A walking holiday might not seem much, but it can provide you with the necessary disconnect you need after juggling a busy lifestyle. Walking is good for your health and you can find various walking trails in Devon that pass through nature reserves, woodlands, moorlands and coastal areas offering you stunning scenery and landscapes.
Devon is one of the best destinations for walking holidays in the UK. Here you can find various walking routes and trails that will let you know more about the region’s history, culture, and geography. If you are planning a walking holiday alone or with your family and friends, you can choose from a variety of walking routes in Devon that can help you experience a different side to what Devon has to offer.
South West Coast Path
With a spectacular coastline, Devon can provide you with amazing walking routes with a good combination of moorlands, woodlands and coastal views. The South West Coast Path is one of the best and longest walking routes in Devon. The North Devon section of the path focuses on the northern coast of Devon. It begins over the border in Somerset and follows the coastal path to Westward Ho! If you are looking for a walking holiday with stunning panoramic views of the Bristol Channel you can opt for this path. This 142 km (88 mile) path is moderately challenging and therefore, ideal even for first-timers. As you walk through the villages you also get to experience unspoiled countryside with plenty of wildlife like Exmoor ponies and red deer. You can also stay overnight at various coastal towns like Lynmouth, Ilfracombe, Woolacombe and Barnstaple.
If you choose the southern coast of Devon, you can still enjoy some incredible views of the English Channel as you walk through quaint villages and coastal towns. The southern arc of the South West Coast path starts in Dorset and follows the coast taking you through some of the popular towns like Seaton, Sidmouth, Exmouth, Torquay, Brixham, Dartmouth, and finally ending at Plymouth. Here you also get to explore the popular Jurassic Coast along with other golden-sand beaches. You also get to walk by various ancient woodlands, lighthouses, abandoned villages and various wartime fortifications. This allows you to walk and climb Britain’s natural wonders. You can also enjoy the delicious cuisine you can find along the way in various coastal villages and towns.
East Devon Way
Quite similar to the South West Coast Path in South Devon, the East Devon Way also covers eight villages as you walk through the southern coast of Devon. The path begins in Dorset and moves west through Devon. Here you pass through villages like Colyton, Sidbury, Aylesbeare Common, and Woodbury and finally ends in Exmouth. As you walk through the path you also pass through various local nature reserves, woodlands, moorlands and coastal hills.
Heddon Valley to Foreland Point
If you are up for a challenge you can look out for this walking route in North Devon. This walking route takes you through some of the most scenic coastal views of the Bristol Channel. The path begins near Heddon Orchard Bothy and ends in Foreland Point in Lynton. While you are walking this path, you will come across various ancient woods, abandoned beaches and unique rock formations that make your journey worthwhile. If you are looking for some food and rest, you can stop at Lynmouth. While this 15 km walking route can offer you some amazing views, you need to be prepared for some challenging slopes. For this, you need to put on the best walking shoes to help you stay comfortable throughout the hike.
Dart Valley Trail
Considered one of the most beautiful walking routes in Devon, the Dart Valley Trail begins from Totnes and ends in Dartmouth or vice versa. The trail stays parallel to the River Dart and takes you through some of the scenic ancient pathways and riverside woodland. If you are looking for a family-friendly walking trail in Devon this one is right for you. On the way you can find towns where you can find places to eat, drink, rest and shop. This would be a perfect walking trail where you can explore Devon’s birdlife, as well if you are a bird enthusiast.
West Devon Way
This 60 km walking path goes around the western edge of the Dartmoor National Park, beginning in Okehampton and ending at Plymouth. This relatively easy walk is nicely marked and therefore easy to follow even if you are heading out here for the first time. While the path does have some sections that have steeper sections it is relatively easy. However, reading some advice and recommendations for walking holidays can help you manage long walking trails. As you walk through the West Devon Way, you will also find other smaller circular routes, ideal for those who do not want to cover the entire north-to-south stretch. The path also traverses through various villages and towns like Lydford, Tavistock, and Yelverton where you can find car parks, toilets, food and beverages and places to stay.
Two Castles Trail
If you are someone who loves history, the Two Castles Trail which starts in Okehampton and ends in Launceston sounds like a good one. This one begins in western Devon and ends just over the border in Cornwall. However, it still offers a great experience to walkers who can enjoy the rolling countryside views and find out more about the castles of Okehampton and Launceston. The path snakes through woodland, open fields, moorland, and muddy paths that can challenge your walking skills to some extent. The route is marked and therefore you can easily follow the trail and find places to eat and drink.
Templer Way
With plenty of open moorland, river valleys, woodland, old tramways and canals you can have a great time walking the Templer Way, Dartmoor. The path begins in Haytor on the east side of the Dartmoor National Park and follows the unique Haytor Granite Tramway and the Stover Canal. The path also passes through Newton Abbot and runs parallel to the River Teign as you begin to reach Teignmouth. With plenty of markings along the path, one can easily follow the trail. If you are looking for an easy route, you should start from Haytor and head downhill to Teignmouth. On the other hand, you can start from Teignmouth and walk uphill to Haytor if you are looking for some challenge.
