Walks in the South West

Explore the diverse landscape of the South West on foot. Here's a selection of great walks by county, taking in coastline, hillforts, woodland, countryside and more across Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire. Navigate through these to find your local walk, perfect for getting some fresh air as spring emerges.

Visiting this spring 

In England and Northern Ireland, our gardens, parks and countryside remain open for local people to exercise. Shops, houses and other indoor areas are closed, and cafés are takeaway only. The safety of our staff, volunteers and visitors from the nearby community remains our priority and we urge you to book your visits in advance and stay local. All places in Wales are currently closed. Please check the property webpage before you travel.

More details on what's open
Walking on the South West coast path near Pencarrow Head, Cornwall

Walks in Cornwall 

The National Trust conserves and cares for miles of coast and foot paths for walking around Cornwall. With so many types of walks for all abilities, you can find the right trail for you.

Find a Cornish walk
Walkers with dogs at Baggy Point, Devon

Walks in Devon 

Here's a selection of our some of our favourite walks in Devon. As spring unfolds, soak up the views from Devon's rolling hills and rugged coast, take shorter walks in parks and gardens or circular walks on Dartmoor or Exmoor.

Local walks
The garden at Kingston Lacy in the spring
Walking trail 

Walks in Dorset

Here are some suggestions of Dorset's top walks to see spring flowers blooming and the countryside waking up after winter. There's plenty of places choose from with coastal rambles, formal garden strolls and countryside walks.

Walks around Dorset
A view from Crickley Hill scarp
Walking trail 

Walks in Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds

A walk through the woodlands, valleys and open spaces of the Cotswolds and Gloucestershire is a wonderful way to see spring unfolding. Here are a selection of the area's top walking routes.

Walks in Gloucestershire
Crocus growing in spring

Walks in Somerset 

There are few better ways to enjoy the outdoors than by exploring the countryside around Somerset. We've put together a few of the top spring walks for you to enjoy - there are plenty to try.

Walks around Somerset
The lake at Stourhead on the first day of spring 2019

Walks in Wiltshire 

Take a walk through the woodland and over the hills of Wiltshire. What better way to soak up the history and mystery of Wiltshire's ancient monuments and countryside than on a walk as spring transforms the scenery?

Walks in Wiltshire

More outdoors inspiration

Visitors in winter clothing at Tyntesfield

Walks in the South West with a café  

Whether you’re looking for fuel to kick-start a ramble on the coast, or are returning from a gentle stroll in the woods, you’ll find these kiosks, cafés and tea-rooms are great places to pick up a takeaway treat. What's more, every visit you make and piece of cake you buy helps us carry on looking after special places for everyone to enjoy, for ever.

Daffodils bursting through frosty ground at Stourhead in Wiltshire

Top gardens to visit in the South West 

Here's our pick of the most beautiful, tranquil, exciting and inspiring gardens in the South West to walk through this winter. Come rain or shine, these special places are filled with fresh air and tranquillity.