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Family walking on the estate at Arlington Court, Devon.
Family walking on the estate at Arlington Court, | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Walking in Devon

Soak up the views from Devon’s rolling hills and rugged coast, take shorter strolls in parks and gardens or circular walks on Dartmoor or Exmoor. Highlights include the lush greenery and waterfalls of Lydford Gorge, an easy parkland stroll around Saltram, and South West Coast Path circuits at Coleton Fishacre and Baggy Point.

Top walks around Devon with a tea-room

Take a walk through some of Devon’s finest historic countryside estates and treat yourself to tea and cake at the end. Here, we've picked some of our favourites.

View of The Clump, Killerton, Devon
Trail
Trail

Front Park and The Clump walk at Killerton 

During your visit to Killerton, enjoy a circular walk across Front Park and up Dolbury Hill, known locally as The Clump.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 2 (km: 3.2)
Trees in early spring in the parkland at Killerton, Devon
Trail
Trail

Ancient trees walk at Killerton 

This circular walk highlights some of the many ancient trees that you can see in the garden and park at Killerton, including sweet chestnuts that were planted some 250 years ago.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 2 (km: 3.2)
A gate to the parkland at Arlington Court, North Devon
Trail
Trail

Winford Valley walk at Arlington Court 

Explore the woodland and fields of Arlington estate on this short walk. Along the way, look out for historic buildings and, in spring, a carpet of bluebells.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 2 (km: 3.2)
A sign post for the lake walk at Arlington Court
Trail
Trail

Lake walk at Arlington Court 

Enjoy the most popular and established walk around the designed landscape of Arlington Court, where you can get closer to nature at the bird hide and heronry.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1.75 (km: 2.8)
A view over fields between green trees to the pale stone fronted house
Trail
Trail

Saltram pillars walk 

Take an easy 1-mile walk from Saltram House that follows parkland and woodland, providing distant views of the estuary, Plymouth and Cornwall.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1 (km: 1.6)
Three girls ride bikes as a lady walks her dog beside them
Trail
Trail

Riverside cycle trail at Saltram 

This 2-mile trail through woodlands and beside the Plym estuary is perfect for a family bike ride with plenty of picnic stops en route.

Activities
Cycling
DistanceMiles: 2 (km: 3.2)
view across fields with hills in the background. Mist is hanging low in the valley
Trail
Trail

Piddledown Common walk 

Enjoy a visually memorable walk from Castle Drogo that overlooks the dramatic Teign Gorge and takes in a variety of flora, including oak trees and wildflowers.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1 (km: 1.6)
A woman and young child walk a dog through Plas Newydd garden, following a pathway leading between grassy lawns covered in daffodils and snake's head fritillary in spring.
Article
Article

Buckland Abbey walks 

Go on a family-friendly walk with these trails suitable for buggies and children. Go wild in natural play areas and compete in woodland den building.

Coastal walks in Devon

Visitors in the Lower Garden, taking in the view of Pudcombe Cove at Coleton Fishacre, Devon
Trail
Trail

Coleton Fishacre circular walk via Coleton Camp 

Enjoy views of rugged coastline via viewing points in lush woodland on this walk at Coleton Fishacre in Devon.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 2 (km: 3.2)
Visitors on a walk at Baggy Point, Devon
Trail
Trail

Baggy Point short circular walk 

Enjoy the views, look out for wildflowers and make some time for birdwatching on this short circular walk at Baggy Point.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 2 (km: 3.2)
View of a kissing gate into the fields around Soar Mill Cove, near East Soar and Bolberry Down, Devon
Trail
Trail

Bolberry Down and Soar Mill Cove walk 

Discover a circular walk that takes in some of the most scenic coastline of South Devon. Find out more about the history of the area and enjoy far-reaching views out to sea and along the coast.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 4 (km: 6.4) to miles: 4.5 (km: 7.2)
View from Salcombe Hill looking down to Sidmouth and the Jurassic coastline
Trail
Trail

Salcombe Hill accessible walk 

This short, accessible walk takes you along well-maintained gravel paths up to the Salcombe Hill toposcope. Enjoy far-reaching views across Sidmouth, High Peak, Ladrum Bay and beyond from one of the clifftop benches.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 0.8 (km: 1.28)
A view of the shoreline with the coastline in the background at Branscombe beach, Devon
Trail
Trail

Branscombe to Beer coastal walk 

Enjoy this scenic coastal walk in Devon, taking in the seaside village of Beer and Branscombe beach, where you can still see the anchor of MSC Napoli which grounded there in 2007.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 6 (km: 9.6)
Four people, one on a mobility vehicle, coming up a path through a steep valley with the sea behind them in the distance
Trail
Trail

Heddon's Mouth circular walk 

Follow one of Devon's most beautiful walking routes through ancient woodland alongside the River Heddon to where it meets the sea.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 2 (km: 3.2)
Weathered orthostats on the cliffs over the coast at Prawle Point, Devon.
Trail
Trail

Prawle Point walk 

This walk is full of drama: heart thumping cliff-top climbs, with rocky raised beaches below. Look out for the sunken Demetrios below Signalhouse Point and don't miss the ancient boundary stones that dot the landscape.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 3 (km: 4.8)
Sunset out to sea over Morte Point, Devon with yellow gorse flowers
Trail
Trail

Morte Point and Bull Point circular coastal walk 

Discover rocky headlands, secluded coves, sandy bays and a lighthouse. Look out for seals and take in the heathland and grasslands, which are great habitats for other wildlife.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 6 (km: 9.6)
Shipload Bay at East Titchberry, North Devon
Trail
Trail

East Titchberry circular walk 

Explore this circular coastal walk at East Titchberry near Hartland Point, with stunning views along the South West Coast Path.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 3 (km: 4.8)
A view of clifftop fields and a sandy bay below at Salcombe Regis, Devon
Trail
Trail

Salcombe Regis cliffs, valleys and sea views circular walk 

Take in superb views of the Devon Jurassic Coast, an ancient church and the historic market gardens of Weston Plats on this circular walk from the village of Salcombe Regis.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 3 (km: 4.8)
The stream that runs the waterwheel for Manor Mill
Trail
Trail

Branscombe village walk 

A short circular walk around the historic, beautiful village of Branscombe in Devon.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 2.5 (km: 4)
View of The Clump, Killerton, Devon
Trail
Trail

Front Park and The Clump walk at Killerton 

During your visit to Killerton, enjoy a circular walk across Front Park and up Dolbury Hill, known locally as The Clump.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 2 (km: 3.2)
Trees in early spring in the parkland at Killerton, Devon
Trail
Trail

Ancient trees walk at Killerton 

This circular walk highlights some of the many ancient trees that you can see in the garden and park at Killerton, including sweet chestnuts that were planted some 250 years ago.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 2 (km: 3.2)
Foreland Lighthouse holiday cottage
Trail
Trail

Cloud Farm Campsite to Foreland Point walk 

This circular trail begins with a stroll along the East Lyn River, before taking in breathtaking views at Foreland Point and County Gate.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 11 (km: 17.6)
Clear, shallow sea and a sandy beach, flanked by pale-coloured cliffs and backed by grassy slopes. A walker stands in the distance
Trail
Trail

Ringmore to Ayrmer Cove walk 

A 3-mile (4.8km) challenging circular route, with country and coastal views, follows smugglers' lanes down to a secluded cove, accessible only on foot or by boat, and returns through fields.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 3 (km: 4.8)
1170993 The Geoneedle, Orcombe Point, Exmouth.jpg
Trail
Trail

Orcombe Point circular walk 

This circular walk around Orcombe Point, the most westerly point of the Jurassic Coast, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers views over the Exe estuary and out to sea.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1.5 (km: 2.4)
A National Trust ranger van parked at Man Sand beach
Trail
Trail

Coastal circular walk from Woodhuish 

Including rugged coastline and a wetland area, this circular walk near Coleton Fishacre leads from Woodhuish Farm to Man Sands Beach and back via the South West Coast Path.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 3 (km: 4.8)
Grassy clifftops with jagged rocks protruding into the milky-blue sea below the path
Trail
Trail

Gara Point walk 

A strenuous but rewarding walk round the wilder side of the Yealm estuary, from Gara Point to Noss Mayo, taking in a combination of Victorian history and wildlife along the way.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 3.5 (km: 5.6)
The dramatic rocks and cliffs at Ayrmer Cove
Trail
Trail

Bigbury and Burgh Island views walk to Ayrmer Cove 

Enjoy a short, gentle walk through picturesque farmland with impressive views of Bigbury and Burgh Island and a chance to spot rare birds and flowers.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1 (km: 1.6)
A view along the coast path at Stoke Point, near Wembury, Devon
Trail
Trail

Netton and Gunrow's Downs coastal walk from Stoke Point 

Follow this coastal route to historic Gunrow Signal Station for panoramic views and a great picnic spot. Then head back over Netton Down, looking out for marine life below.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 2.5 (km: 4)
A bench overlooking the sea view and the Mewstone rocky island, at Coleton Fishacre, Devon
Trail
Trail

125th anniversary trail 

This accessible walk in Coleton Fishacre garden takes in the best of everything: viewpoints of the terraced garden, woodland paths and stretching sea views.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 0.77 (km: 1.23)
Oil painting on canvas of Rudyard Kipling
Trail
Trail

Kipling Tors walk 

Take this National Trust walking trail and discover the inspiration behind a Kipling classic.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1 (km: 1.6)
People in the distance walking on an accessible path along the coastline at Bolberry Downs, Devon
Trail
Trail

Amble on the Down coastal walk 

Follow this circular route around the flat plateau of Bolberry Down, offering easy walking and far-reaching inland and sea views.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1 (km: 1.6)
View from Snapes Point, Devon
Trail
Trail

Walk to Snapes Point 

Enjoy a short walk to Snapes Point, a viewpoint that offers panoramic vistas of Salcombe and the Kingsbridge Estuary.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1 (km: 1.6)
Visitors taking photos with mobile phones on the viewing platform of the Devil's Cauldron at Lydford Gorge, Devon
Trail
Trail

Devil's Cauldron Trail 

Immerse yourself in the deepest part of the gorge where the River Lyd crashes through a rocky landscape, and brave the Devil's Cauldron pothole on a platform over the water.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 0.8 (km: 1.28)
Family with dog enjoying a walk
Trail
Trail

Heddon Valley coast walk 

A short but challenging walk along the highest and most spectacular sea cliffs in England.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 3.5 (km: 5.6)

Countryside and riverside walks in Devon

The base of Whitelady Waterfall in spring as it flows down the moss covered rock face into a deep pool, Lydford Gorge, Devon
Trail
Trail

Lydford Gorge Waterfall trail 

This rugged circular walk descends into steep-sided Lydford Gorge, to the foot of the 30-metre high Whitelady Waterfall, before returning through oak woods abundant with wildlife.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1 (km: 1.6)
An old bare oak in the parkland at Knightshayes on a misty spring morning
Trail
Trail

Knightshayes parkland circular dog walk 

This circular route is perfect for dog walking and for exploring the historic parkland. It takes you through open fields and past some special trees in the Knightshayes parkland, including the Turkey oak, believed to be the largest in the UK.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1.2 (km: 1.92)
Old stone bridge over a shallow rocky river. The sun is rising behind the bridge, the sky looks misty
Trail
Trail

Teign Gorge classic circuit 

Follow the breathtaking Hunters Path high above the river Teign for chances to spot wildlife and stunning views. The path then drops down into the beautiful woodland as you follow the river back to Castle Drogo.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 4.1 (km: 6.56)
View from inside a wooden boathouse, out through an archway to two visitors on the balcony, looking at the tree-lined river
Trail
Trail

Greenway Boathouse walk 

Follow this circular walk to find the Boathouse, made famous in Agatha Christie's novel Dead Man's Folly, and explore peaceful woodland paths beside the River Dart.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1 (km: 1.6)
Man and woman walking along winding woodland path with abundant green foliage to either side
Trail
Trail

Danes Wood walk at Killerton 

An enchanting walk from the Killerton estate to nearby Danes Wood, a haven for wildlife.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 2.5 (km: 4)
Riverside pathway in the Lorna Doone Valley, Exmoor
Trail
Trail

Doone Valley circular walk and ride 

Visitors can discover woodlands, a medieval village and the riverside on this circular walk and ride in Lorna Doone Valley in Devon made famous by the novel of the same name.

Activities
Walking, Horse Riding
DistanceMiles: 8 (km: 12.8)
Visitors at the tea garden in the 19th-century fishing lodge, surrounded by trees, at Watersmeet, Devon, with water rushing over rocks in the foreground and a footbridge crossing the river in the background
Trail
Trail

Watersmeet to Ash Bridge circular walk 

Enjoy amazing views of the Devon countryside on the Watersmeet to Ash Bridge circular walk along the East Lyn river, with the chance to spot otters and herons.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 2.2 (km: 3.52)
A view of the grounds of Saltram estate looking towards the River Plym, Devon in summer
Place
Place

Saltram 

Take an easy walk from Saltram House that follows parkland and woodland, providing distant views of the estuary, Plymouth and Cornwall.

Plymouth, Devon

Fully open today
Mossy green boulders by the river Plym at Shaugh Bridge, Devon
Trail
Trail

Plym Valley bricks, boulders and bronze walk 

Tackle this invigorating woodland, moorland and riverside walk taking in granite crags, such as the infamous Dewerstone, and the remains of quarries, brickworks and a Bronze Age burial.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 3.5 (km: 5.6)
Tranquil waters at Cadover Bridge and the River Plym near Plymouth, Devon.
Trail
Trail

Cadover Bridge and Dewerstone Rock circular walk 

Take in dramatic views of South Devon on this invigorating circular route over open moorland and through ancient oak-wooded valleys.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 3.4 (km: 5.44)
Grassy clifftops with rocky shore and the sea below
Trail
Trail

Revelstoke Drive and Noss Mayo walk 

A lovely walk all year round, starting from Warren, about 10 miles from Wembury, with far-reaching coastal views, woodland leading right down to the estuary edge and the beautiful village of Noss Mayo.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 4 (km: 6.4)
Three red deer under a tree in the woodland at Fountains Abbey in North Yorkshire
Trail
Trail

Arlington Court deer park circular walk 

Keep your eyes peeled for red deer on this picturesque walk through ancient woodland, parts of the estate's wildlife reserve and alongside the lake.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 3 (km: 4.8)
A sign post for the lake walk at Arlington Court
Trail
Trail

Lake walk at Arlington Court 

Enjoy the most popular and established walk around the designed landscape of Arlington Court, where you can get closer to nature at the bird hide and heronry.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1.75 (km: 2.8)
A tree on a hillside overlooking a stretch of woodland on the estate at Arlington Court, Devon
Trail
Trail

Woodland and Cott Brake circular walk at Arlington Court 

Walk through ancient woodland and climb the steep grassland of Cott Brake for views of the estate, its historic buildings and wildlife including red deer.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 5 (km: 8)
A gate to the parkland at Arlington Court, North Devon
Trail
Trail

Winford Valley walk at Arlington Court 

Explore the woodland and fields of Arlington estate on this short walk. Along the way, look out for historic buildings and, in spring, a carpet of bluebells.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 2 (km: 3.2)
A view across the parkland at Arlington Court
Trail
Trail

Centenary walk at Arlington Court 

Take a steep climb through woodlands and alongside the lake to enjoy stunning views of the house and parkland on our walk created to mark our centenary year.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 2.75 (km: 4.4)
A view across the fields along the Coombeshead walk at Arlington Court
Trail
Trail

Arlington Court Coombeshead valley walk 

Walk through woodland and fields to the top of the Coombeshead valley for rewarding views across the wider Arlington estate and a chance to spot red deer.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1.5 (km: 2.4) to miles: 3.6 (km: 5.76)
Footpath between two large granite boulders, the remains of the granite tramway, Shaugh Bridge, Dartmoor, Devon
Trail
Trail

Discovering Dewerstone Wood 

Follow footpaths through the woods and alongside the river on this short, circular, waymarked walk that includes sections of the former granite quarry tramway.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1.1 (km: 1.76)
A stone bridge and ford surrounded by grassy hills and trees at Malsmead in the Lorna Doone Valley, Devon
Trail
Trail

Cloud Farm Campsite to Lorna Doone Farm short river walk 

Enjoy a tranquil stroll along the river through picturesque Lorna Doone Valley from the campsite to Lorna Doone farm.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 2 (km: 3.2)
A tree-lined riverside path through Lorna Doone Valley, Devon
Trail
Trail

Doone Valley circular walk and ride from Cloud Farm Campsite 

A peaceful circuit of the valley, including woodland and riverside sections, the site of a medieval village and even a café where you can tie up your horse.

Activities
Walking, Horse Riding
DistanceMiles: 8.0 (km: 12.8)
A family walking through autumn parkland at Knightshayes
Trail
Trail

Knightshayes circular walk 

Explore Knightshayes with your dog on this 2.2-mile (3.5km) circular walk around the estate.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 2.2 (km: 3.52)
The view over the River Dart as seen from the Coombe Lane walk to Greenway, Devon, on a bight winter's day
Trail
Trail

Galmpton to Greenway trail via Coombe Lane 

A moderate 2.5-mile trail from the village of Galmpton via Coombe Lane is perfect for walkers, cyclists and horse riders alike.

Activities
Walking, Horse Riding, Cycling
DistanceMiles: 2.5 (km: 4)
View from the Parminter walk at A la Ronde
Trail
Trail

Parminter walk 

Follow in the steps of A la Ronde's two spinster cousins, Jane and Mary Parminter, and enjoy a stroll around the meadow which is rich in flora, fauna and wildlife.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1 (km: 1.6)
Glimpses of Cofflete Creek through the trees at Wembury Woods, Devon
Trail
Trail

Wembury Woods walk 

Follow this circular 5-mile route passing through woodland and take a seat on one of the log benches to admire the views of Cofflete Creek.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 5 (km: 8)
Stone sign post for Lady Well, Sticklepath, Devon
Trail
Trail

Walk in the footsteps of Tom Pearse 

A short circular walk following the River Taw and taking in Tarka Bridge and the water channel that powers Finch Foundry.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1.3 (km: 2.08)

All walking in Devon

    The South Front and lawn at Knightshayes on a sunny day

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    Journey from wild coasts, moorland and curious historic houses to lush gardens and beaches in Devon.