North Devon has some amazing scenery, from the coast to the moor and everything in between. We have a raft of maps and walks to share with guests whatever your fitness and whatever the weather. There is something for everyone. Here is a little taste:
Take a Coastal Walk:The North DevonCoast provides some of the most scenic, spectacular and varied countryside of the whole of the South West Coast Path, which is truly saying something when the SWCP is over 630 miles! (No bias whatsoever!).We have all the maps you need and can give individual advice depending on the weather (don’t forget the sun hat) and your experience. Here is just a little taste (there is more detail on our Walking the South West Coast Path page):
Baggy Point:A North Devon Classic on a good path the headland is reac hed from Croyde Bay with some steep drops down to the sea but well worth it for the fine views out to Hartland in the south and over to Woolacombe in the North.3 to 8 miles moderate.
Watersmeet and Lynmouth: Parking at Hillsford Bridge, our choice is to head up through Mytleberry wood to the top of Mytleberry Cleave (we just love the names) and follow the top path with fine views across the valley until you descend dramatically and are dumped unceremoniously into Lynmouth for lunch.After duly exploring the village and being awed by the force of the water from the flood in 1952 make your way back along the banks of the East Lyn river to have a quick coffee and cake at Watersmeet before the final uphill section to the car.About 6 miles moderate.
Valley of the Rocks and Lynton: A great short walk when exploring Lynton and Lynmouth which is very accessible and exhilarating with outstanding views across the Bristol Channel to South Wales.You may even get to see the herd of wild goats.3 miles easy.
Morthoe and Lee Bay:Parking in Morthoe allows you to visit the Museum before setting off to the coast to find the seals.The Grampas is a great pub to visit in Lee Bay (like stepping back in time -about 200 years), before the inland walk back to the car.Very green and hilly. 5 to 8 miles strenuous.
Hartland Point and Quay:It’s easy to imagine the smugglers and shipwrecks of the past when exploring Hartland point, the landscape is rugged and the sea wild (we actually prefer it on a dark stormy day).The walking can be strenuous with a choice of routes from 3 to 10 miles.
Braunton Burrows:A Special Area of Conservation and unique landscape of sand dunes, rabbits, wild flowers, butterflies and highland cattle. The Americans trained here for D-day and many artefacts remain. Very flat, unless you climb a dune, just walk as far as you want or sit, sunbathe and read that novel.
Woody Bay and Heddons Mouth:This is a mountainous walk by the sea, with views across to SouthWales. We usually take the lower single track coast path to arrive at The Hunters Inn for lunch before taking the higher (and shorter) old carriage path back to the car.Many other great walks start and finish at Hunters Inn, which is now owned by the National Trust. 5-6 miles strenuous.
Go for a walk on Exmoor:If you fancy exploring inland Exmoor has some great scenery and excellent walking:
Tarr Steps:An ancient clapper bridge over the river Barle in the heart of Exmoor is the basis for a whole range of walks of varying difficulty and distance.There is a pub and carpark at Tarr stepps so it’s a great place to start or finish.
Lanacre Bridge to Withypool:One of our favourites which has a bit of everything and is great on a sunny day, just to get away from it all.We take the longer southern route to end up in Withypool for lunch either at the pub or café and then the shorter route to the North back to the car.A moderate 5 miles in total.
Brendon Valley and Common:Lorna Doone country and one of my favourite places to run; wild and unspoilt with numerous options depending on your time and energy (and the weather).High moorland, steep river valleys, lush pasture and ancient woodland, with of course, the odd pub or café to refresh your energy.
