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Great places for an autumnal walking holiday in Devon

21st October 2020

Categories: Visitor News

We might be a bit biased, but Devon is one of the most beautiful places in the UK and with its varied landscape, it is the ultimate destination for a walking holiday. Whether you want coast or countryside, it is all here right on the doorstep and autumn is one of the best seasons for exploring it all. This time of year has those gorgeous russet colours in the trees and the right temperature for a bracing stroll along the seafront, basically, we’re big fans of autumnal walks here in Devon!

Here are some suggestions for amazing autumn walks and equally amazing places to stay once you’ve had enough and want to warm up.

Salcombe to Hope Cove

This is a delightful walk in the summer months with the contrasting green of the landscape and the deep blue of the Salcombe estuary, but it’s just as stunning in the autumn months. The headlands on both sides of the Salcombe estuary offer some incredible walks, alternatively, you can get the ferry and walk to Mill Bay and then continue along to Prawl.

Or there is the walk between Bolt Head and Bolt Tail where you can catch some incredible views and of course, the walk from Salcombe to Overbecks is one that isn’t to be missed.

If you want to explore these walks, there are loads of lovely accommodation options around the Salcombe area and plenty of pubs, cafes and restaurants serving the very best in locally caught seafood for a spot of refreshment too!

For a self catering home from home, Coast and Country Cottages have around 450 different properties in Salcombe, Dartmouth and the surrounding area, perfect, whatever time of year you choose to visit. Whether you want a cosy thatched cottage in the heart of the countryside or a luxury apartment right on the coast, they have something to suit you.
Alternatively, Bolberry Farm Cottages are just a mile from Hope Cove and are dog friendly if you wanted to bring your pets with you. The cottages have private enclosed gardens, a shared outdoor area and off road parking and offer the perfect respite after exploring the countryside. Also, in the Bolberry Down area are Ocean Reach Holiday Homes which are perfectly located for a tranquil break. The holiday homes are all within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, all have a seaview and are on the National Trust managed Bolberry Down site, so you have plenty of opportunities for getting out for walks.

Image: Gara Rock

For a laidback stay some where you can really experience the joys of south Devon, check out Gara Rock . Ideal for families, couples, friends and just about any other combination of guests you can think of. The beach is just a stone’s throw away and you have easy access to the south west coast path. Gara Rock is also home to an award winning restaurant where the menus are made up of locally sourced and foraged food.

If you’re feeling brave, Parkland Caravan and Camping in nearby Kingsbridge. It’s an AA five pennant premier adults only site which is located in the heart of an area of outstanding natural beauty, it even has glamping options!

Alternatively, the Thurlestone Hotel in Kingsbridge is a great choice. This luxury hotel is set in 19 acres of stunning South Devon coastline and offers first class accommodation, spa and leisure facilities and a golf course! Make sure to check which facilities are open and in use along with current guidelines when you book!

Image: Thurlestone Hotel

Visiting Salcombe also offers you the perfect excuse to sample some Salcombe Gin – this unique handcrafted gin is created at the Salcombe Distilling Co where you can not only find out more about how this beloved drink is made but you can even stop off for some food and a drink or two!

Watersmeet

Image: @isaacellardshoots \\ Instagram

Managed by the National Trust, Watersmeet is one of the deepest river gorges in the UK and offers plenty of walks with both inland and coastal routes to explore. The river itself is teaming with wildlife from otters to salmon and is perfect for anyone who wants to cause a splash and indulge in a few water sports. On land you’ll find red deer and a variety of bird species to enjoy too!

Plus, being located in the north of the county, basing yourself in this area also means you have the chance to visit the incredible north Devon coastline and visit popular tourist areas such as Woolacombe and Ilfracombe during the quieter months.

There are plenty of options when it comes to accommodation in this region and you have the choice of staying in the heart of the countryside, on the Exmoor National Park or nearer the coast, the choice is yours! One option is finding a property through Marsdens Devon Cottages, the company is based in the area and have a range of properties throughout Devon including in the North Devon area. The team like to work with you to make sure they find you the perfect property, so they’re a good choice for anyone with something specific in mind.

Image: Sandaway Beach Holiday Park.

If you fancy staying somewhere with all the facilities of a hotel but the laid back atmosphere of a self catering property, why not take a look at a holiday park? Sandaway Beach Holiday Park isn’t that far away, it’s on the edge of Combe Martin and the outskirts of Ilfracombe and offers some incredible sea views and gives you easy access to Watersmeet and other local walking hotspots. Basing yourself here gives you the chance to explore the coast, the Exmoor National Park and the historic towns of Lynton and Lynmouth.

Close to the walks at Watersmeet is the Lynton Camping and Caravanning Club Site, there are several walking trails around the site and the beach isn’t far either. The site has 105 pitches making it easy to spread out and has all the amenities you could need for a short break.

Or why not give Blindwell Bunkhouse a go? The bunkhouse has three rooms which can sleep up to sixteen guests and puts you right in the middle of a host of walking routes including the Two Moors Way. You can walk or cycle straight from the door, with trails leading to Tarr Steps, Withypool, Hawkridge, Molland and Twitchen among others.

Dartmoor

One of two National Parks that can be found in Devon, Dartmoor is an excellent destination if you’re a fan of autumnal exploration. The moorland, woodland and rivers all start to change at this time of year giving you incredible colours and plenty of wildlife to look out for.

Dartmoor is also a great choice for anyone who wants something a little more challenging, there are a number of hiking trails to choose from varying in difficulty as well as organisations offering guided hikes, bike rides and even climbing adventures! Dartmoor is a huge area and many of the region’s best known towns and villages, including Tavistock, fall within the boundary, so you have plenty of chances to get out and about and discover something new.

There are too many walking routes to mention them all, but some of our favourite include:

Wistman’s Woods
Teign Gorge
Lydford Gorge
Burrator
Two Moors Way
Cranmere Pool

Wherever you go on Dartmoor, you’re guaranteed incredible views, from misty woodland to stunning sunrises and sunsets over the tors, it doesn’t really matter where you choose to stay, but here are a few suggestions anyway.

The Two Bridges Hotel is located in Princetown in the Yelverton area, it has been described as “an oasis at the heart of Dartmoor’ so we can’t really miss it off our list. The hotel is surrounded by beautiful grounds and the West Dart river runs alongside it providing a lovely backdrop for your stay. Plus, the interior is exactly what you would expect from this charming, historical gem.

Dartmoor’s abundant countryside makes it a haven for chefs, which is why you’ll find so many hotels with award winning restaurants in the area. One such hotel on the outskirts of the moor is Gidleigh Park, an award winning hotel that sits along the River Teign. This hotel is particularly well known for its incredible dining options and its wine cellar – making it a great foodie destination if you want to end your walks with a hearty meal and a glass or two!

Image: Gidleigh Park

Another option on the edge of Dartmoor is Mill End Country Hotel, which is also known for its restaurant and accommodation. It’s a conveniently located hotel, being just five minutes from the A30 and also within easy reach of Exeter.

Or there is Glazebrook House Hotel which sources all of the food for their menus within fifty miles of Dartmoor. The views are incredible, with well maintained gardens, idyllic countryside and of course, the National Park.

In Tavistock, is Langstone Manor Park as well as a range of self catering properties including a manor house apartment and cottages, they also offer camping and glamping pitches – their camping pods even include all the equipment you might need for camping and the mega pods have actual toilets, beds, kitchenettes, TVs and even an outside patio with furniture! The site is an ideal place to relax, there is no traffic noise, clear skies and with the surrounding countryside, offers a great place to start your walks.
For a self catering option in Tavistock, take a look at Harford Bridge Holiday Park Located on the National Park alongside the River Tavy, it has a range of camping pitches, self catering caravan homes, lodges and glamping options, so whatever you’re in the market for, you’ll find the perfect property here.

Image: Wolf Wood Treehouses

Speaking of glamping, Wolf Wood Treehouses are to the North of Dartmoor and give you the chance to stay in a treehouse! The treehouses each has a secluded spot high up in the trees and have a real rustic feel to each one. You have wall to wall windows and bifold doors leading out onto a private deck – think of the views! Or if you fancy camping, Tavistock Camping and Caravanning Club site is a good option with glorious views and a relaxing atmosphere.

Where are your favourite places to go for autumnal walks in Devon? You can let us know on Twitter and Facebook.