Walking in Devon

Think of Devon and most people automatically think of Torquay. There is so much more to Devon than the beaches of Torbay. Despite a population in excess of 1.1 million people the majority of people live in the two large cities of Plymouth (over 255,000 in 2011) and Exeter (over 120,000) and the conurbation of Torbay (over 130,000).

Devon, with an area of 2,590 square miles (6,707 sq. km) is the fourth largest county in England and can be considered as a whole as quite sparsely populated.

Devon is unusual in that it has two coastlines of quite different character. The rugged North Devon Coast or the gentler creeks and estuaries of the South Devon Coast. Add to this the fact that Devon has two National Parks in Dartmoor and Exmoor - again with quite distinct landscapes, scenery and charm.

All of this means the county is excellent for walkers of all abilities - Exmoor alone has over 1,000km (625 miles) of public footpaths and bridleways.

There are a number of long distance walks and trails criss-crossing Devon with the main ones including:

1. Devon Coast to Coast
2. The Tarka Trail
3. The Two Moors Way
4. The Tamar Valley Discovery Trail
5. The Two Castles Trail
6. Dart Valley Trail
7. The Erme-Plym Trail
8. The Templer Way
9. The Exe Valley Way
10. The West Devon Way and the East Devon Way

And, of course, there is a wealth of walking to be done on Dartmoor.

See our bookstore for relevant walking books and maps. Devon County Council has capitalised on the large number of walks and provides online information and leaflets on over 100 walks spread across the county.

Jurassic coast

Want to Travel in Time? Visit Dorset's Jurassic Coast!

Experience 185 million years of the Earth's history in just 95 miles of stunning coastline.

Chesil Beach

180 billion pebbles and 18 miles of beach with its own lagoon.

Stretching from West Bay to the Isle of Portland. Come to Chesil - it's like no place on Earth!

Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door

Take in two of the most popular coastal attractions in Dorset in a single morning. Learn more about Dorset's geology whilst experiencing stunning scenery.

Beyond the Jurassic Coast

On reaching Old Harry Rocks north of Swanage there is still several miles of Dorset Coast to explore before reaching the border with Hampshire.