The best walks and hikes around Devon

Yes, Devon offers numerous options for families. You'll find many gentle, sheltered walks through woodlands and along tranquil river valleys. The area around the Grand Western Canal Country Park, for example, provides flat and accessible paths perfect for all ages. Many coastal areas also have shorter, less strenuous sections suitable for a family outing.

Devon is very dog-friendly, but there are some things to keep in mind. On moorlands like Dartmoor and Exmoor, dogs must be kept on a lead, especially during lambing and bird nesting seasons (typically March to July). Many coastal paths are great for dogs, but be mindful of cliff edges. Always check local signage for specific restrictions, particularly on beaches during peak season.

Circular routes are very popular in Devon, allowing you to start and end in the same place without retracing your steps. You can find excellent circular walks along the coast, such as the trails around Baggy Point or Berry Head National Nature Reserve, which offer dramatic sea views. Dartmoor also has many loops that take you past ancient monuments and granite tors.

Absolutely. Many trails in Devon are designed to conveniently start or end near a traditional pub. You can find great options in the rolling countryside of the South Devon National Landscape or the East Devon National Landscape, where paths often connect quaint villages like Branscombe and Beer, each with welcoming pubs for a post-hike meal.

Both offer fantastic but different moorland experiences. Dartmoor is known for its vast, open landscapes, granite tors, and prehistoric sites, giving it a wild and rugged feel. Exmoor, on the other hand, meets the sea, offering dramatic coastal cliffs alongside its rolling heather-clad hills. Exmoor can feel a bit less remote in places and is famous for its ponies and red deer.

The Devon section of the South West Coast Path is incredibly diverse. In North Devon, you'll find dramatic cliffs and rugged terrain around places like the Valley of Rocks. The South Devon coast features stunning sections of the Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage Site, as well as beautiful estuaries and sheltered coves between towns like Salcombe and Dartmouth.

Yes, one of the most famous is the Whitelady Waterfall in Lydford Gorge, which is managed by the National Trust and is a spectacular sight. You can also find smaller waterfalls and cascades throughout Dartmoor's river valleys, especially after heavy rain, offering a rewarding feature on a woodland or moorland hike.

Spring and autumn are often considered the best times for hiking in Devon. You'll experience milder weather, fewer crowds than in summer, and beautiful seasonal colours. Summer is great for coastal walks, but popular spots can be busy. Winter hiking can be rewarding on clear, crisp days, but be prepared for wet and muddy conditions, especially on the moors.

Devon has a wide range of trails for all abilities. There are over 50 curated routes on komoot, with the majority rated as easy. You'll find gentle, flat routes along river estuaries and canals, moderate hikes in the rolling countryside, and more challenging, strenuous treks on the high moors of Dartmoor and along the steep coastal path.

The region is highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.8 stars. Hikers frequently praise the incredible diversity of the landscape, from the wild, open spaces of Dartmoor to the breathtaking sea views from the coastal paths. The well-maintained network of footpaths and the mix of challenging climbs and gentle rambles are also popular highlights.

Yes, many popular hiking areas are accessible by public transport. Towns like Plymouth and Exeter are major hubs with bus services that reach into the National Parks and coastal villages. For example, regular bus routes run along the coast, allowing for linear walks where you can hike from one town to another and catch a bus back.