miles/14.5km | 6–8 hours | challenging Heddon Orchard National Trust Bothy/Credit: Mike Fenton, National Trust Images For those looking for something closer to home, Colton to Lyme Regis and Exeter City Trails have plenty of routes to explore.

Here, you'll find a network of pathways criss-crossing the county and, with its mild climate, unspoilt beauty, peace and tranquillity - not to mention Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks, and theSouth West Coast Path running across 205 miles of the north and south coasts - Devon is the perfect placeto explore on foot. Outdoor activities What’s more, the riverbank is home to many ancient trees – making it ideal for nature lovers or anyone looking to get away from it all. Bolberry Down is managed by the National Trust, so this lovely area has a network of well-maintained, easily accessible paths from which to admire the sea views and rare coastal grassland. Discover the beauty of Holnicote Estate, a 3,400-acre estate located within Exmoor National Park, and take in the panoramic views of the moorland, woodlands, and valleys. The 4-mile route takes you across the rolling hills of North Devon, with stunning views of the Atlantic ocean and a glimpse of the ancient woodlands.Take a journey from the bustling town of Braunton to the historical city of Barnstaple, and enjoy some of North Devon’s most stunning scenery along the way. Choose from the shorter hike up to Potters Hill or a longer one from Potters Hill across Woolacombe Down, returning through the dunes to the start. 51) Heddon's Mouth circular walk Discover a stunning journey through North Devon’s wild, untamed lands by taking the Two Moors Way. This scenic trail stretches for 103 miles through the counties of Devon and Somerset, connecting Exmoor and Dartmoor National Parks.

This area of North Devon offers breathtaking views and is an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll. The dunes cover over 3,200 acres and contain two important nature reserves that are home to a wide variety of flora and fauna.Explore South Devon on this two-hour walk along beautiful coastlines, semi-ancient woodlands and spot grey seals in the calm waters of Fishcombe Cove.

This impressive circular walk is located close to the East Devon Way, another one of the West Country’s lovely and long national paths. The trail originates at a village car park in the village of Newton Poppleford’s which is famous for the King Alfred daffodil which has been produced there since the end of the 19th century. The village is also known to horticulturalists and garden fanatics for its market gardens, some of which survive to this day. This 35-mile walk was created by the Rambler's Association and named in memory of a former chairman and walk leader. It's split into four sections taking in coast, creeks, castles and countryside and can be walked over a series of days or, if you're feeling energetic, completed in one go. A popular route takes you through some of Branscombe’s best scenery, winding through woodland trails and meadows full of wildflowers. Stroll along the edge of the cliffs, taking in the stunning views of the ocean stretching out into the horizon. Keep an eye out for seabirds like guillemots, cormorants, and razorbills.The walk begins at Aylesbeare Common car park and follows a well-marked footpath that loops around the common. Along this route, you’ll find plenty of traditional pubs and tea rooms for refreshment breaks during your walk. Good to know: this route is suitable for wheelchairs and buggies, and dog-friendly too. The Port Light Hotel is a good stopoff point for refreshments. Take an autumn walk from Castle Drogo through Piddledown Common and Fingle Wood a see one of England’s largest woodland restoration projects.