Top 10 Forest and Woodland Walks in South Devon
When it comes to scenery, most of us associate South Devon with its unspoilt farmland and varied coastline incorporating...
by Maria Makepeace / Walks
With miles of spectacular coastline, woodland trails, riverside rambles and rolling countryside, South Devon has a myriad of stunning walking routes that crisscross the region. A designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this corner of Devon is a walking wonderland, and is home to an abundance of wildlife, historical landmarks, secret coves, and hidden nooks and crannies. Regardless of whether you want to wear hiking boots, flip-flops or wellies, there are numerous stunning walks in South Devon, making it the perfect destination for a walking holiday.
Looking for a particular walk in South Devon? Below we have detailed individual guides to the most popular walks in the region, where you will find information about distance, terrain, a handy route map and finer details of the route itself. Use our quick links below, or read on for further information.
Salcombe boasts an enormous variety of options in the area to explore by foot, from sweeping estuary views, stunning sandy beaches and picturesque rolling countryside you will find walks around Salcombe that appeal to all abilities. Whether you want to amble along a gentle circular trail with little legs in tow, or hike over the region’s toughest coastal hills, you will not be disappointed, and are spoilt for choice in this area of South Devon.
Want to find even more walks around Salcombe? Browse our popular articles on stunning coastal walks near Salcombe and Salcombe walks for pushchair users.
There is no better way to get to know Dartmouth and the surrounding area than to explore it by foot. Whether you choose to trek the coast path, explore the historic maritime town or ramble up the Dart Valley, you will be amazed at the variety of scenery you can cover in just a short space of time. Expect to navigate your way along cobbled streets with boutique shops, and pass through unspoilt farmland, all whilst enjoying panoramic with river views stretching towards Kingswear, or to the iconic Start Point Lighthouse from above Blackpool Sands.
Here are our three favourite walks around Dartmouth:
Discover some of South Devon’s best kept secrets by exploring the breathtaking coastline and countryside that surrounds the much loved towns of Dartmouth and Salcombe. The region boasts a sweeping coastal path, sandy beaches and rolling countryside, and best of all, it‘s punctuated with picturesque villages, offering a diverse place to walk for all abilities. Start your route from the seaside villages of Hope Cove or Thurlestone, explore the popular towns of Kingsbridge and Totnes, or discover the Start Bay coastline – the possibilities are endless! Just a small selection of our favourite routes include:
Walking, regardless of distance, tends to build a healthy appetite, and a rumbling belly should never be ignored. In our opinion, one of the best things about staying in our region is being able to easily combine picturesque hiking trails with excellent eateries. Whether you’re looking for a short stroll and a quick waterside pint, or a day-long hike ending with fish and chips, you’ll find all this and more in our Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
If, like us, you love to plan your day around foodie delights, then the best walk you can do is from Hope Cove to Thurlestone. This route encompasses The Cove Cafe Bar in Hope Cove, the Beachhouse at South Milton Sands and The Village Inn in Thurlestone, providing ample fuel throughout the day. Best of all, there are plenty more routes that enjoy walking and sumptuous food in equal measure:
Looking for a little more inspiration? These fabulous foodie articles are a great place to start:
With such a thriving network of walking routes, South Devon is a fantastic area to explore with a young family. Whilst we do have our fair share of challenging hills and rugged trails, there are plenty of suitable walks ideal for pushchairs, little legs, or those who simply want a shorter route with a sturdy path and no steep sections. Children adore clambering over rocks, exploring secret coves, and learning ancient myths and tales of the land, so be sure to navigate at least one of our favourite family-friendly walking trails during your break:
South Devon has many great activities and attractions for all the family to enjoy, both indoors and outdoors. For further suggestions, take a look at the 51 reasons to visit South Devon, or browse our family days out pages.
With miles of South West Coast Path to explore, not to mention the wealth of dog-friendly beaches, woodland trails and rolling countryside, South Devon is a pooch’s paradise. We love dogs at Coast & Country Cottages, so much so, that our locally based team created ‘South Devon Loves Dogs’, a freely downloadable guide to pet friendly holidays in South Devon.
Our favourite dog-friendly walk stretches from Beesands to Hallsands. This stunning route boasts outstanding views of some of the Start Bay’s most breathtaking sights, including elevated views of the picturesque villages of Beesands and Hallsands, the ruins of South Hallsands, and in the distance, the iconic Start Point lighthouse.
Why not explore our extensive range of around 100 dog-friendly properties? From secluded farmhouses with generous gardens and charming chocolate box cottages to luxury waterside properties, all within easy reach of dog-friendly eateries and other attractions, we have the perfect property for your dog-friendly holiday.
For further information on adventuring in South Devon with your four-legged friend, browse our articles below, or visit our dog related blog pages:
What’s in the guide?
Our walking guide offers an exciting overview to some of the most popular walking routes in the region. We’ve handpicked a selection of walks in South Devon aimed to suit a variety of ages and abilities, and created step-by-step guides including OS maps, to help explore the region by foot. From seasoned ramblers looking to muddy their walking boots, couples in search of romantic sunset spots, or families with children eager for adventure, our walking guide is your handbook to discovering South Devon’s unspoilt beauty.
Furthermore, the guide also includes a feature walk from the National Trust, as well as advice from the National Farmer’s Union on wise walking in South Devon. For those wanting to take a walk on the wild side, South Devon based Forest & Beach school leader Peter Moore shares with us the types of wildlife we might expect to see, including the peregrine falcon and grey seal! For those with small children, Claire Hall, author of the ‘Tin Box Traveller’ family travel blog, and Corinne Lynn, owner and founder of Salcombe based ‘The Kidz & Co’, offer their tips for where best to walk whilst having to push your little ones along in the pram.
Download the South Devon Walking Guide now
With a number of properties situated just a stone’s throw from the South West Coast Path and beautiful beaches, we have the perfect location from which you can explore the wealth of walks in South Devon. From traditional coastal cottages to country escapes and a wealth of dog friendly properties you are sure to find something to suit.
Book your South Devon walking holiday today
by Maria Makepeace / Walks
I love the South West and ensuring visitors to the region have the best experience possible. That's why I love sharing local tips ...
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