6 Christmas Walks in Devon
Christmas is the season for fun and festivities. It’s also the perfect time to step out into the fresh air and enjoy a winter walk with loved ones. Packed with health benefits and guaranteed to boost your mood, a brisk walk is the ultimate gift for your body and mind.
Devon might not see much in the way of snow but with 28 miles of coastal paths, woodland and river valleys to explore, it’s a magical place for a festive walk.
Take a break from the tinsel and trimmings, wrap up warm and get ready to go for magical walks in Devon this festive season.
Christmas Walks in East Devon
From rugged coastal path hikes to beach strolls and rambles through pretty villages, East Devon has a dazzling array of walks to enjoy.
We’ve curated a selection of walks in Devon that everyone can enjoy this festive season. All walks are dog friendly, take care to keep dogs on leads around livestock.
Colyton to Lyme Regis
This walk is part of the East Devon Way, a popular walking route with 40 miles of footpaths and some of the county’s most breathtaking scenery.
Running from Exmouth to Lyme Regis, you can explore several routes along the East Devon Way. Starting at Dolphin Street Car Park, Colyton, this section of the trail is approximately 9 miles long, but it’s an easy walk, taking in the River Axe, fields, farmhouses and pretty hamlets.
You can take a short detour to Musbury Castle and enjoy breathtaking sea views before heading back down to the Golden Hind Pub.
The East Devon Way is well signposted, look out for the pink arrow and foxglove signs that mark the way.
Walk Length - 9 miles
Difficulty - Easy
Woodbury Castle Circular Walk
Part of the Pebblebed Heaths National Nature Reserve, Woodbury Heath is a popular destination for walkers. Perched 185 metres above sea level, Woodbury Castle is set on the heath’s highest point, providing the perfect place for admiring the estuary below.
This circular walk begins at Woodbury Castle car park and takes you past Woodbury Castle the ancient Iron Age Hill fort whose ramparts are at least 2500 years old.
The paths can be pebbly and loose so be sure to wear suitable footwear. This is a fantastic area for wildlife spotting, keep an eye out for the unusual Dartford Warbler and nightjar.
You can bring a picnic to enjoy or visit one of the pubs in neighbouring Woodbury.
Walk Length - 2 miles
Difficulty - Easy to moderate
Harpford Woods
Woodland walks in Devon are always magical, but there’s something extra special about the peace and tranquillity of woodland in the winter months.
You can park in Harpford Village or at the Bowd Inn and follow the signposted footpaths. If you’re feeling energetic, the circular walk heads uphill towards Harpford Common and Core Hill where you can enjoy magnificent views towards Lyme Bay.
The Harpford Woods circular walk is roughly 6 miles long with mixed terrain that can be steep and muddy. Sturdy walking boots are recommended.
Walk Length - The circular walk is 6 miles
Difficulty - Easy to moderate
Newton Poppleford and River Otter Circular Walk
Starting at Newton Poppleford village car park, this walk forms part of the East Devon Way. Taking you through the hamlet of Southerton and the picturesque villages of Venn Ottery and Tipton St John, you’ll walk through open countryside and cross the River Otter.
Admire the Saxon church tower at Venn Ottery and enjoy the sweeping views of the Otter Valley.
Walks in Devon can be muddy and slippery so take extra care. There are pubs at Newton Poppleford and Tipton St John.
Walk Length - 5.5 miles
Difficulty - Moderate
Beer to Branscombe
A firm favourite with locals and visitors to East Devon, this energising walk along the South West Coastal Path is simply spectacular. Below the chalk cliffs lie the fishing villages of Beer and Branscombe, their crystal clear waters and fleet of fishing boats making them among the prettiest beaches in Devon.
Park in Beer Head car park and follow the path to Branscombe. The walk can be steep at times but you’ll be rewarded with some of East Devon’s most incredible coastal views. There are plenty of benches dotted around where you can rest, recuperate and admire the scenery along the way.
The coastal path is well-maintained but naturally uneven. There are plenty of places to grab a bite to eat and something to drink in both Beer and Branscombe.
Walk Length - 6 miles
Difficulty - Moderate
Northleigh and Coly Valley Circular Walk
With outstanding, far-reaching views towards the sea, this is one of our favourite circular walks in Devon. Situated along the East Devon Way, this leisurely walk begins at the 14th Century Northleigh Church and takes you past farms and cottages through the scenic Coly Valley. You can park on the roadside in Northleigh village.
Northleigh Church is worth exploring, the font is made from Beer Quarry Cave stone. Beer stone was also used in the construction of Westminster Abbey and Windsor Castle.
There are nearby pubs at Colyford and Sidbury.
Walk Length - 4 miles
Difficulty - Easy
Retire in comfort after exploring walks in Devon
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