Visitors walking in the grounds at Knightshayes, Devon | © National Trust Images/Trevor Ray Hart

Walking in Devon

Soak up the views from Devon’s rolling hills and rugged coast, take shorter strolls in parks and gardens or circular walks on Dartmoor or Exmoor. Highlights include the lush greenery and waterfalls of Lydford Gorge, an easy parkland stroll around Saltram, and South West Coast Path circuits at Coleton Fishacre and Baggy Point.

Take a walk through some of Devon’s finest historic countryside estates and treat yourself to tea and cake at the end. Here, we've picked some of our favourites.

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Front Park and The Clump walk at Killerton

During your visit to Killerton, enjoy a circular walk across Front Park and up Dolbury Hill, known locally as The Clump.

Trees in early spring in the parkland at Killerton, Devon

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Ancient trees walk at Killerton

This circular walk highlights some of the many ancient trees that you can see in the garden and park at Killerton, including sweet chestnuts that were planted some 250 years ago.

A gate to the parkland at Arlington Court, North Devon

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Winford Valley walk at Arlington Court

Explore the woodland and fields of Arlington estate on this short walk. Along the way, look out for historic buildings and, in spring, a carpet of bluebells.

A sign post for the lake walk at Arlington Court

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Lake walk at Arlington Court

Enjoy the most popular and established walk around the designed landscape of Arlington Court, where you can get closer to nature at the bird hide and heronry.

A view over fields between green trees to the pale stone fronted house

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Saltram pillars walk

Take an easy 1-mile walk from Saltram House that follows parkland and woodland, providing distant views of the estuary, Plymouth and Cornwall.

Three girls ride bikes as a lady walks her dog beside them

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Riverside cycle trail at Saltram

This 2-mile trail through woodlands and beside the Plym estuary is perfect for a family bike ride with plenty of picnic stops en route.

Two visitors walk along Fisherman's walk on the Castle Drogo estate, Devon

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Piddledown Common walk

Enjoy a visually memorable walk from Castle Drogo that overlooks the dramatic Teign Gorge and takes in a variety of flora, including oak trees and wildflowers.

Family walking with a pushchair and dogs with the shore behind and blue skies above

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Buckland Abbey walks

Go on a family-friendly walk with these trails suitable for buggies and children. Go wild in natural play areas and compete in woodland den building.

Visitors in the Lower Garden, taking in the view of Pudcombe Cove at Coleton Fishacre, Devon

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Coleton Fishacre circular walk via Coleton Camp

Enjoy views of rugged coastline via viewing points in lush woodland on this walk at Coleton Fishacre in Devon.

Visitors on a walk at Baggy Point, Devon

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Baggy Point short circular walk

Enjoy the views, look out for wildflowers and make some time for birdwatching on this short circular walk at Baggy Point.

View of a kissing gate into the fields around Soar Mill Cove, near East Soar and Bolberry Down, Devon

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Bolberry Down and Soar Mill Cove walk

Discover a circular walk that takes in some of the most scenic coastline of South Devon. Find out more about the history of the area and enjoy far-reaching views out to sea and along the coast.

View from Salcombe Hill looking down to Sidmouth and the Jurassic coastline

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Salcombe Hill accessible walk

This short, accessible walk takes you along well-maintained gravel paths up to the Salcombe Hill toposcope. Enjoy far-reaching views across Sidmouth, High Peak, Ladrum Bay and beyond from one of the clifftop benches.

A view of the shoreline with the coastline in the background at Branscombe beach, Devon

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Branscombe to Beer coastal walk

Enjoy this scenic coastal walk in Devon, taking in the seaside village of Beer and Branscombe beach, where you can still see the anchor of MSC Napoli which grounded there in 2007.

Four people, one on a mobility vehicle, coming up a path through a steep valley with the sea behind them in the distance

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Heddon's Mouth circular walk

Follow one of Devon's most beautiful walking routes through ancient woodland alongside the River Heddon to where it meets the sea.

Weathered orthostats on the cliffs over the coast at Prawle Point, Devon.

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Prawle Point walk

This walk is full of drama: heart thumping cliff-top climbs, with rocky raised beaches below. Look out for the sunken Demetrios below Signalhouse Point and don't miss the ancient boundary stones that dot the landscape.

Sunset out to sea over Morte Point, Devon with yellow gorse flowers

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Morte Point and Bull Point circular coastal walk

Discover rocky headlands, secluded coves, sandy bays and a lighthouse. Look out for seals and take in the heathland and grasslands, which are great habitats for other wildlife.

Shipload Bay at East Titchberry, North Devon

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East Titchberry circular walk

Explore this circular coastal walk at East Titchberry near Hartland Point, with stunning views along the South West Coast Path.

A view of clifftop fields and a sandy bay below at Salcombe Regis, Devon

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Salcombe Regis cliffs, valleys and sea views circular walk

Take in superb views of the Devon Jurassic Coast, an ancient church and the historic market gardens of Weston Plats on this circular walk from the village of Salcombe Regis.

The stream that runs the waterwheel for Manor Mill

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Branscombe village walk

A short circular walk around the historic, beautiful village of Branscombe in Devon.

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Front Park and The Clump walk at Killerton

During your visit to Killerton, enjoy a circular walk across Front Park and up Dolbury Hill, known locally as The Clump.

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Ancient trees walk at Killerton

This circular walk highlights some of the many ancient trees that you can see in the garden and park at Killerton, including sweet chestnuts that were planted some 250 years ago.

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Cloud Farm Campsite to Foreland Point walk

This circular trail begins with a stroll along the East Lyn River, before taking in breathtaking views at Foreland Point and County Gate.

Clear, shallow sea and a sandy beach, flanked by pale-coloured cliffs and backed by grassy slopes. A walker stands in the distance

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Ringmore to Ayrmer Cove walk

A 3-mile (4.8km) challenging circular route, with country and coastal views, follows smugglers' lanes down to a secluded cove, accessible only on foot or by boat, and returns through fields.

1170993 The Geoneedle, Orcombe Point, Exmouth.jpg

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Orcombe Point circular walk

This circular walk around Orcombe Point, the most westerly point of the Jurassic Coast, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers views over the Exe estuary and out to sea.

A National Trust ranger van parked at Man Sand beach

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Coastal circular walk from Woodhuish

Including rugged coastline and a wetland area, this circular walk near Coleton Fishacre leads from Woodhuish Farm to Man Sands Beach and back via the South West Coast Path.

Grassy clifftops with jagged rocks protruding into the milky-blue sea below the path

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Gara Point walk

A strenuous but rewarding walk round the wilder side of the Yealm estuary, from Gara Point to Noss Mayo, taking in a combination of Victorian history and wildlife along the way.

The dramatic rocks and cliffs at Ayrmer Cove

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Bigbury and Burgh Island views walk to Ayrmer Cove

Enjoy a short, gentle walk through picturesque farmland with impressive views of Bigbury and Burgh Island and a chance to spot rare birds and flowers.

A view along the coast path at Stoke Point, near Wembury, Devon

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Netton and Gunrow's Downs coastal walk from Stoke Point

Follow this coastal route to historic Gunrow Signal Station for panoramic views and a great picnic spot. Then head back over Netton Down, looking out for marine life below.

A bench overlooking the sea view and the Mewstone rocky island, at Coleton Fishacre, Devon

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125th anniversary trail

This accessible walk in Coleton Fishacre garden takes in the best of everything: viewpoints of the terraced garden, woodland paths and stretching sea views.

Oil painting on canvas of Rudyard Kipling

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Kipling Tors walk

Take this National Trust walking trail and discover the inspiration behind a Kipling classic.

People in the distance walking on an accessible path along the coastline at Bolberry Downs, Devon

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Amble on the Down coastal walk

Follow this circular route around the flat plateau of Bolberry Down, offering easy walking and far-reaching inland and sea views.

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Walk to Snapes Point

Enjoy a short walk to Snapes Point, a viewpoint that offers panoramic vistas of Salcombe and the Kingsbridge Estuary.

View of the River Lyd flowing through a narrow slit in the rock walls of Lydford Gorge and foaming white in the Devil's Cauldron

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Devil's Cauldron Trail

The Devil’s Cauldron trail is now closed for safety and maintenance over winter. We look forward to welcoming you back in spring 2025.

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Heddon Valley coast walk

A short but challenging walk along the highest and most spectacular sea cliffs in England.

Lydford Gorge and Whitelady Waterfall in autumn in Devon

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Lydford Gorge Waterfall trail

This rugged circular walk descends into steep-sided Lydford Gorge, to the foot of the 30-metre high Whitelady Waterfall, before returning through oak woods abundant with wildlife.

Two large dogs on leads held by two people on a path at Lanhydrock, Cornwall, with grass and fallen autumn leaves beyond

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Knightshayes parkland circular dog walk

This circular route is perfect for dog walking and for exploring the historic parkland. It takes you through open fields and past some special trees in the Knightshayes parkland, including the Turkey oak, believed to be the largest in the UK.

A view up the River Teign seen from the gorge walk at Castle Drogo, Devon in autumn

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Teign Gorge classic circuit

Follow the breathtaking Hunters Path high above the river Teign for chances to spot wildlife and stunning views. The path then drops down into the beautiful woodland as you follow the river back to Castle Drogo.

View from inside a wooden boathouse, out through an archway to two visitors on the balcony, looking at the tree-lined river

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Greenway Boathouse walk

Follow this circular walk to find the Boathouse, made famous in Agatha Christie's novel Dead Man's Folly, and explore peaceful woodland paths beside the River Dart.

Man and woman walking along winding woodland path with abundant green foliage to either side

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Danes Wood walk at Killerton

An enchanting walk from the Killerton estate to nearby Danes Wood, a haven for wildlife.

Riverside pathway in the Lorna Doone Valley, Exmoor

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Doone Valley circular walk and ride

A challenging walk through the picturesque Doone Valley to discover the remains of an abandoned medieval village. Experience the dramatic wide-open landscape of Exmoor as this trail loops around the moor. Keep an eye out for the Exmoor ponies who roam across the moor.

Visitors at the tea garden in the 19th-century fishing lodge, surrounded by trees, at Watersmeet, Devon, with water rushing over rocks in the foreground and a footbridge crossing the river in the background

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Watersmeet to Ash Bridge circular walk

Enjoy amazing views of the Devon countryside on the Watersmeet to Ash Bridge circular walk along the East Lyn river, with the chance to spot otters and herons.

A view of the grounds of Saltram estate looking towards the River Plym, Devon in summer

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Saltram

Take an easy walk from Saltram House that follows parkland and woodland, providing distant views of the estuary, Plymouth and Cornwall.

Mossy green boulders by the river Plym at Shaugh Bridge, Devon

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Plym Valley bricks, boulders and bronze walk

Tackle this invigorating woodland, moorland and riverside walk taking in granite crags, such as the infamous Dewerstone, and the remains of quarries, brickworks and a Bronze Age burial.

Tranquil waters at Cadover Bridge and the River Plym near Plymouth, Devon.

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Cadover Bridge and Dewerstone Rock circular walk

Take in dramatic views of South Devon on this invigorating circular route over open moorland and through ancient oak-wooded valleys.

Grassy clifftops with rocky shore and the sea below

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Revelstoke Drive and Noss Mayo walk

A lovely walk all year round, starting from Warren, about 10 miles from Wembury, with far-reaching coastal views, woodland leading right down to the estuary edge and the beautiful village of Noss Mayo.

Three red deer under a tree in the woodland at Fountains Abbey in North Yorkshire

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Arlington Court deer park circular walk

Keep your eyes peeled for red deer on this picturesque walk through ancient woodland, parts of the estate's wildlife reserve and alongside the lake.

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Lake walk at Arlington Court

Enjoy the most popular and established walk around the designed landscape of Arlington Court, where you can get closer to nature at the bird hide and heronry.

A tree on a hillside overlooking a stretch of woodland on the estate at Arlington Court, Devon

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Woodland and Cott Brake circular walk at Arlington Court

Walk through ancient woodland and climb the steep grassland of Cott Brake for views of the estate, its historic buildings and wildlife including red deer.

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Winford Valley walk at Arlington Court

Explore the woodland and fields of Arlington estate on this short walk. Along the way, look out for historic buildings and, in spring, a carpet of bluebells.

A view across the parkland at Arlington Court

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Centenary walk at Arlington Court

Take a steep climb through woodlands and alongside the lake to enjoy stunning views of the house and parkland on our walk created to mark our centenary year.

A view across the fields along the Coombeshead walk at Arlington Court

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Arlington Court Coombeshead valley walk

Walk through woodland and fields to the top of the Coombeshead valley for rewarding views across the wider Arlington estate and a chance to spot red deer.

Footpath between two large granite boulders, the remains of the granite tramway, Shaugh Bridge, Dartmoor, Devon

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Discovering Dewerstone Wood

Follow footpaths through the woods and alongside the river on this short, circular, waymarked walk that includes sections of the former granite quarry tramway.

A stone bridge and ford surrounded by grassy hills and trees at Malsmead in the Lorna Doone Valley, Devon

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Lorna Doone Valley short river walk

A tranquil stroll along Badgworthy Water through the picturesque Lorna Doone Valley to the memorial to the author of Lorna Doone R.D.Blackmore.

A tree-lined riverside path through Lorna Doone Valley, Devon

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Doone Valley and Oare Church circular walk

A peaceful circuit of the valley, including woodland and riverside sections, the historic church at Oare and even a café at the end.

A family walking through autumn parkland at Knightshayes

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Knightshayes circular walk

Explore Knightshayes with your dog on this 2.2-mile (3.5km) circular walk around the estate.

The view over the River Dart as seen from the Coombe Lane walk to Greenway, Devon, on a bight winter's day

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Galmpton to Greenway trail via Coombe Lane

A moderate 2.5-mile trail from the village of Galmpton via Coombe Lane is perfect for walkers, cyclists and horse riders alike.

View from the Parminter walk at A la Ronde

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Parminter walk

Follow in the steps of A la Ronde's two spinster cousins, Jane and Mary Parminter, and enjoy a stroll around the meadow which is rich in flora, fauna and wildlife.