North Devon is beautiful to visit all year around but in the winter you can really appreciate the dramatic coastline and the beautiful scenery, especially when it is a little crunchy underfoot and with a bracing cold air that really reinvigorates the senses.
If you fancy exploring North Devon’s best winter walks over the next few months, check out these suggestions.
Valley of Rocks
For a walk with incredible views, Valley of Rocks is a great place to go. Spectacular whatever the weather and home to a herd of feral goats, there is a South West Coast Path walk that starts and ends at Lynton Cliff Railway Station and is quite an easy walk, suitable for everyone. The path has been tarmacked so it is suitable for pushchairs and other mobility aids. It’s also a great option as a dog walking route – so wrap up warm, grab the dog and see how many goats you encounter!
Watersmeet
Also on Exmoor, Watersmeet is a National Trust managed site, so you can enjoy a spot of refreshments in their onsite café. There are a host of nice walks around this area, including family friendly shorter options where you can enjoy the views over the Bristol Channel and longer circular walks around to Lynmouth.
Braunton Burrows
There are a couple of routes around Braunton Burrows if you want a different adventure each time. The Tarka Trail includes bits of the Burrows starting at the car park at Sandy Lane, as does the South West Coast Path. Whether you choose to amble along one of the marked routes or explore on your own, Braunton Burrows is a fascinating place to visit – its one of the largest sand dune systems in Britain and can be found in the middle of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty making it a great place to visit all year around.
Baggy Point
Baggy Point is also a National Trust managed area, so you'll find plenty of way-marked trails. There are a couple of easy access walks here too, and options for both long and short routes. If you feel up to it, the circular walk via the Bloodhills Cliff provides some incredible views.
Hartland Point
Part of the North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Hartland Point is wonderfully dramatic and really worth the visit, especially at this time of year when the skies, the sea and the rocks have an even more dramatic air. There’s a lovely South West Coast Path walk that takes you on a short stroll through the habitats loved by the sea birds – it’s great at this time of year.
Heddon Valley
Heddon Valley is also managed by the National Trust. They have several walking routes that they recommend including shorter trails more suitable for families and longer hikes for those of you who fancy a challenge. Dogs are welcome on the routes and there is even a pub to be found along the way too… Just in case!