If you’re keen to get out and about and enjoy the great outdoors, a trip to Devon is perfect, especially when you consider the abundance of coastal paths and walking trails that can be found all over the county. There is nothing quite like the bracing sea air cooling you down while you meander across beautiful countryside and the amazing views that can only be accessed by foot, so take a look at some of the options here and book your trip today!
A popular place for walkers is Tamar Trails in Tavistock. Tamar Trails is an all-day attraction for anyone who loves the great outdoors, it is family friendly, suitable for dogs and also accessible for those with less mobility, so no one needs to be left out. Choose between exploring the woodlands or taking part in one of the outdoor activities. Visitors are welcome to follow the trails on foot or by hiring a bike, you can even take on the trails at a run if you like.
Image: Tamar Trails
It’s a truly beautiful place to visit and is part of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and has plenty to do and see to keep the whole family entertained. If the walk invigorates you and inspires you to do more, there are plenty of other attractions nearby and on site like Canoe Tamar for those who like the water and Tree Surfers for those that like heights. If you wanted to find out more about the old mining heritage of the area, after visiting Tamar Trails, why not head over to Morwellham Quay where you can enjoy an interactive and educational experience which forms part of the area’s World Heritage site.
Image: Morwellham Quay.
Combine your trip with a traditional camping holiday by booking a stay with Tavistock’s Camping and Caravanning Club, or for a real home-from-home, stay at Moorparks Farm where you can have the freedom to unwind in a tranquil grade 2 listed cottage.
For coastal walks, you can’t go far wrong with the South West Coast Path, which can be picked up at a variety of locations around Devon. The entire path is around 630 miles long, so naturally, we don’t expect you to be doing the whole thing but as it covers such a wide area, you’ll find that there are plenty of places to pick it up and you can explore a different part whenever you like. Popular areas to pick up the path are in Combe Martin, Hartland, plus the resorts of South Devon and East Devon.
If you’re in the north of the county you can follow the path all along the coastline where you are guaranteed to see stunning views out to sea. Base yourself in Combe Martin for a delightful, family friendly break. There are loads of accommodation offers open to you in this part of the county, including Combe Martin Beach Holiday Park which has beautiful beaches and plenty of walking trails of its own.
Image: Combe Martin.
Alternatively, Sandaway Beach Holiday Park in Ilfracombe is right on Mermaid’s Cove which is perfect for rock pooling and other fun adventures. For something more alternative, Longlands has Safari lodges and have that luxurious feel you want from a holiday! There are plenty of attractions in the region too for visiting in between exploring the path. Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park is a fun destination for families and Watermouth Family Theme Park and Castle is the best of both worlds for those wanting a theme park and a cultural attraction.
Image: Hartland Quay
Hartland is another good spot for picking up the South West Coast Path. The Hartland Quay Hotel is a good place to base yourself, especially for those that love the bracing sea air as it is right on the edge of the ocean! The walk takes you up to Hartland Point where you can find a Grade 2 listed lighthouse, the views from the Point go all the way out to Lundy Island.
For those picking up the path in the south of the county. You can follow the path all the way from the Jurassic coast to Plymouth.
Head it to Exmouth where you can pick up the coastal path right on the beach. The town is a traditional looking Victorian resort with a lovely promenade. You can stay over at the Bay the Imperial Hotel Exmouth which is located right on the coastline. If you’d rather have somewhere more casual, take a look at the Hazelwood Holiday Park or Cofton Holidays.
The East Devon Way is another good walking trail in the area, it links together footpaths, bridal ways and country lanes to create a lovely inland walk. You can use the opportunity to explore the water too by booking a tour with Stuart Line Cruises or spend some more time outdoors by visiting Bicton Park Botanical Gardens. For those of you wanting to learn a new skill after your trip along the path, visit the Paint Hub where you can spend some time painting pottery and grabbing refreshments in their café.
You don’t even need to stick to one of the established trails if you don’t want to, there are plenty of chances to get out and about in the countryside. You can take a look at suggested walking and hiking trails here.