Hiking is one of the best excursions as it not only brings you close to nature but also helps you meditate. South Devon is full of natural beauty with its beaches, coastlines and hilly areas.
Despite being busy in all seasons and full of tourists, you hardly notice any waste, thanks to waste management companies such as https://benandjerry.org.uk/. These hilly areas have many trails that are perfect for hiking, birdwatching and more. If you're new to South Devon and looking for walking and trekking recommendations, you've come to the right place. This article covers some of the best routes in South Devon.
Hannaford Road and Revelstoke Drive
Located in Wembury, this trail is approximately 4.5 miles long with an elevation gain of approximately 500 feet. A cruise takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. This path passes through forests and coastal landscapes and is good for walking and jogging. It is a loop path that takes you through the village of Noss Mayo to the hilltop, to the mouth of the Yealm and back to Noss Mayo. It is also good for cycling tours thanks to its partially paved path. The trail is a bit steep to climb at first, but gets easier as you go.
Dartmouth Castle and Church of St. Petrox
Set in the beautiful Dartmouth countryside, this trail is 4.7 miles long with a vertical drop of approximately 800 feet. It takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes to complete. This loop route passes through Dartmouth Castle, which has 600 years of history, and offers beautiful views of the coast. You can enjoy birdwatching, fishing and walking while taking in the sights of the Royal Naval College, the Dart Estuary and Dartmouth Harbour. You can also stop along the way to explore the castle and church. This route offers breathtaking views and is suitable for people of all ages.
Bolt Head and South Sands
This Salcombe trail is 8.7km long and offers a height difference of approximately 285m, which can be a reasonable challenge for older people. The trail can be completed in 2.5 hours while enjoying local birds and serene landscapes. It runs around the Devon coast, lush green fields and picturesque local areas. The route is open all year round, but the best season is spring. During the rain it can get muddy and slippery, so check the weather advice before heading there.
East Portlemouth and Gara Rock
This is one of the shortest and easiest routes in Devon, but no less beautiful with breathtaking views. This loop route has a total distance of 4.5 km with an elevation gain of 140 m, located in Salcombe. You can enjoy walking, running or hiking on this track with the chirping of birds in the background. You can walk along the coastline, through natural fields, meadows and forests. If you want to take photos with blooming flowers in the background, visit this place in spring or early summer.
Kingswear Coastal and the Watten Circular
The 9.3 km long trail with an elevation gain of 416 m is one of the largest and most challenging trails, located in Dartmouth. This trail is open all year round and offers coastal and enchanting landscapes. The trail takes about 3 hours and is good for fishing, hiking, mountain biking and historical sightseeing. It's a bit rocky and muddy at some points, so take precautions during the rain. You can capture the beauty of the sea, cliffs and caves. Along the way you can also see Kingswear Castle, which was built in the 15th century to protect Dartmouth harbour.
Last words
“Nature is not a place to visit, it is a home.” South Devon embodies this sentiment with its rich natural beauty. If you are a true explorer and avid nature lover, South Devon's trails offer beautiful views of lush green fields, blooming flowers, fruit trees, coastlines, cliffs, woodlands and chirping birds. The most important thing is that you meet hospitable people along the way. Despite the high number of visitors, thanks to the ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY DISPOSAL services. So pack your walking gear, visit South Devon and experience the walk of a lifetime.
