If you’re springing for joy at the longer nights and better weather then you’re likely itching to get out and enjoy the spring flowers and the new lambs that are starting to pop up. North Devon is a great option for enjoying the changing seasons, it isn’t called Britain’s adventure coast for nothing! Not only do you have the wonders of Exmoor but a whole host of coastal towns and villages where you might be lucky enough to spot a couple of sea birds building nests!
If you’re visiting the region this month, here are five wonderful spring walks to help immerse you in North Devon’s beauty.
Heddon’s Mouth circular
This easy, circular walk takes you through woodland and along the River Heddon to where it meets the sea. You have plenty of picturesque sights to see, including some of England’s highest coastal cliffs and a restored lime kiln that at one time was used to store coal and limestone brought over from Wales. This walk also takes in a Site of Special Scientific Interest which is home to a host of wildlife, including otters and rare butterflies – it’s here you’re most likely to see the first signs of spring.
Baggy Point
This is a hugely popular walking route and as it is managed by the National Trust, has lots of handy signposts along the trail. There are several pathways across Baggy Point, but the main circular route will give you some incredible views over Bideford Bay and across the Hartland and at this time of year, there will be lots of wild flowers to spot. It’s also a haven for bird watchers – Baggy Point is known to be home to peregrines and merlins among other birds of prey.
Kipling Tors
This walk was named after Rudyard Kipling, the author of the Jungle Book. He’s one of many writers who lived in North Devon and drew inspiration from the surroundings. He attended school in nearby Westward Ho! and while there, he and his friends would follow what would later become Kipling Tors to read and smoke. The route follows the coast and has some amazing views across the bay on one side and Exmoor on the other.
Braunton Burrows
Not only is this one of the largest sand dune systems in the UK but it is also part of a National Nature Reserve, so you can spot all manner of wildlife whatever time of year you go. In the spring time especially, you can often spot some interesting plant life around the North Devon Biosphere and there are also some medieval farming fields nearby at Braunton Great Field – one of only three remaining in England.
Watersmeet to Ash Bridge
Another circular walk, this trail follows the banks of the East Lyn River and gives you some lovely views over Exmoor. If you’re quiet, you might even spot deer and otter on your way along the river and through the woodlands!