Devon – Moorland, River Valleys, and Rugged Coastline

Granite uplands, deep wooded combes, and an extended coastline between the Bristol Channel and the English Channel

Devon is a county of open moorland, river valleys, mixed woodland, farmland, and coastline in South West England. Walking routes cross Dartmoor National Park and Exmoor National Park and follow the South West Coast Path, Two Moors Way, Tarka Trail, and Exe Estuary Trail, linking places such as Exeter, Barnstaple, Ilfracombe, Plymouth, and Salcombe along moorland tracks, riverside paths, and cliff-top routes.

Much of the terrain is firm but varied underfoot. Moorland paths, stone tracks, woodland trails, and former railway routes allow steady progress, with frequent climbs and descents on the coast and moors and flatter sections along estuaries and river valleys.

The landscape shifts between areas. Dartmoor and Exmoor form higher granite uplands with tors, open heath, and wide views, the central valleys become wooded and enclosed with pasture and hedgerows, and the north and south coasts alternate between cliffs, sandy bays, and estuary inlets.

Towns and villages are spaced along valleys and the coast, creating regular access points for shorter walks and longer point-to-point routes across connected countryside.

Trails and Routes Through Devon

South West Coast Path

A National Trail following the entire Devon coastline on cliff-top paths, beaches, and headlands between Minehead and Poole.

Two Moors Way

A long-distance route crossing the county between Ivybridge and Lynmouth via Dartmoor and Exmoor on upland and rural tracks.

Tarka Trail

A largely traffic-free former railway path linking Braunton, Barnstaple, Bideford, and Meeth along rivers and estuary.

Exe Estuary Trail

A level waterside path around the Exe Estuary between Exeter, Topsham, Exmouth, and Dawlish.

West Devon Way

A multi-day route linking Okehampton and Plymouth across moorland and farmland.

Walking Character

• Granite moorland and open heath
• Deep river valleys and wooded combes
• Cliff-top coastal paths
• Estuaries and tidal inlets
• Former railway and riverside trails
• Villages and harbour towns
• Upland and coastal mixed

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Devon located?

Devon is in South West England between Cornwall and Somerset, bordered by the Bristol Channel to the north and the English Channel to the south.

What defines walking here?

Moorland uplands, wooded valleys, long coastal paths, and a mix of steady climbs and level estuary routes.

Are there long-distance routes here?

Yes. The South West Coast Path National Trail, Two Moors Way, and several regional routes cross the county.

Is the terrain steep?

Coastal and moorland sections include regular climbs and descents, while estuary trails and former railway paths are generally level.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring through autumn offers firmer ground and longer daylight, while winter conditions can be wet and exposed on moorland and coastal sections.