Our Favourite South Devon Walks
One of the best things to do during a countryside escape is to explore the area by foot. South Devon is packed with walks that take you across scenic coastlines and rolling country hills. If you're keen to venture out beyond our 27 acres of grounds at Flear Farm but don't know where to start, we've put together a list of some of our favourite South Devon walks. Lace up your best walking boots, put your pup on the leash and bring plenty of battery for taking photos - we're sure you'll be taking plenty whilst exploring this beautiful region.
Bantham to Hope Cove
A 6-mile round trip, this costal walk features gentle gradients, making it suitable for most people. Despite there being uneven terrain in some sections, the walk makes up for this mild inconvenience with it's stunning vistas and wildlife spotting opportunities.
Along your walk, you'll be treated to views of the endless sands of Bantham Beach, the iconic Thurlestone Rock, and Hope Cove - a charming fishing village with thatched cottages and cosy pubs for you to refresh yourself in when you arrive.
Like all South Devon walks, we recommend bringing walking boots with good ankle protection, as well as a windbreaker coat just in case the northwesterly winds decide to roll in whilst you're out. You can read more on this walk here.
East Portlemouth to Gara Rock
Beginning in East Portlemouth and ending at Gara Rock, this 4-mile circular route will see you walking across coastal footpaths, woodland trails and beautiful open fields. The terrain on this walk can be fairly steep and uneven in some sections, so good walking boots with ankle protection is key here.
A particularly dog-friendly route, you'll enjoy undisturbed views of Salcombe Harbour and Fort Charles, as well as a beautiful spot the sheltered paradise of Mill Bay Beach before or after you've finished the route. The main highlight of the walk is undoubtedly Gara Rock Beach - a calm and tranquil beach with crystal-clear waters.
Please come prepared for this walk, as the terrain varies between uneven grounds, grassy and rocky paths, and pavement. You can find out more about this walk here.
Haytor Quarry Circular
Dartmoor has a rich mining history that you can explore with the Haytor Circular. One of the easier South Devon walks, this family-friendly route is perfect for everyone. It also doubles up as an excellent spot for a scenic afternoon picnic, with views as far as Torquay and Shaldon.
This 1.5-mile walk is the perfect introduction to Dartmoor for new visitors. Starting near the iconic Haytor rocks, you'll walk across sweeping open moorland and venture down the Haytor granite tranway to reach the quarry. Once supplying high-quality granite for iconic buildings such as London's National Gallery, the quarry now sees thousands of visitors every year due to it's historical significance and tranquil atmosphere.
Even though the route is well-marked and has minimal elevation, when walking on Dartmoor it is best to come prepared. You'll want waterproofs on hand, snacks and fluids, and a good pair of walking boots. You can find more details on the route here.
Beesands to Hallsands
A stunning coastal and dog-friendly route, this picturesque walk offers a blend of stunning sea views, historical sites and a variety of terrains to be explored. Roughly 3.5-miles long, the Beesands to Hallsands walk is a must for families who want to get a taste of South Devon's coastal path.
Beginning in the quaint fishing village of Beesands, your destination is Hallsands, where you'll find the remnants of the 'Village that Fell into the Sea' - a reminder of the power of the ocean and a fascinating place to gain deeper insight into the local area. At the end of the route is Start Point Lighthouse, which is visible in the distance once you've reached the end.
A local favourite amongst South Devon walks, the walk is well-marked making navigation easy. For more details on this particular route, please click here.
Lydford Gorge
Located on the Western edge of Dartmoor, Lydford Gorge is the deepest gorge in Southwest England. Although there are multiple trails to wander down, we'll be focusing on the main 1.5-mile circular route. The paths through Lydford Gorge can become slippery and muddy - good walking boots and waterproofs are a must.
Lydford Gorge is home to many diverdse species of flora and fauna, as well as some pretty incredible natural views. The main star of this South Devon walk is the Whitelady Waterdall, an incredible 30-metre waterfall that makes for some impressive photographs. You'll also get to see a powerful whirlpool known as the Devil's Cauldron, as well as a collection of potholes formed by water errosion from the River Lyd.
You can view more details on this walk using the National Trust website.
