Devon offers a wide range of walking routes, from long-distance coastal paths to shorter inland walks across moorland, river valleys and farmland. The county’s varied landscape allows for both accessible routes and more demanding walks with significant elevation. The most notable route is the South West Coast Path, which follows the entire Devon coastline and forms the basis for many of the county’s best walks.
Walking in Devon is generally straightforward to organise, with clearly marked public footpaths and regular access points from towns and villages. Coastal walks tend to be more strenuous due to frequent ascents and descents, while inland routes are often more moderate but can still involve uneven terrain, particularly on Dartmoor and Exmoor.
Devon North Coast Walks
The Devon coastline provides some of the most consistent and scenic walking in England. Routes follow cliff paths, beaches and headlands, often linking coastal towns and key landmarks.
Woolacombe to Baggy Point Walk (circular) – 9.2 miles, moderate/difficult
Putsborough Beach to Baggy Point (circular) – 4.9 miles, moderate,
Bull Point and Morte Point Walk (circular)- 4.7 miles, moderate,
Combe Martin to Great Hangman Cairn Walk (circular) – 4.4 miles, moderate,
Devon South Coast Walks
Salcombe to Bolt Head Walk (circular) – 7.2 miles, moderate
East Portlemouth Ferry to Gara Rock Beach Walk (circular) – 4.3 miles, moderate,
Dartmouth to Dittisham Walk (circular) – 8.7 miles, moderate/difficult,
Dartmouth to Totnes (one-way) – 13.6 miles, difficult
Dartmouth to Compass Cove (circular)- 3.5 miles, easy
Dartmouth to Greenway Quay / Dittisham (one-way back by ferry) – 4.8 miles, moderate,
Dartmouth to Blackpool Sands Walk (one-way back by bus)- 5,1 miles, moderate,
Budleigh Salterton to Otterton Mill Walk (circular) – 7.3 miles, moderate,
Coleton Fishacre Walk (circular)- 6.4 miles, moderate,
Hallsands to Start Point Walk (circular) – 6.8 miles, moderate,
Beer to Branscombe Beach Walk (circular) – 4 miles, moderate,
Beer to Brankscombe Beach and Village Walk (circular) – 5.3 miles, moderate,
Hope Cove to Salcombe Walk (one way)- 8 miles, moderate/difficult
Brixham Harbour to Kingswear Walk (one way) – 10.7 miles, difficult
Dartmoor Walks
Dartmoor is one of the main inland walking areas in Devon, characterised by open moorland, granite tors and a network of unmarked paths. Navigation can be more difficult here than on the coast, particularly in poor weather.
Castle Drogo and Teign Gorge Classic Circuit – 4.5 miles, moderate,
Haytor and Hound Tor Walk – 4.6 miles, moderate. Accessible route linking two of Dartmoor’s most recognisable tors.
Yes Tor and High Willhays Walk – 6.1 miles, moderate to challenging. Includes the highest point in Devon.
Wistman’s Wood Walk – 4.6 miles, moderate. Short route to a well-known ancient oak woodland.
Bellever Forest Walk – 4 miles, easy. Managed woodland with clear paths and riverside sections.
Exmoor Walks
Exmoor combines moorland, wooded valleys and high coastal cliffs. Walks here are often quieter than in Dartmoor, with a mix of inland and coastal routes.
Official website: https://www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/
Dunkery Beacon Walk – 4 miles, moderate. Circular route to the highest point on Exmoor.
Lynmouth and Watersmeet Walk – 5 miles, moderate. Woodland paths following river gorges near Lynmouth.
Heddon’s Mouth Walk – 2.2 miles, easy. Valley route leading to a secluded coastal cove.
Short Walks and Easy Routes
Devon also offers a range of shorter and more accessible walks suitable for less experienced walkers or shorter visits.
Valley of Rocks Walk (circular) – 0.9 miles, easy
Valley of Rocks and Lynton Village Walk (circular) – 2.2 miles, easy,
Seaton to Beer Walk – 2 miles, easy. Direct coastal route between two towns.
Totnes to Lower Sharpham Walk – 3.2 miles, easy to moderate. Follows the River Dart through farmland and woodland.
Tarka Trail – variable distance, easy. Flat former railway line suitable for walking and cycling.
Practical Information
Most Devon walks can be accessed without specialist equipment, although appropriate footwear is required for coastal paths and moorland terrain. Weather conditions can change quickly, particularly on Dartmoor and Exmoor, where visibility may be reduced and ground conditions can become difficult.
Parking is generally available at coastal towns, National Trust sites and designated moorland car parks. Public transport can be used to link sections of the coast path, although services are less frequent in rural areas.
Walking Strategy
For longer coastal routes, walking shorter sections of the South West Coast Path between towns is the most practical approach. Many walkers divide routes into 4–8 mile sections to allow for elevation and terrain.
Inland walking on Dartmoor and Exmoor requires more route planning, particularly where paths are less clearly defined. Shorter circular walks are generally the most reliable option unless using detailed mapping or GPS navigation.