It is rugged, wild, and dotted with pretty fishing villages which tumble towards the sea. North Devon was made for hiking boots, and with views which stretch out to that endless horizon it would be rude not to tramp its path. Here are just three of our favourite walks in North Devon, suitable for all levels.
Hartland Quay Circular
Nothing says North Devon more than this circular walk on the edge of the world.
Start at the Hartland Quay car park, let your hair whip around your face in the Atlantic wind and head south. You’ll see magnificent views of the black fingers if the tide is out and, and as you turn inland, will spot the waterfall which crashes to the sea. You can climb down to this waterfall and have a dip in its cool waters if you want.
You will now follow the path, through managed woodland to a small village. Detour here slightly and head to RHS managed Docton Mill- they do a cracking cream tea. From here, follow a farm track left, and enjoy views of Lundy Island until you arrive in thelittle village of Stoke. From here, simply follow signs to Hartland Quay and you will arrive back at your car.
Dunkery Beacon
At 327 metres high, Dunkery Beacon is Exmoor’s highest point. On a clear day, you can so both the English and Bristol Channels, Dartmoor and Bodmin Moor to the west, the Brecons in Wales and Cleeve Hill, which is almost 90 miles away in Gloucestershire.
Begin your Exmoor hike at The White Horse, head north west and then take a right along a high-hedged lane which, eventually, turns into a bridleway and up onto the moor.
Continue north towards Dunkery Beacon, climb the tor and head down past Dunkery Bridge on your return. Turn east along a beautiful moorland lane, over Kitnor Heath and Prescott Down before ending back where you started for a well-earned pint.
Baggy Point
An easy 2.7 mile walk with easy accessibility, so all family members can enjoy the Devon coast in all its glory.
Park at the Baggy Point car park and walk out to the point and back again, all while taking in spectacular coastal views towards Bideford and Hartland. Spot whale bones, an old wreck post, and nesting birds in the spring who hide among the pink thrift and golden gorse.
In autumn, migrant birds gather here for their southward journey, and bring with them predatory merlins and peregrines - the perfect walk for bird enthusiasts!
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