Hikes & Walks In Devon

Devon's 630-mile-long South West Coast Path is the longest waymarked long-distance footpath and a National Trail in England, as well as being one of the most beautiful. It runs from Somerset along the Exmoor coastline, meanders along the entire coast of picturesque Cornwall, crosses the River Tamar and takes the stretch of the south coast from Devon to Dorset with it. The Path is usually walked in an anti-clockwise direction, from Minehead to Poole, but it is well-signed in both directions. In terms of walking days, a fast walker can complete the whole Trail in around 30 days, but a more leisurely pace with time to stop to see some of the sights just off the path is between 7 and 8 weeks.

For an ancient wild oak, woodland walk visit Wistman's Wood, in Dartmoor National Park. This short three-mile walk follows a well-marked trail, that begins across the road from the Two Bridges Hotel.  Passing through Wistman's Wood to the summit of Longaford Tor, which provides panoramic views of Dartmoor and the iconic "Hairy Hands Bridge." You'll cross Crockern Tor on your way back to the Two Bridges Hotel, where local tin miners gathered to discuss their work. The wood is renowned for its aged, twisted, and lichen- and moss-covered dwarf trees. 

The serene pond and accompanying mixed woods at Burrator Reservoir in Dartmoor stand in stark contrast to the wide moor and the untamed Dartmoor tors. There is plenty to do here, from wandering and soaking in the views to fishing for brown and rainbow trout. A visit can be coupled with a walk across the moors or enjoyed on its own. Devon has a small number of lakes, but given their location and beauty, they are a hidden treasure.

Anyone who wishes to visit Dartmoor National Park should do the exciting journey of walking through the Teign Gorge, especially enjoy you enjoy attractive riverbank settings and charming old structures.  Here you will embark on the iconic Fingle Bridge from the 17th century, you will first travel along the River Teign in an easterly direction to pass through the lovely Cod Wood and see the ruins of the Iron Age hillfort known as Wooston Castle. After passing Fingle Bridge, you will loop back to the west across the gorge's uneven topography before continuing west along the river. Use the opposite side of the bridge and walk uphill along Hunter's Tor.

The North Devon coast's Lynmouth to Brendon Walk, (known as the Watersmeet Trail) is a fascinating excursion that will take you through some tough terrain and introduce you to the local animals. The trail departs from the fishing community of Lynmouth and proceeds through the East Lyn River Gorge, meandering through the undulating terrain along the water's edge before soaring above the gorge to provide views of South Wales and the Bristol Channel. Although there are some difficult climbs and descents on this trail, the sights are well worth it.