There’s a particular kind of calm that settles in during the days between Christmas and New Year. The presents are opened, the big meals are done, and time seems to slow to a gentler pace. It’s the week where routines blur, the sofa gets a lot of attention, and many of us start to crave one simple thing: fresh air.

Devon is made for this in-between moment. With its wide-open coastlines, peaceful countryside and dramatic landscapes, the county offers the perfect backdrop for winter walks that help brush off the festive cobwebs.

Coastal Walks for Bracing Air and Big Skies

Winter is when Devon’s coast really comes into its own. The paths are quieter, the views feel bigger, and the sea takes on a raw, energising beauty that’s hard to beat.

Short sections of the South West Coast Path are ideal at this time of year, offering rewarding views without committing to an all-day hike. Think headlands with sweeping sea views, sheltered coves, and estuary paths where winter light dances across the water.

Try these winter-friendly coastal walks:

  • Hope Cove to Bolt Tail – A classic South Devon walk with dramatic cliff-top views and a clear, well-defined path. It’s exposed enough to feel invigorating, but manageable in winter conditions. There are also plenty of points to loop back to make the walk shorter.
  • Beer to Branscombe – This stretch of the Jurassic Coast offers a gentler coastal walk with beautiful views over shingle beaches and chalk cliffs. Ideal for a crisp winter day, with welcoming pubs at either end for warming up afterwards.
  • Instow to Appledore – Following the Tarka Trail, this flat, traffic-free route is perfect if you want coastal scenery without steep climbs. Winter light over the Taw and Torridge estuary makes this walk especially atmospheric.

There’s something undeniably refreshing about feeling the wind on your face and watching waves roll in, followed by the promise of a warm drink or a cosy pub nearby. It’s the perfect antidote to days spent indoors.

Countryside and Moorland Walks to Clear the Head

If a slower, more reflective walk is what you’re after, Devon’s countryside delivers in spades. Winter brings a different kind of beauty. Frosty fields, misty mornings and wide, open spaces that invite you to wander at your own pace.

Moorland walks are especially popular during this quiet week, offering a sense of freedom and perspective that feels fitting as one year winds down and another approaches. Woodland paths also come into their own, providing shelter on colder days and a peaceful soundtrack of crunching leaves underfoot.

Good options for winter countryside walks include:

  • Haytor to Hound Tor (Dartmoor) – A short but rewarding circular walk that delivers classic Dartmoor views without a full day on the moor. On clear winter days, the sense of space is unbeatable.
  • Bellever Forest Walk (Dartmoor) – Ideal when the weather is less forgiving, this gentle route winds through woodland and along the East Dart River, offering shelter and a calm, restorative feel.
  • Valley of Rocks (Exmoor) – Open year-round and particularly striking in winter, this walk combines dramatic geology with coastal views and is easily adapted to suit different abilities.

Easy Walks for All the Family (and the Dog)

The week between Christmas and New Year often brings together friends and family of all ages, which makes gentle, accessible walks a real winner.

Devon is full of flat, well-maintained routes that are perfect for mixed groups, whether you’re walking off a long lunch, entertaining visiting relatives, or letting the dog enjoy a well-earned stretch of the legs.

Family-friendly winter walks to consider:

  • The Tarka Trail – With multiple access points across North Devon, this largely flat, traffic-free route is ideal for all ages and abilities. Choose a short section and enjoy estuary views and fresh winter air.
  • Grand Western Canal, Tiverton – A peaceful towpath walk that’s pushchair-friendly and perfect for spotting winter wildlife along the water.
  • Stover Country Park – Well-surfaced paths, woodland and lakeside views make this a reliable choice for a relaxed post-Christmas stroll.

What to Pack for a Winter Walk in Devon

A little preparation goes a long way at this time of year. Layers are key, waterproofs are always a good idea, and sturdy footwear will make all the difference on muddy paths. A flask of something hot never hurts either, especially if you’re planning to linger and enjoy the scenery.

A Gentle Reset Before the New Year

You don’t need a strict plan or bold resolutions to make the most of this quiet week. Sometimes, the best way to close out the year is simply to step outside, breathe deeply and let the landscape do the rest.

Whether you’re visiting Devon for a short break or exploring somewhere new close to where you’re staying, winter walks offer a chance to reset without the rush. Just fresh air, open paths and a sense of calm, the perfect way to ease into the new year.