Walking
Did you know that if you walked every day for a year in Devon, you would never have to walk the same path twice? Well known for its mild climate, unspoilt beauty, peace and tranquillity, there is over 3500 miles of footpaths and trails waiting to be discovered.
Devon has a number of long-distance routes which together form a joined up walking network, opening up many possibilities. There are challenging long distance routes, some stretching for more than 100 miles, and shorter day and half-day circular walks. There are also some very short easily accessible walks for those with limited mobility, including flat paths for wheelchairs, pushchairs, toddlers, and those with visual impairments.
Click on the bar above for full details on your type of route, or scroll down for a taste of some of the walks. Many of the shorter walks have sections based on the main walking network, so you can be sure to experience the best that Devon has to offer. Some of the walks have historic or literary connections or interesting wildlife or geological sites close by, with links from the route details for further information.
The jewel in the crown is the South West Coast Path, Devon’s National Trail, running for over 600 miles around the south west peninsula. This takes in all of Devon’s outstanding coastal scenery. Don’t worry if you haven’t got time for the full trail, there are many shorter circular walks available. These offer a taste of the trail and allow you to discover the landscape, sample the local food or drink or just enjoy a stroll with your family, at your own pace.
Moving inland, Devon has outstanding landscapes to explore. Devon includes two National Parks and five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), each is unique in its own way. Click on the links below to discover a variety of walks set amid distinctly Devon landscapes.
- Dartmoor National Park
- Visit Dartmoor
- Exmoor National Park
- Blackdown Hills AONB
- East Devon AONB
- North Devon Coast AONB
- South Devon AONB
- Tamar Valley AONB
Find out more about the full 3,500 plus miles of Public Rights of Way.