From Dartmoor's ancient granite tors to the clifftop drama of the South West Coast Path — Devon offers some of England's most varied and spectacular walking. This is the complete guide: every great route, with distances, difficulty ratings and insider tips.
Walks covered
Coast Path in Devon
Highest point (High Willhays)
Dartmoor's most iconic granite outcrop — a short, spectacular walk to the twin-peaked summit with panoramic views across the moor to the coast.
Wild, atmospheric moorland walking past dramatic stacked tors and the ruins of a medieval village — one of Dartmoor's most evocative circuits.
Dramatic coastal rock formations, feral Cheviot goats and sea views from an extraordinary dry valley — one of North Devon's unmissable short walks.
National Trust clifftop walking above the surf at Croyde — seals, sea cliffs and views across Bideford Bay to Lundy Island. A North Devon classic.
One of Devon's finest coastal walks — cliff tops, hidden coves, wildflowers in spring and the dramatic headlands of the South Hams at their best.
Devon's deepest gorge — a dramatic river walk through ancient oak woodland to the White Lady Waterfall and the roaring Devil's Cauldron whirlpool.
The roof of southern England — a wild moorland expedition to Dartmoor's two highest summits, with vast views on clear days and full exposure to the elements.
Devon's most southerly point — a rugged coast path circuit past Gammon Head with spectacular views across the Channel and outstanding birdwatching.
Chalk and sandstone cliffs of the Jurassic Coast — walk east from Beer village along the dramatic cliffs to Seaton, with views to Portland Bill on clear days.
Ancient oak woodland along the River Fowey — waterfalls, mossy boulders and dappled light in one of the most beautiful and accessible woodland walks in the South West.
Wild and windswept NT headland at the tip of the Mortehoe peninsula — grey seals, dramatic schist rock formations and views across Woolacombe Bay.
One of Exmoor's finest walks — a spectacular riverside path through wooded gorges from Lynmouth to the Victorian fishing lodge at Watersmeet where two rivers meet.
The heart of Dartmoor — where the East and West Dart rivers meet in a rocky gorge. Walk upstream through ancient clapper bridges, clitters and open moorland.
Common Questions
The Otter Estuary Nature Reserve walk near Budleigh Salterton is one of Devon's most accessible routes - flat, beautiful, and great for wildlife spotting with children. The Stover Country Park lake circuit near Newton Abbot is another gentle option. On Dartmoor, the Haytor quarry loop (2 miles) is short, well-marked and suitable for families with young children.
The Haytor walk is the most popular introduction to Dartmoor - a 2.5-mile circular route with panoramic views, a fun tor scramble and a well-maintained track to follow. Postbridge is another excellent beginner choice featuring the ancient clapper bridge, a gentle river valley path and a short climb to open moorland with wide views.
Many sections of the South West Coast Path are very manageable for families. The stretch from Croyde to Saunton Sands is relatively flat with excellent sea views. Around Dartmouth and Salcombe, shorter circular routes follow sections of the coast path without committing to long distances. Always carry water, snacks, and suitable footwear even on shorter sections.