Best family-friendly walks in Devon

Embark on an outdoor adventure with the whole family

Devon is a great destination for a family holiday, with its beautiful coastline, two national parks and plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. Walking is a great way to explore Devon’s natural beauty, and there are many family-friendly walks to choose from. In this guide, we’ll highlight some of the best family-friendly walks in Devon, including coastal walks, circular walks and woodland walks.

Looking for somewhere to rest tired feet after a busy day exploring? Check out our lodges and holiday parks in Devon for the perfect family base!

South Devon walks

South Devon is a great place to explore with the kids, teeming with beautiful beaches, fascinating sites and endless outdoor activities. Take in stunning sea views and visit hidden coves along the South West Coast Path or explore the rugged countryside and fascinating wildlife of Dartmoor National Park.

Here are some of our favourite family-friendly walks in South Devon:

Seaside walks along the South West Coast Path

Burgh Island

The walk to Burgh Island is a fantastic experience for both children and adults. Located off the coast of Bigbury-on-Sea, this small tidal island can only be accessed by foot at low tide or by the unique sea tractor at high tide. The walk begins at the sandy shores of Bigbury-on-Sea, one of our best beaches in Devon, where you'll make your way across the sandy causeway - just be sure to check the tide times if you're walking! Once you reach the island, you can explore its sandy beaches and historic buildings, including an ancient chapel and an Art Deco hotel made famous by Agatha Christie!

Postcode: TQ7 4AY - Marine Drive Car Park
Facilities: There are toilets by the sea tractor boarding point and a pub on Burgh Island for food and drinks
Distance: 0.8 miles (1.3km)

Stay nearby: 4 Coastguards (house) or Tarifa 7 (apartment)

Find more details for this walk on the South West Coast Path website.

Berry Head National Nature Reserve

If you're heading to South Devon to explore the beautiful English Riviera - one of Agatha Christie's favourite holiday destinations - then don't miss the opportunity to visit Berry Head in Brixham, Torbay's most important wildlife site. Just south of vibrant Torquay, the area is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest, known for its diverse flora and fauna. Whilst there are countless options for walks in the area, this particular walk is very family friendly as it is relatively short and easy, and follows level, surfaced paths suitable for pushchairs. The walk is arguably best in summer, when the orchids and butterflies burst into life. You can also see goats grazing on the steep grassland above the cliffs. Highlights on the walk include two Napoleonic-era forts, and Britain's highest and smallest lighthouse.

Tip: The Napoleonic Guardhouse is a great place to stop and admire the incredible views across the headland. From March-July, you can spot the largest guillemot colony on the south coast of England nesting on the cliffs.

Postcode: TQ5 9AP - Berry Head Visitor Centre
Facilities: The Napoleonic Guardhouse has a café and a visitor centre
Distance: 1.6 miles (2.6km)

Stay nearby: Brixham Holiday Park or South Bay Holiday Park

Find more details for this walk on the South West Coast Path website.

Little Dartmouth & Dartmouth Castle Circular Walk

This is one of the longer walks on our list, however it's a lovely circuit that takes in beautiful views of the seaside, castle and River Dart. The walk takes you through a variety of landscapes, from lush green fields to rugged cliffs, providing a rich tapestry of natural beauty to enjoy along the way. Keep an eye out for wildlife, as the area is a haven for birds. As you approach Dartmouth Castle, the imposing fortress comes into view, perched on a strategic headland overlooking the entrance to the river. The castle has a fascinating history, having been built in the 14th century to defend against French invaders. Visitors can explore the castle grounds and take in the stunning views of the river and surrounding countryside. After a leisurely stroll around the castle, the walk loops back to Little Dartmouth, allowing you to enjoy a different perspective of the coastline on the return journey. The entire walk takes around 2-3 hours to complete, depending on pace and how much time is spent exploring the castle.

Postcode: TQ6 0JP - Little Dartmouth National Trust Car Park
Facilities: There's a café at Dartmouth Castle
Distance: 4 miles (6.4km)

Stay nearby: Leonards Cove Holiday Village

Find more details for this walk on the National Trust website.

Countryside walks in Dartmoor National Park

Shipley Bridge to Avon Dam

This gentle walk follows the River Avon upstream from Shipley Bridge to the Avon Dam. The route takes you through wooded areas with a series of small waterfalls, before opening up onto moorland. This is a great trail for young kids and pushchairs, as the path is flat and there are a couple of rest stops along the way where you can enjoy a picnic.

Tip: The car park can get busy so arrive early if you can.

Postcode: TQ10 9EL - Shipley Bridge car park
Facilities: There are toilets at Shipley Bridge car park and picnic tables along the trail at 1.25km and 2km
Distance: 3 miles (5km)

Piddledown Common Walk

This National Trust walk takes you around the picturesque Teign Valley, on the northern edge of Dartmoor National Park. The circular trail begins and ends at Castle Drogo, a 20th century fortress overlooking the impressive Teign Gorge. As you meander along the sign-posted path, you'll come across an array of native flora and fauna, including birds, wildflowers, and an abundance of vibrant butterflies in spring and summer. One of the highlights is the view of Sharp Tor from the crags, looking out over Chagford.

Tip: If you're doing this walk in autumn, keep your eyes peeled for fallow deer and the iconic Dartmoor ponies grazing on the sides of the gorge.

Postcode: EX6 6PB - Castle Drogo
Facilities: There's a café and toilets at Castle Drogo
Distance: 1 mile (1.6km)

Stay nearby: Dartmoor View Holiday Park

Find more details for this walk on the National Trust website.

Gutter Tor Walk

Explore the wilder side of Dartmoor National Park with this uphill climb through the rugged landscape that inspired Michael Morpurgo's "War Horse". Considered a moderate route that can get boggy in wet weather, this is probably best for families with slightly older children, or adults who don't mind carrying younger ones if they get tired! Once you reach the top of Gutter Tor, you'll be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding countryside, before heading back down past the remains of several Medieval structures and Eylesborrow Tin Mine.

Postcode: PL20 6PG - Gutter Tor Car Park
Facilities: There are no facilities on this route so make sure you pack plenty of water and snacks
Distance: 4 miles (6.4km)

Stay nearby: Shippen Barn or Burrator Cottages - The Coach House

Lydford Gorge Waterfall Trail

This hour-long walk takes you into the steep-sided Lydford Gorge, the deepest gorge in South West England, carved into the western edge of Dartmoor National Park. Along the trail, you'll pass through ancient woodland and over Devonian fossils until you reach the 30-metre-high Whitelady Waterfall. The waterfall is named after a local legend which tells of a ghostly figure known as the "White Lady" who is said to haunt the area. The waterfall cascades down a rocky cliff face, surrounded by lush greenery and moss-covered rocks.

Tip: Although the walk is relatively short, it can be steep, uneven and slippery in places, so take extra care and ensure both adults and kids have appropriate footwear.

Postcode: EX20 4BL - waterfall entrance
Facilities: There's free parking in the car park at the waterfall entrance, as well as a café and toilets
Distance: 1 mile (1.6km)

Stay nearby: Chapel Cottage or The Farmers Den

Find more details for this walk on the National Trust website.

Family walks near Exeter

Haldon Forest Park - Discovery Trail

Around 15 minutes' drive south from Exeter, you'll find the ancient woodland and open heathland of Haldon Forest Park. As well as having plenty of great activities and facilities such as biking trails, a picnic area, a Go Ape course, a playground and a café, there are several walks you can choose from, including the Discovery Trail, the Raptor Trail and the Butterfly Trail. The most popular walk is the Discovery Trail, and it's a great option if you're walking with little ones, as there are wide, flat paths for pushchairs, and regular rest points for tired feet. The woodland walk meanders through conifer trees and offers beautiful views of Exeter and the countryside.

Tips: If your children are fans of the Gruffalo, this walk ends in the Bullers Hill picnic and play area, where you can search for the park's Gruffalo Sculpture!

Postcode: EX6 7XR
Facilities: The Forest Centre is the main hub of the park, with parking, toilets, a café and a play area
Distance: 1.5 miles (2.5km)

Stay nearby: Holmans Wood or Finlake Resort & Spa

Find more details for this walk on the Forestry England website.

Exeter Ship Canal

If you're looking for a family-friendly walk near Exeter, with a flat surface for pushchairs, then look no further than the Exeter Ship Canal, which forms part of the city's Riverside Valley Park. Beginning in Exeter Quay and heading south along the River Exe towards Topsham, the full length of the trail is around 5 miles, although there are various paths and circuits you can take if you fancy a longer or shorter stroll. Along the way, there are plenty of charming pubs with beer gardens and riverside views to stop in.

Postcode: EX2 4AN - Custom House Visitor Centre at Exeter Quay
Facilities: There is an information centre at Exeter Quay and several pubs along the route
Distance: 5.25 miles (8.5km) - you can easily choose a shorter or longer route

Stay nearby: Fingle Glen Lodges

Find more details for this walk on the Explore Devon website.

North Devon walks

North Devon is a beautiful destination for families looking to enjoy the great outdoors. Take a leisurely walk along the South West Coast Path as it snakes down the rugged coastline, serving up incredible views of the sea and cliffs. Stop off at one of the many sandy beaches that dot the coastline, where kids will love exploring the rock pools, flying kites and building sandcastles. For a more challenging hike, head inland to the wild moors and wooded valleys of Exmoor National Park, where you can spot wildlife and enjoy the tranquility of nature.

Here are some of our favourite family-friendly walks in North Devon:

Walking routes along the South West Coast Path

Baggy Point Circular Walk

The Baggy Point walk in Croyde, North Devon is a stunning coastal trail that offers breathtaking views and a glimpse into the area's natural beauty. As you set off on the trail, you will be greeted by sweeping views of the rugged coastline and the turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The path winds its way along the cliffs - children should be closely supervised as there are some steep drops and dogs should be kept on leads due to grazing livestock. The highlight of the walk is undoubtedly Baggy Point itself, a dramatic headland that juts out into the sea. From here, you can take in views towards Bideford Bay and Hartland, and watch as seabirds soar overhead.

Postcode: EX33 1 PA - Baggy Point National Trust Car Park
Facilities: There are toilets and a café at the National Trust Car Park
Distance: 2 miles (3.2km)

Stay nearby: Ruda Holiday Park

Find more details for this walk on the National Trust's website.

Lynton & the Valley of the Rocks

This 3-mile scenic loop begins in the pretty coastal village of Lynton, taking you along the cliff tops and offering panoramic views of the Bristol Channel and the dramatic North Devon coastline. After a couple of miles, you'll reach the Valley of Rocks, a unique geological formation that is famous for its towering rock formations and jagged cliffs. Take some time to explore the area, climbing up to the top of the cliffs for even more spectacular views. As you return to the village of Lynton, you can stop off at one of the local pubs or cafes for a well-deserved rest and a refreshing drink.

Tip: For a shorter walk, you can start in one of the car parks in the Valley of Rocks instead.

Postcode: EX35 6HU - Lynton Cliff Railway Station
Facilities: There are plenty of shops, pubs and cafés in Lynton, and a café in the Valley of Rocks
Distance: 2.9 miles (4.7km)

Stay nearby: Lynmouth Holiday Retreat

Find more details for this walk on the South West Coast Path website.

Woolacombe & Combesgate Circular Walk

This easy 3-mile circular walk begins in the seaside town of Woolacombe, part of North Devon's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and known for its beautiful sandy beach, which features on our list of the Best Beaches in Devon. The route follows part of the seafront along the South West Coast Path before heading up towards Combesgate Valley, where you can take in panoramic views across the bay and admire the wildflower-filled fields in spring and summer.

Postcode: EX34 7BN - Esplanade Car Park
Facilities: There are plenty of toilets, cafés and pubs in Woolacombe
Distance: 3 miles (4.8km)

Stay nearby: Cleavewood or Golden Coast Holiday Park

Find more details for this walk on the National Trust website.

Westward Ho! to Cornborough Cliffs

An easy 1.5-mile walk along an old railway line, heading from the outskirts of Westward Ho! to a virewing point on Cornborough Cliffs. Along the way, keep an eye out for a variety of bird species such as gulls, cormorants and even the occasional peregrine falcon soaring overhead. After a leisurely stroll, you will eventually reach Cornborough Cliffs, a dramatic headland that offers panoramic views across Bideford Bay towards Clovelly and Hartland Point. Take a moment to soak in the natural beauty of the rugged cliffs and crashing waves below before retracing your steps back to Westward Ho!.

Postcode: EX39 1JS - Westward Ho! Car Park
Facilities: There are toilets and cafés in Westward Ho!
Distance: 1.5 miles (2.5km)

Find more details for this walk on the South West Coast Path website.

Countryside walks in and around Exmoor National Park

Arlington Court Lake Walk

Combine a visit to Arlington Court and the National Trust Carriage Museum with this easy walk around the estate, located just outside of Exmoor National Park. Beginning at the Old Kitchen tea-room, the family-friendly walk takes you past Monkey Puzzle Trees, bird hides, alongside the lake and through beautiful parkland where you can see Ruby Red Devon Cattle grazing. The route ends back at the Old Kitchen tea-room, the perfect place to relax and enjoy some post-walk refreshments as a famiy.

Postcode: EX31 4LP - Arlington Court National Trust car park
Facilities: There's a café, toilets and shop at Arlington Court
Distance: 1.75 miles (2.8km)

Find more details for this walk on the National Trust website.

Wistlandpound Reservoir

Wistlandpound is a picturesque reservoir, surrounded by lush woodlands and rolling hills, and is a perfect destination for families looking to enjoy a relaxing day out in nature. The easy, family-friendly walking trails that wind around the reservoir provide stunning views of the water and the surrounding countryside. The walk around Wistlandpound Reservoir takes 40 minutes or so, and you the flat, accessible path is ideal for pushchairs. Keep an eye out for the abundance of wildlife that calls this area home, including birds, butterflies and maybe even a deer or two. For those looking for a longer walk, there are also a number of well-marked paths that lead deeper into the woods surrounding the reservoir. After your walk, why not enjoy a picnic by the water's edge or stop by the onsite cafe for a hot drink and a snack? There are also plenty of grassy areas where children can run and play, making Wistlandpound Reservoir the perfect destination for a day out with the whole family.

Postcode: EX31 4SL - Reservoir Car Park
Facilities: There are no facilities at the lake, so make sure you bring your own water and snacks
Distance: 1.5 miles (2.4km) around the reservoir

Find more details for this walk on the South West Lakes Trust website.

East Lyn River Walk

The East Lyn River walk begins in the picturesque village of Lynmouth, nestled within the stunning Exmoor National Park. This river walk is a popular choice for visitors, offering breathtaking views of the rugged coastlines, lush green countryside and the tranquil waters of the East Lyn River. Starting in Lynmouth, walkers can follow the river as it meanders through wooded valleys, passing by charming cottages and ancient bridges dating back centuries. Nature enthusiasts will delight in the diverse flora and fauna that can be seen along the way, adding a touch of wonder and excitement to the walk.

Postcode: EX35 6EP - Lower Lyndale car park
Facilities: There's toilets at Lower Lyndale car park in Lynmouth. Along the route, there's a National Trust tea room in Watersmeet and a historic pub in Rockford
Distance: 6.8 miles (11km)

Find more details for this walk on the BBC Countryfile website.

Plan your family walk in Devon

We hope this guide has been helpful in planning your family-friendly walk in Devon! Whether you're exploring the seaside, the woods or the rugged moors of Dartmoor and Exmoor, there's pleny of wonderful walks to discover in this beautiful part of the UK. Check out the rest of our blogs for more inspiration and help planning your family holiday in Devon!

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