead, this walk in the Exmoor National Park includes sections in Devon and Somerset. The main focus of the route is areas associated with the Lorna Doone novels. However expect much more with valley and moorland walking in this excellent Exmoor walk.
From Cornwood via Quarry lake and East Rook Gate
Varied walk including ancient forest, a Quarry lake and open moorland. Fabulous views across to Plymouth Sound.
Cosdon Beacon from South Zeal
A Dartmoor walk that includes the most north-easterly summit in the National Park which offers some fine views especially to the north. The route needs careful navigation at the start and in poor weather you need a good sense of direction and compass skills.
Totnes town trail
Discover the Totnes of times gone by. A walk through Totnes’ narrow streets to discover a town crammed full of history. This walk can be extended by following the River Dart to nearby Dartington along the riverside path.
Little Dartmouth and Dartmouth Castle
Countryside and castles on the South Devon coast. Small but perfectly formed, this satisfying circuit is full of character and interest, offering glorious views from the cliffs, the tang of the sea close up on the rocky shore, the rich history of the castle and the beautiful River Dart. This circular walk can also be started at Dartmouth Castle. You can use the Castle ferry from Dartmouth, to reach the alternative start of this walk.
Kingsbridge to Bowcombe Creek
A delightful route following creeks and green lanes steeped in the trade and travel of past times. This short moderate walk offers melting views of the boat-bobbing estuary and charming South Hams countryside, and a host of waterfowl and wading birds into the bargain.
Cornwood, Hall Cross, Moor Cross
Circular walk from Cornwood, some on roads, skirting the Western edge of Hangar Down.
Clifford Bridge to Fingle Bridge and Butterdon Down
A wonderful circular walk from Clifford Bridge to Fingle Bridge on a gentle path along the River Teign before heading steeply onto Butterdon Down and descending back to Clifford Bridge. Beautiful woodland views.
Throwleigh Church loop
A beautiful walk past granite Devon longhouses and open moorland on the edge of Dartmoor. It's recommended to do this walk clockwise as the last footpath is difficult to find going in the other direction.
Tavy Cleave
A circular walk with beautiful views over Dartmoor Tavy Cleave.
Hartland Quay and The Warren from St Nectans Church
This circular walk from Stoke provides a good way to discover Hartland Quay surrounded by impressive cliffs and contorted rock layers. Then, the return route goes past an old lookout house in ruins and follows Abbey River.
Cosdon Hill & Oke Tor from Belstone
A demanding Dartmoor walk that requires careful navigation and preferably good weather. The route uses a section of the Tarka Trail, visits some ancient monuments and visits the summits of a number of granite tors.
Huntingdon Warren & Lud Gate from Scorriton
This Dartmoor route uses a section of the Two Moors Way. The route follows paths and tracks although a good sense of direction is needed in what can be an unforgiving landscape. After wet weather, streams may be in spate so care is needed crossing them.
Kingswear to Froward Point
Castles and cliffs, seals and skylarks. A circular walk around to the mouth of the Dart estuary with views out to sea and along to Start Bay. Explore the World War 2 battery at Froward and find out more about the Daymark.
Cornwood via Dendles Wood, High House Waste, East Rook Gate
Mixed road and moorland walk taking in beautiful ancient oak woodland and high moorland views.
The Torrs and Slade Reservoirs from Ilfracombe
This pretty long circular walk explores a short section of the South West Coast path next to the Torrs leading to a wonderful viewpoint. Then, you will discover paths in farmland and follow the National Cycle Route 27 along Slade Reservoirs before you go back to Ilfracombe.
Wembury Beach, Yealm Estuary Circular
A lovely walk of two halves. The cliffs and views of the open coast out to the Great Mewstone, then around to the mouth of the Yealm estuary with its busy harbour, wooded valleys and pretty villages.
Bleak House & Great Nodden from Lydford
The wild open speces of Dartmoor can be appreciated on this walk. The route takes you past a number of rocky tors, visits an area used for peat cutting and follows a section of the Rattlestone Peat Railway. All in all a walk full of interest.
Cornwood area, China clay works
Amazing views over the China clay works, mica pits, and views across to Plymouth sound in one direction and moorland in the other.
Sandy Cove and Windcutter Hill from Lee
This beautiful circular walk, especially at low tide because you can walk through the Morte-slate cliffs along a path and steps cut in the rock, provides a good way to discover Lee village, the gorgeous rocky bay and woods inland.
King's tor
A circular walk using a part of Dartmoor waymarked path across stunning moors, along streams and passing King's Tor for a nice overlook.
Loddiswell and Middle Avon Valley
A perfect mix of riverside, ancient woodland and beautiful countryside. A beautiful leafy walk following the amber waters of the River Avon through classic English woodland, starting and finishing in the tranquil village of Loddiswell.
Mel Tor to Bench Tor and back
Includes a fording of the Dart river as long as it's not in spate!
Following the Yellow Brick Road
This is a linear, there-and-back, well-defined route leading out onto the moors south of Princetown, and is an ideal route to sample the remoteness and beauty Dartmoor has to offer.
The Yellow Brick Road is a local nickname for what was once known as Ivybridge Lane, a proposed route linking Princetown and Ivybridge due south. So why call it Yellow Brick? It was simply because, during a period of renovation and moorland management, the authorities used a hardcore dressing coloured yellow.
As a there-and-back route, with the option to return at any point. Once on the open moor, past (1), a moorland lane runs virtually parallel to the route, reassuring the first-time moorland walker, with vehicular access and assistance if needed.
Bennett's Cross to Grimspound and the Golden Dagger mine
This route starts at Bennett's Cross, a moorland cross marking a boundary, then circles an area on Dartmoor, where over many centuries, Tin was mined. Leading onto the Two Moors Way and Grimspound, a well-preserved Bronze Age Settlement, it is thought that the occupants mined in the area. The route then leads through the heart of the mined area, with Headland Warren, another area on the moors where rabbits were farmed. To finish back at the cross, which is near the highest Inn in Southern England, where the fire in the hearth has reputedly stayed lit since the 1800s.
Dartmoor Perambulation
In the year 1240, King Henry III summoned twelve Devonshire knights to mount their steeds and ride around Dartmoor's Forest Bounds, as then stated. The historical journey was undertaken on the 24th July 1240, the reason was to check for possible encroachment of the commoners upon the Royal hunting ground.(Dartmoor was not covered in trees; 'Forest' refers to a Royal Hunting ground)The Dartmoor Perambulation, of beating the bounds, is an ancient right for landowners.
This route is completed, following the Visorando App, but may need local variations due to weather conditions and access. Read the Notes of every stage for more guidance.
Shavercombe Falls, a Dartmoor Waterfall
Shavercombe Falls is a small but pretty waterfall at the head of a valley. This route up the River Plym passes many remnants from the past, often overlooked due to a lack of awareness, from the unusual landscape along the way to unusual place names.
East Dart River, waterfall, and the Beehive hut
The moorland hamlet of Postbridge in itself is always worth a visit, with it's 12th century clapper bridge, believed to have been built by the tinners. Venturing up to see the East Dart waterfall makes the visit to the area worthwhile. The route follows the river upstream to the waterfall, and if conditions are suitable, crosses the river and returns, passing some Bronze Age Settlements.
During adverse weather, and if the river is in spate (flood), see Notes.
Yealm Steps, a Dartmoor waterfall, and the old China Clay Works
This route leads out over open moorland, climbing to a high point with far-reaching views over south Devon.
Not far from where the River Yealm rises, it tumbles over a series of moorland rocks forming steps down the valley, and although still a young river, the water cascades over the rocks. During heavy rain, the runoff from the surrounding moorland awakens the stream to an impressive waterfall. The route back passes many Stone Age Settlements, Stone Row (optional), and the 'moonscape' of the now disused China Clay Works.
Black Tor Falls, a Dartmoor Waterfall, and nearby Bronze Age Stone Row
Dartmoor, as many rivers rise high up on the moors, they cascade down through the moors and valleys. There are not many waterfalls on Dartmoor that can be accessed so easily, but this route offers a short, easy access route to a popular waterfall on the River Meavy, and it also has the added attraction of a nearby Bronze Age Stone Row and Cairn.
Dartmeet to Belstone near Okehampton - Dartmoor Perambulation
This is the second stage of the Dartmoor Perambulation.
This route follows the eastern section of the original route; key checkpoints are used.
This section of the route offers various terrains, from country lanes to some reasonable hills to climb.
This route is completed, following the Visorando App, but may need local variations due to weather conditions and access. Read the Notes for more guidance
Belstone near Okehampton to Princetown - Dartmoor Perambulation
This is the third and last stage of the Dartmoor Perambulation.
This route follows the western section of the original route; key checkpoints are used.
This route is completed, following the Visorando App, but may need local variations due to weather conditions and access. Read the Notes for more guidance
Princetown to Dartmeet - Dartmoor Perambulation
This is the first stage of the Dartmoor Perambulation.
This route follows the southern section of the original route; key checkpoints are used.
This section is perhaps the most forgiving, with the other two sections offering different terrain and challenges
This route is completed, following the Visorando App, but may need local variations due to weather conditions and access. Read the Notes for more guidance
Shipley Bridge, out to Red Lake and around Avon Reservoir
This route follows the river upstream towards the Avon Dam, before skirting around the reservoir and then follows a section of the Abbot's Way, a long-distance walk across Dartmoor. Continuing around the back of the reservoir, around Huntington Warren, and the clapper bridge. Leaving the river and up to the Red Lake, disused China Clay Works, and the Tip. The route back then follows an old disused tram track, across Brent Moor, passing the Water Treatment Works, back to the start.
Walk without a full turn-by-turn description, to be followed using the Visorando app - see Notes
Two Bridges, Brown's House, Devils Tor, and Beardown Man
A walk into open moorland, passing Crow Tor to see Devil's Tor and the Beardown Man. Heading south, passing Lydford Tor, Beardown Tors, and then descending Beardown Hill and through woodland and farm, to the Cowsic River, following it down to the start.
Norsworthy, Down Tor, and Cuckoo Rock
Norsworthy Bridge at the end of Burrator Reservoir has many moorland walks leading off. This walk leads up to Down Tor, and then walking on to the Down Tor Cairns, Stone Row, Stone Age Enclosure, and the Menhir, before leading to Combshead Tor and Cuckoo Rock. The trail then leads down to a forestry track, which leads back to the start.
Norsworthy Bridge to Down Tor
A walk up to Down Tor, with views over Burraton Reservoir, following a well-used trail up to the tor, and to be rewarded with the view, especially as the sun sets, reflecting off the water.
Although this walk leads up to the top of the tor, there are opportunities to go off route to head north, down the hill to the river, and then follow that downstream to the start.
Cadover, Ditsworthy Warren House, and Ringmoor Down
This is a walk up and along the river Plym, leading to Ditsworthy Warren House. A remote, now disused farm. The house was used during the filming of War Horse, a film directed by Steven Spielberg. Around the area, there is still evidence of old mine workings and Rabbit Warrens. Then walking across Ringmoor Down, across old field systems, and then onto Brisworthy Plantation, before meeting the country lanes back to the start.
Lane End, Tavy Cleave, Dead Lake Ford, Hare Tor, and Ger Tor
This circular walk leads up through the valley of Tavy Cleave, where the river Tavy cascades down, and the Cleave towers above. Following the Wheal Jewel Leat, before making a path over and around the boulders along the riverbank. At Dead Lake, the route makes its way up and along the top of the Cleave, with impressive Tors, and spectacular views down the valley.
Grimpstonleigh loop - Watkins Wood
A lovely, safe dog walk, starting at the eastern car park for Woodleigh Woods. No road sections, so dogs can run off lead. Part of the walk is within the Woodland Trust woods, so please follow any instructions, close gates, pick up dog poo, etc …
Dunnabridge Pound, and the River West Dart Stepping Stones
The River Dart, both the East and West Dart, rise high on Dartmoor, flowing down off the moors, to meet at Dartmeet. Each river has many must-see places; this short walk leads to one of the West Dart's attractions. The walk leading down to the river of the West Dart, stepping stones, a quiet spot to watch wildlife, or have a picnic.
Princetown, Hart Tor, Cramber Tor and South Hessary Tor
A walk to explore some moorland tors, an open moorland walk, which offers the experience of the remoteness of the moor, yet is still relatively safe for the novice walker. The walk has several features that can act as a safety net for the walker to reference, to check the location. Should the walker wander, there are other natural stops to get back on track.
More walks in Devon
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