Devon's Coastal Walking at a Glance
Few counties in England can match Devon for coastal walking variety. The North Devon coast delivers raw Atlantic drama — cliffs that plunge 300 metres straight into the sea at Hartland, headlands hammered by winter swells, and the extraordinary geological spectacle of the Valley of Rocks above Lynton. Head south and the landscape transforms: sheltered harbours, wooded creeks, golden sand coves and the rolling green farmland of the South Hams meeting the sea in a series of beautiful cliffs between Salcombe and Start Point. To the east lies the Jurassic Coast — a UNESCO World Heritage Site where 185 million years of Earth's history is written into the cliffs between Exmouth and Studland.
The South West Coast Path connects all three coastlines, running 163 miles through Devon alone — from Marsland Mouth on the Cornish border in the north, around the Devon peninsula, and east to the Somerset boundary at Minehead. Whether you're after a two-hour headland loop or a multi-day hike, Devon's coast delivers.
📋 Before You Walk Devon's Coast
- OS Maps: Explorer 139 (North Devon), 126 (Hartland), 116 (Torbay), 20 (South Devon), 9 (Start Point & Salcombe) and OL9 (East Devon)
- Tides: Several routes include beach or tidal sections — always check tide times at BBC tides before setting out
- Weather: North Devon cliffs are exposed and can be extremely dangerous in high winds — check the forecast and avoid cliff edges in gusts
- Parking: Popular trailheads fill by 9am on summer weekends — use public transport or arrive early
- Dogs: Most coastal paths are dog-friendly year-round; many beaches have seasonal restrictions (May–September) below the high-tide line
All 10 Coastal Walks — Quick Reference
| Walk | Area | Distance | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hartland Point to Clovelly | North Devon | 10.5 miles | Challenging |
| Baggy Point Loop | North Devon | 2.5 miles | Easy |
| Morte Point | North Devon | 4 miles | Moderate |
| Valley of Rocks, Lynton | North Devon | 5 miles | Moderate |
| Salcombe to Hope Cove | South Devon | 7.5 miles | Moderate |
| Prawle Point | South Devon | 5.5 miles | Moderate |
| Start Point | South Devon | 4 miles | Moderate |
| Burgh Island & Bigbury | South Devon | 3 miles | Easy |
| Beer Head & Jurassic Coast | East Devon | 5 miles | Moderate |
| Sidmouth to Branscombe | East Devon | 6.5 miles | Moderate |
North Devon
Atlantic-facing cliffs, sweeping dune systems and the dramatic geology of the Exmoor coast
01
Hartland Point to Clovelly
North Devon Coast · Hartland · Devon's most dramatic coastal walk
The stretch of coast between Hartland Point and Clovelly is widely regarded as the most dramatic coastal walking in Devon — and quite possibly in England. The cliffs here are among the highest on the entire South West Coast Path, rising in places to over 120 metres, and the geology is extraordinary: contorted layers of shale and sandstone folded into near-vertical strata by ancient tectonic forces, exposed to the full force of Atlantic swells with no shelter whatsoever. The path drops in and out of deep combes — stream valleys cut by waterfalls that plunge directly onto the beach — each one requiring a steep descent and an equally steep ascent on the other side. It is relentlessly up and down, and on a sunny day it is one of the most beautiful walks in Britain.
Key highlights include Blackchurch Rock (a natural arch accessible at low tide), the dramatic waterfall at Speke's Mill Mouth, the ruined medieval church at St. Catherine's Tor, and the picture-perfect fishing village of Clovelly itself — a car-free cobbled village that descends steeply to a tiny harbour. Wear good boots, pack plenty of water, and arrange a return taxi from Clovelly in advance — there is no circular route worth attempting here.
Full Hartland to Clovelly walk guide →02
Baggy Point Loop
North Devon Coast · Croyde · The classic short headland walk
Baggy Point is one of North Devon's finest short coastal walks — a manageable 2.5-mile loop that punches well above its weight for drama and views. The path climbs from Croyde village through bracken and gorse onto the blunt nose of the headland, where slate seats mark the tip and the panorama opens up across Croyde Bay to Saunton Sands, the Taw-Torridge estuary, and Lundy Island floating on the horizon on clear days. Grey seals haul out on the rocks below the point through autumn and winter, and peregrine falcons are regularly spotted along the clifftops. The return leg drops to Putsborough Sands — a beautiful sheltered beach below the point — and returns via a short back-lane section through National Trust land. A near-perfect family coastal walk, with almost no technical difficulty and outstanding rewards.
Full Baggy Point walk guide →03
Morte Point
North Devon Coast · Mortehoe · Shipwrecks, seals and Atlantic views
Morte Point — literally "death headland" — earned its grim name from the jagged offshore rocks that claimed hundreds of ships before the age of lighthouses. The circular walk from Mortehoe village takes in the full drama of one of North Devon's most atmospheric headlands: the path follows the South West Coast Path west above Bull Point lighthouse, rounds the serrated finger of Morte Point where the rock ledges plunge straight into churning sea, and returns via the secluded Grunta Beach. The 360-degree views from the point on a clear day take in Lundy Island, Baggy Point, the full sweep of Woolacombe Bay and on exceptional days the Welsh coast across the Bristol Channel. In winter gales the sea here is extraordinary — waves driving over the point itself. Some steep, uneven ground on the descent to Grunta Beach; otherwise a very accessible moderate walk.
Full Morte Point walk guide →04
Valley of Rocks, Lynton
North Devon · Lynton & Lynmouth · The wildest landscape on the Devon coast
The Valley of Rocks is Devon's most extraordinary coastal landscape — a dry valley running parallel to the coast between Lynton and the sea, its floor strewn with massive frost-shattered rock formations with names like Rugged Jack and the Devil's Cheesewring. Wild Cheviot goats roam freely across the rocks. The circular walk from Lynton passes through the Valley of Rocks and then climbs onto the clifftop coast path, which here runs above some of the most vertiginous drops on the entire North Devon coast — 250-metre cliffs plunging to the sea below. The return route descends into Lynmouth and you can either walk back up the steep hill road to Lynton, or take the famous Victorian water-powered cliff railway. The Exmoor scenery on the approach to Countisbury Hill is breathtaking, and the coastal section is unsurpassed for drama.
Full Valley of Rocks walk guide →💡 Insider Tip: Best Coastal Views in Devon
For truly panoramic coastal views, three spots stand out: Hartland Point on a clear winter morning offers the longest horizon in Devon — you can see Lundy Island, the Welsh coast, and the Cornish coast simultaneously. Morte Point at sunset is magical. And from the clifftops above Beer Head on the Jurassic Coast you can see back along the chalk coast all the way to Portland Bill in Dorset on clear days.
South Devon
Sheltered coves, rocky headlands and the wild South Hams coastline from Salcombe to the Dart
05
Salcombe to Hope Cove
South Devon · South Hams · The finest coastal walk in South Devon
The stretch of South West Coast Path from Salcombe westward to Hope Cove is consistently rated among the finest coastal walking in South Devon — seven and a half miles of rollercoaster clifftop path above the blue waters of the English Channel, passing hidden beaches, ancient field systems and the most southerly point in Devon. Starting from Salcombe — accessible by ferry from East Portlemouth across the estuary — the path climbs immediately onto the clifftops above Starehole Bay, where two spectacular rock arches (Sharp Tor and Bolt Tail) frame the views. The path then rounds Bolt Head and Bolt Tail before descending into the sheltered twin coves of Hope Cove, a traditional fishing village where the seasonal ferry to Thurlestone still runs. There are no shortcuts once committed to the route between Bolt Head and Hope Cove — it's a wild, exposed stretch with no escape roads — so prepare properly and enjoy one of Devon's best coastal days out.
Full Salcombe to Hope Cove guide →06
Prawle Point
South Devon · East Prawle · Devon's most southerly point
Prawle Point is the most southerly point in Devon — a remote, windswept headland reached by a circular walk from the tiny village of East Prawle. The route drops from the village down through ancient fields to the coastguard lookout at Prawle Point, where the Coastwatch volunteers have kept watch for over a century. The views from the headland on a clear day extend across the English Channel to France, and the waters offshore are a shipping lane — vessels of every size pass at close quarters. The coastal path back from the point passes above Gammon Head and Maceley Cove before climbing through scrubby coastal heath back to East Prawle. The village pub (the Pig's Nose) is one of Devon's most characterful, and well worth timing your walk to arrive at opening time. Prawle Point is a brilliant birdwatching spot in spring and autumn migration — rare migrants regularly appear on the headland.
Full Prawle Point walk guide →07
Start Point
South Devon · Torcross & Hallsands · The dramatic finger of rock into the Channel
Start Point is one of the most dramatic headlands on the entire South Devon coast — a narrow ridge of schist that juts nearly a mile out into the English Channel, its tip crowned by a Victorian lighthouse that is open to visitors. The circular walk from the NT car park follows the South West Coast Path out along the headland, past the lighthouse (check opening times for tours), and returns via the ruined village of Hallsands — a fishing village that fell into the sea in a series of storms between 1901 and 1917 after dredging removed the protective shingle beach. The ruins are visible from a viewing platform above, a haunting reminder of how the sea can overwhelm human settlements. The walk itself is exhilarating — narrow paths along vertiginous ridges with the sea visible on both sides for much of the route. In good conditions it's moderate; in wind, it feels considerably more challenging.
Full Start Point walk guide →08
Burgh Island & Bigbury-on-Sea
South Devon · South Hams · Tidal island, golden sand and 1930s glamour
Burgh Island is one of the most photogenic spots on the South Devon coast — a small tidal island connected to the village of Bigbury-on-Sea by a broad sandy causeway at low tide, and by the famous Art Deco Sea Tractor at high tide. The island is crowned by the Burgh Island Hotel, a 1930s masterpiece that hosted Agatha Christie, Noël Coward and Edward VIII. The circular walk from Bigbury combines a stroll across the causeway (or sea tractor ride) with a circuit of the island itself, passing the old Pilchard Inn pub and climbing to the island's high point — where a ruined huer's hut offers views across Bigbury Bay to Bolt Tail and Bolt Head. The walk can be extended along the coast path north from Bigbury toward Bantham Beach, a beautiful surf beach across the Avon estuary. Time your visit for low tide to walk the causeway — crossing on foot with the sea receding is a memorable experience.
Burgh Island guide →East Devon — Jurassic Coast
UNESCO World Heritage cliffs, chalk stacks and 185 million years of Earth history underfoot
09
Beer Head & the Jurassic Coast
East Devon · Beer · The highest chalk cliffs in England west of Dorset
Beer Head stands at 152 metres above the English Channel — the highest chalk sea cliff west of Dorset, its white face gleaming above the water and visible from miles out to sea. The circular walk from the beautiful fishing village of Beer climbs steeply through the farmland above the village to the clifftop, where the South West Coast Path offers extraordinary views west along the red Devon cliffs toward Sidmouth and east along the chalk and flint cliffs toward Seaton. On exceptionally clear days, Portland Bill and the Dorset coast are visible on the horizon. The descent into Seaton is optional — you can return via the clifftop path — but if you do descend, the Seaton Tramway offers an enjoyable return journey. The Beer Head area is an excellent birdwatching location, particularly for seabirds in spring, and the coastal scrub is a migration hotspot in autumn. The village itself rewards exploration: beer has been fished from this beach for centuries, and the local crab sandwiches are exceptional.
Full Beer Head walk guide →10
Sidmouth to Branscombe
East Devon · Jurassic Coast · Red cliffs, fossil beaches and a classic village
The Jurassic Coast walk from Sidmouth to Branscombe is one of East Devon's finest linear routes — six and a half miles of the South West Coast Path along spectacular red sandstone cliffs above the English Channel. Starting from Sidmouth's attractive seafront, the path climbs immediately above the town's famous red cliffs and heads east above a series of unstable, landslipped cliff faces — part of the ongoing erosion that continuously exposes new fossils on the beaches below. The route passes above Salcombe Mouth (a stream valley cutting the cliffs), climbs to Dunscombe Cliff with its far-reaching views, and descends into Branscombe — a National Trust village with a working forge, thatched cottages and an excellent pub. Branscombe Beach is a fine fossil-hunting spot on the shingle bank below the village. Return by the Jurassic Coaster bus service that runs seasonally between Exeter and Lyme Regis. The dramatic contrasts of cliff colour and geology along this route make it visually stunning throughout.
Branscombe guide →Planning Your Coastal Walk in Devon
Best Time of Year
Spring (April–June) is the finest season for Devon coastal walking: the wildflowers are at their peak, the coastal heath blazes with gorse and later heather, crowds are manageable and the weather is frequently glorious. Autumn (September–October) is equally beautiful with excellent visibility and smaller crowds. Summer (July–August) brings good weather but busy car parks and paths — arrive early or use public transport. Winter walking is possible on all routes but North Devon's exposed cliffs are genuinely dangerous in high winds, and some paths become muddy and slippery after rain.
Getting Around Devon's Coast
Several of the best coastal walks in Devon are linear routes that require a return transport option. Devon's Jurassic Coaster (bus X53) runs between Exeter and Lyme Regis seasonally, making it ideal for East Devon linear walks. First Bus routes connect Barnstaple with the North Devon coast, including services to Croyde, Woolacombe and Ilfracombe. For South Devon, Tally Ho! Coaches connect Kingsbridge and Salcombe. The seasonal Dartmouth ferry and the Kingsbridge estuary ferries can also be incorporated into circular routes.
Accommodation Near Devon's Coast Paths
For multi-day coastal walking, Devon has excellent accommodation along the South West Coast Path — from B&Bs in Croyde and Woolacombe for North Devon, to farm stays and holiday cottages in the South Hams, to traditional guesthouses in Sidmouth and Beer on the Jurassic Coast. Most coastal villages have at least a pub or farmhouse B&B. The South West Coast Path Association publishes a comprehensive accommodation guide updated annually.
🗺️ South West Coast Path in Devon
Devon contains 163 miles of the 630-mile South West Coast Path — more than any other county. The SWCP enters Devon from Cornwall at Marsland Mouth (north coast) and exits into Somerset at Minehead, taking in the full length of the North Devon coast before crossing Exmoor and ending at County Gate. On the south coast it enters from Cornwall at Plymouth and runs east through the South Hams and Torbay to the East Devon border. The full Devon SWCP section guide covers the best stretches in detail.
Essential Kit for Devon Coastal Walking
- Waterproof jacket: Devon's coast is exposed — even in summer, sea fog and shower squalls arrive without warning
- Walking boots: The South West Coast Path can be extremely muddy and uneven — trail shoes are fine in summer but proper boots are recommended for challenging routes
- OS map or GPS: Mobile signal is unreliable on exposed headlands — download offline maps or carry a paper OS map
- Water and snacks: Several of Devon's coastal walks pass no cafes or shops for hours — particularly the Hartland to Clovelly route
- Tide tables: For any walk with beach or tidal sections, check tide times in advance
- First aid kit: Cliff paths are remote — even a twisted ankle is serious if you're miles from the nearest road
- Binoculars: Devon's coastal wildlife is spectacular — seals, dolphins, seabirds and migrant raptors are regular sightings