Winter walks in Devon

Welly boot rambles and pub pit stops

When winter arrives in Devon, the coastline and countryside take on a fresh allure. Brisk sea breezes, misty mornings and quiet paths make it the perfect time of year to discover the county’s scenic routes without the usual crowds. So layer up, lace up your boots, and explore some of our favourite winter walks in Devon, from rugged clifftop trails to sheltered valley paths.

Hope Cove and Bolt Tail

Distance: 4.8 miles (circular) | Difficulty: Moderate | Time: 1 hour 40 minutes | View the route here

Begin your winter adventure in Hope Cove, a picturesque village with golden sands and a welcoming charm that shines year-round. Follow the coast path as it winds up to Bolt Tail, offering magnificent views of the South Devon coast. 

This route, dog-friendly and wonderfully quiet in winter, continues to Bolberry Down, where wide open vistas and fresh coastal air await.

After a bracing walk, make your way back to Hope Cove and warm up with a hearty lunch at the Hope & Anchor pub. Known for its cosy atmosphere and local ales, it’s the perfect spot to unwind and recharge. 

Good to know: This route can be uneven in places and requires crossing over stiles.

Nearby property: Tamarisks

Baggy Point

Distance: 2.8 miles or 4.5 miles | Difficulty: Easy to Moderate | Time: 1 hour or 1 hour and 30 minutes | View the route here

For those seeking dramatic cliff views, the route around Baggy Point is ideal. Starting near Croyde, you can choose between an easy 2.8 mile trail or extend the walk to 4.5 miles for a bit more of a challenge. Whichever route you pick, winter reveals stunning views over the Atlantic and the quiet paths make it easy to spot seals and seabirds in their natural habitats. 

For those continuing along the 4.5 mile trail, there’s a beach café at Putsborough offering whipped cream hot chocolates and bacon rolls to warm up, while the National Trust café back at the car park is perfect for post-walk pots of tea and scones.

Good to know: You can view full access details for Baggy Point here - there's accessible parking and toilets with a path suitable for wheelchair users.

Dartmouth Town Trail

Distance: 1.6 miles | Difficulty: Easy | Time: 30 minutes | View the route here

For a shorter, gentler walk, try the Dartmouth Town Trail – a leisurely route through one of Devon’s most picturesque harbour towns. Wander along the River Dart, past historic landmarks and quaint lanes adorned with twinkling lights in the winter months.

With views over the water and a series of welcoming cafés and restaurants to stop by for a warm drink and meal, this trail is a relaxed way to explore Dartmouth at a slower pace - perfect for those seeking an easy, flat and accessible route. 

Good to know: There’s an accessible car park at Mayor's Avenue with public toilets close by at Royal Avenue Gardens.

Valley of Rocks

© James Johnstone and Mark via Flickr

Distance: 6.3 miles (circular) | Difficulty: Hard | Time: 2 hours 30 minutes | View the route here

For those craving a challenge, the Valley of Rocks offers a rugged 6.3 mile circular walk with breath-taking views and a sense of remote wilderness. Winding through woodlands, rocky outcrops and along towering cliffs, this route captures North Devon’s raw beauty, especially in the winter. Teetering on the edge of Somerset, this hike overlooks Lynton and Lynmouth at times, with Exmoor just a few miles away.

Though demanding, this path is immensely rewarding – you may even spot the local herd of wild goats that make the Valley of Rocks their home. This route is for those looking to immerse themselves in Devon’s more untamed landscapes and walking boots are recommended. 

Stop by Mother Meldrum’s Tea Gardens for a delicious slice of cake midway or pack flasks of tea to find a suitable bench to pause and savour the scenery. 

Good to know: This trail is challenging with steep inclines and stiles so it's not recommended for wheelchair users and those with limited ability. 

Shipley Bridge to Avon Dam

© Ross Elliot via Flickr

Distance: 1.2 miles (linear) | Difficulty: Easy | Time: 40 minutes | View the route here

This scenic route from Shipley Bridge to Avon Dam is the perfect winter walk for everyone. The wide, tarmac path through a sheltered valley makes it ideal for families and those with limited mobility. As part of the Miles Without Stiles initiative, this route is accessible for all-terrain mobility scooters, prams and pushchairs, allowing everyone to take in the beauty of Dartmoor’s riverside views.

The gentle uphill path leads to Avon Dam, where you’ll find a tranquil reservoir and picnic benches surrounded by rolling moorland – a peaceful place to stop and take in the scenery.

Good to know: There’s an accessible car park and toilets close to the start of the route.

Bigbury and Burgh Island

Distance: 1 mile (linear) | Difficulty: Easy | Time: 30 - 40 minutes | View the route here

For a short, easy walk with stunning scenery, head to Bigbury-on-Sea and Burgh Island. Starting at the Ringmore National Trust car park, the flat path takes you along to Ayrmer Cove. In winter, the landscape feels almost untouched and with fewer visitors around, you and your four-legged friends can enjoy the solitude and peaceful views across the sands.

Explore the coastline at your own pace, and if the tide allows, hop on the sea tractor over to Burgh Island for afternoon tea at the iconic art deco hotel. 

Nearby properties: Beachfront, Clifftop, Avocet and Overcombe

Good to know: This route is flat and on easy ground with an accessible car park at the start. 

Stay nearby

Left: Clifftop. Middle: Beachfront. Right: Tamarisks.

For those looking to book a walking holiday, we’ve rounded up our homes best suited to exploring the South West on foot. Situated within easy reach of The Saint’s Way, the South West Coast Path and Exmoor National Park, these properties allow you to explore and unwind in total luxury. 

Image credits: Valley of the Rocks by James Johnstone and Mark via Flickr | Shipley Bridge and Avon Dam by Ross Elliot via Flickr | All other images are our own or sourced via Unsplash.