Jump into Spring and enjoy the great outdoors, we have such outstanding natural beauty here in Devon it is so hard to resist with the striking clifftop coastlines, ancient woodland, gorgeous sandy beaches, hidden coves and beautiful acres of grasslands. We’ve put together a list of favourite walks in our rich countryside, there are so many to choose from this may be the longest blog in history but we guarantee you’ll love it.
Morte Point & Bull Point
If you love the sea air, the sound of waves hitting the rocks and glistening coastline, immerse yourself in this gorgeous walk and feed your senses along the way. Once notorious for smugglers and wreckers, this pretty stretch of coastline is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle where you can admire the dramatic scenery of cliffs, rocky headlands and sandy bays. It is a great area for wildlife spotting so make sure you keep a look out for basking seals as you stroll from Morte Point towards Bull Point, the heathland and maritime grasslands are great habitats for birds and other wildlife. If you can, take a peek at the secluded coves of Rockham Bay and Bennett’s Mouth too.
Lynmouth, Watersmeet & Countisbury
Home to some of the best scenery in North Devon, you can either walk these three separately or do it as a circular walk. The shady valley of East Lyn is home to a wide variety of birds including dippers and heron, you may spot some variety of fish and even the occasional otter if you are lucky. If you want a steady pace trek follow the Watersmeet Trial along the rapids of the river, you’ll walk directly in the valley surrounded by gorgeous woodland and in the summer months you can even stop off at the Watersmouth Tea Garden for a treat. Climbing up out of the sessile oak woodlands you may be fortunate enough to spot Deer, as you pass around the edge of Chiselcombe you’ll have a wonderful view across to Iron Age Fort of Windhill.
Peppercombe Valley
If you want something totally secluded and rich in wildlife then say hello to this gorgeous valley near Horns Cross. It is surrounded by woodland that runs down to a pretty rocky beach backed by vibrant red sandstone cliffs dating back 280 million years, a great spot for a peaceful picnic, rockpooling and wildlife spotting. The valley is only accessible by foot and is a mixture of woodland, marsh and grasses boasting dingy skipper or pearl bordered fritillaries and southern marsh orchids.
The Hangman Hills, Combe Martin
If you are someone who enjoys a good hike then this inspiring walk definitely rewards the effort involved, with beautiful far reaching views over the coastline and countryside this trek is always worth it. If you decide to walk it in Spring you’ll be delighted with the abundance of primroses and violets surrounding the new bracken enriched with blossom. If you enjoy a good adventure then the pathway down to Wild Pear Beach off route is a good challenge, but approach with absolute caution as it is quite a steep and uneven footpath. If you’d prefer to stay en route then you can either approach via the sheep track straight to the summit of little hangman or follow the coastal path around The Rawn’s and steeply uphill to Great Hangman; steady your pace as you reach 1044 feet making Great Hangman England’s highest sea cliff. You can either retrace your steps or take the route down past Girt Down Farm and then along the fields over Knapp Down and back around.
Heddon Valley, Hunters Inn
One of our favourite walks is Heddon’s Mouth, it takes you through ancient woodland alongside the River Heddon to where it meets the sea between some momentous cliffs. Designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest, the Heddon Valley is home to a variety of wildlife including otters, birds, deer and the rare fritillary butterfly.
Heddon Valley to Woody Bay
If you want a varied walk this footpath follows a historic 19th century carriageway and a section of the South West Coast Path along some of the highest and most dramatic sea cliffs in the country, it may seem a little strenuous but the views along the coast and across to Wales are breath taking.
Putsborough to Woolacombe
For those who love the sand between your toes then this walk is gentle and rewarding, walk along the iconic stretch of coastline famous for surfers and visitors, soak up the sun and admire the gorgeous views out to Lundy and Morte Point; you can then return via the footpath through the Dunes.
Ilfracombe Torrs to Lee Bay
Follow the stunning rugged coastal path along the exposed fields and coastline of the Torrs to Lee, it provides a challenge with the varied terrain but the outstanding views across to Lundy and along the coastal edge are absolutely worth it. Once the path drops down into the quaint village of Lee be sure to visit Lee Bay and perhaps even make the trek over to Bull Point Light House.
Hartland Point
A short stroll above the gorgeous rocky cliffs at Hartland Quay, with the picturesque lighthouse in the distance, scattered around bade of the cliffs is the rusty wreckage of Johanna still visible. Immerse yourself in the sea air and admire the coastal views across the Bristol Channel and Atlantic. If you love wildlife watching keep a lookout for skuas, terns and shearwaters along with the delicate flora and fauna.
Porlock Weir to Culbone
A lovely walk from Porlock Weir to one of the smallest churches in England the Culbone Church, the footpath leads along the coastal path, the surrounding Yearnor woodland vibrant with bird life. The fairytale tunnels are fascinating with part remains of an old gothic manor consumed by moss and trees.
Valley of the Rocks, Lynton
This is a walk you could do over and over and still be mesmirised by the outstanding natural beauty, surround yourself in dramatic coastline at the Valley of the Rocks, there are several footpaths leading you around the inconic sea cliffs with scattered boulders, enjoy the priceless views over the coastline and keep an eye out for the famous Goats that inhabit the cliffs and moorland. One not to be missed, make sure you pop into the tea rooms by the carpet for a Devon Cream Tea.
