Best Circular Walks in Devon

If you are visiting Devon, you will definitely want to do some walking. With two national parks and plenty of other beautiful landscapes, from breathtaking clifftops to rugged moorland, Devon has something to appeal to everyone, no matter where you enjoy walking. Through enchanting forests, past picturesque villages and towns full of character, there are walks for every preference and every level of ability. Here, we offer some beautiful options for some of the best circular walks in Devon. 

Best Walks in Devon by Region

• South Devon: The South West Coast Path from Salcombe to Bolt Head 
  This five mile coastal walk goes from Salcombe to Bolt Head’s coastal headland, past beautiful bays, rugged clifftops, and even a stretch of peaceful woodlands. Start at the North Sands car park by Salcombe Castle, atop a rocky outcrop easy to reach at low tide. There, you will take the South West Coast Path, heading south, passing through Collaton Woods, and across the beach at South Sands and Splatcove Point. Along this stretch of path, you could make the choice to stop in at Overbeck’s Museum and Garden, a National Trust site which was the home of scientist and inventor Otto Overbeck. Now, the property holds an interesting museum and a colourful subtropical garden. Past Overbeck’s, you will head through the Fir Wood and then continue to Sharp Tor, looking out over Starehole Bay. Keep going, and you will see more fabulous coastal views as you approach Bolt Head. Dartmoor Ponies graze on the cliffs, sea birds fly overhead, and as you turn back inland, into Tor Woods, you are likely to encounter Sika Deer and other wildlife in these lovely woods, full of flowers. The car park at Salcombe is just a short walk away from the woods.

  

• Dartmoor: Haytor to Hound Tor
  What is more wildly beautiful than the stunning landscape of the moors of Dartmoor? On this five mile circular walk, you will see three of Dartmoor’s iconic tors, as well as open moorland, fields of bluebells, a medieval village, and ancient woodland. There is a wonderful spot for wild swimming along the way, and plenty of Dartmoor ponies. There are some hills along this varied trail, in the landscape that inspired The Hound of the Baskervilles, but there is nothing too strenuous. Whether or not you want to add to the adventure by climbing to the tops of the tours, you will enjoy some truly stunning views. You will begin and end your walk at the Haytor Vale visitor centre, and while the route is not signposted, it is relatively simple to follow. Carrying an offline map is helpful, but the route essentially goes from the car park to Saddle Tor, to Haytor, to Haytor Quarry, to Smallacombe Rocks, to the Woodland, to Hound Tor, to Emsworthy Mire, and back to the car park. 

• North Devon: Baggy Point Circular Walk
  The Baggy Point Walk is a short two-mile walk, but it is full of stunning views of the coast, the sea, and beautiful farmland. Designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its geological features, this area is also lovely for wildflowers and birdwatching. The trail is easy to walk, accessible and dog friendly, and it only takes about 40 minutes to make the circuit. Starting from the Baggy Point car park, you will turn right up the asphalted lane, where you may encounter some traffic. At that point, it is signed Baggy Point 1 mile. Passing through gate posts to the fork in the path, you will take a left, and continue keeping to the track as you follow the track to the next fork, where there is a driveway to a modern house. The track is graded and mostly level, and as you follow it to the end of the headland, you can see Hartland in the distance, to your left, across the bays. When you pass the signpost for Baggy Point ½ mile, there is a detour that heads down to the rock pools. You can take this little path, but be careful because it can be slippery, as can the rocks. When you get to the headland you will want to take some time to enjoy the magnificent view. Follow the footpath from the headland, taking a sharp right up the hill and through the gate, then follow the graded path ahead of you and walk across the field. When you find a gravelled footpath signed National Trust car park 1 mile, follow it, then go through the gate and take the stony track down the slope and enjoy more amazing views across the bay to your right. Eventually, the path will turn to the right down the hillside and rejoin the path you took out to Baggy Point, and from there you will simply turn left and retrace your steps back to the car park. 

• East Devon: Branscombe to Beer
  One of the most interesting things about this popular coastal walk is that it offers such stunning views of the UNESCO-listed Jurassic Coast. Starting in Branscombe village, you will walk past historic forges, old bakeries and mills, as well as strolling along some of the best beaches in the UK. The walk is three miles long and requires walkers to be reasonably fit, because the path can be uneven and steep in spots. It is well worth it for the stunning views of countryside and coast, and if you work up a thirst, you can slake it with a well-earned pint at one of the traditional pubs in the aptly named seaside village of Beer. The walk begins at Saint Winifred’s Church in Branscombe, on the path to the left of the building, which you will take for 100m before crossing over a stile. Stay on this path until you reach a footbridge and another stile, heading into the woods. Steps lead up through the trees to a broader trail and the South West Coast Path, where you will turn left and walk a short distance, emerging from the wooded area to find spectacular coastal views, as well as views of the village of Branscombe. Continue, briefly entering the trees again and keeping right at the fork before heading down to Branscombe Mouth. If you would like to do some fossil hunting, take a break to explore Hooken Beach, which connects to Branscombe Beach and has plenty of bivalve shells from the Early Cretaceous period for you to find. Otherwise, veer left up the grassy hill to reach East Cliff, and follow the path across two fields to the steep steps leading to the top of Hooken Cliff. Stay on the coast path, through two sets of kissing gates and along a small dirt track by a hedgerow. After you pass the Beer Coastguard station, it is just a short walk into the village, along Common Lane. You may want to linger in Beer for a while, enjoying this seaside village, but when you are ready to head back to Branscombe, you can either retrace your steps on the coast path, take an inland route to make a circular loop, or catch the 899 bus. 

• Mid Devon: Knightshayes Circular Walk
  Starting at the Parkland car park, this dog-friendly circular walk takes you through woodland and parkland of the Knightshayes estate, a heritage site. It is moderately difficult, because of some inclines, and tends to be muddy year round, so it is advisable to bring wellies or walking boots. It takes 45 minutes to an hour to walk the full, 2.2 mile trail. Start facing the cattle grid at the entrance to the car park, then turn left and walk diagonally across the field, with the four fallen oaks on your left. When you see a bench in front of you, bear left around it before heading right, down the hill, to a five-bar wooden gate. Through the gate you will bear slightly to the left to head towards the stream and cross over the foot bridge. Bear to the right and go straight up the hill to the top fence line and then head through the gate and onto the footpath, following it to its end, at the main drive. Turn left towards the stable, crossing the drive to use the pedestrian footpath. At the stables, you can stop to use the toilets or to take a break and have a treat in the café. To continue your walk, follow the drive to the entrance of the plantation and the start of the Impey Walk, which is marked by an omega sign. Follow the path for a little more than a kilometer, staying on the lefthand path around the edge of the estate. Just before you get to the road, turn right and pass through a metal pedestrian gate signposted The Blackeries. Follow the fence line to go through two gates and reach a large open field. Heading across the field, very slightly to the right, you will see the house on your right. Head through the gate ahead of you and turn left, and you can follow the main drive back to the car park. 

Tips for Making the Most of Your Time in Devon

Devon is an exciting place to walk, with its breathtaking views, gently rolling countryside, rambling moorland, river valleys, and stunning coastline. Whether you are looking for exhilarating Devon hiking trails, seeking a romantic getaway with scenic strolls, or planning a holiday and looking for family-friendly walks in Devon, there’s plenty to recommend this gorgeous region. Here, you can plan a picnic, explore historically significant sites, or visit the beach; there is plenty to do all year long, but if you plan to spend most of your time outdoors, you might want to choose to visit in the warmest months, July and August. It is a region worth visiting in every season, though, with local towns to explore, museums and country houses to visit, theme parks to experience, and delicious dining to thrill every foodie. 

Find Your Perfect Holiday Spot in Devon With Together Travel

Where will you stay on your trip to Devon? When you are ready to travel to this gorgeous destination, full of amazing hikes, Together Travel Co. is here to bring your holiday dreams to life. You could visit our collection of self-catering properties in Babbacombe Bay, carefully restored with luxury interiors and modern amenities, and featuring breathtaking views of the rugged coastline. If you prefer North Devon, you could visit West Hollowcombe Farm, a group of four charming cottages in an idyllic rural setting near the dramatic wilds of Exmoor and the golden sands of the coastline. At Gitcombe Retreat, you will find nine gorgeous holiday cottages, for a stunning self-catering stay in the heart of the Devonshire countryside, between the coastal villages of Totnes and Dartmouth. Another spectacular getaway is the Mole Resort, which offers stunning lodges, delicious eateries, and impressive leisure facilities in the lush Devonshire countryside. Near Dartmoor National Park and the beautiful Devonshire coast, you will find Little Dunley, a hamlet of luxury holiday homes, set in 24 acres of rolling meadows just 20 minutes from the beach. In the South Hams, we have a bespoke collection of luxury holiday experiences, including cottages, shepherds lodges and treetop glamping. Whether want to enjoy scenic walks in Devon or you and your family are interested in visiting another locale, we have a wealth of luxury cottages in the UK for you to enjoy. We can make your stay particularly special by helping you make arrangements for a special occasion or preordering a welcome hamper or breakfast hamper to make your stay cosier and more comfortable. To learn more about all we have to offer, contact our expert concierge team by emailing us for more information.