North Devon is a must for walkers, we have many areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty to explore. We are especially blessed here at Putsborough Manor Holiday Cottages as the South West Coastal path runs past the door. Several of the walks listed below are within a short walk from our cottages.
Whilst there are many opportunities to get off the beaten track and explore new grounds, there’s also plenty of well known and well loved routes which are perfect to walk, hike, stretch your legs. Wander in a daydream, explore, sightsee and discover in North Devon! Many routes are also dog friendly and are perfect for families too.
Plus, due to our position on the coast, the gems of North Devon are right by the sea. So here’s our guide to some of the best coastal Walks in North Devon. How many of these amazing routes and photo-worthy views have you enjoyed?
Video Courtesy of Panoptice Motion on Vimeo CREATE YOUR OWN PATH
PUTSBOROUGH TO WOOLACOMBE
Woolacombe Beach looking towards Putsborough and Baggy Point
We have to start with this one, the classic walk between the beaches of Putsborough and Woolacombe. It’s a simple idea; start from either end and follow the path overlooking the beach. Along the way you take in the sea, sand, surf and views out to Lundy and Morte Point, – then on the way back take the same route or walk over the beach instead. Whether you’re in Woolacombe, or staying at Putsborough, this is a walk anyone can enjoy. Putsborough and Woolacombe beach are dog friendly all year (restrictions apply in places).
BAGGY POINT
This walk can be commenced from the door of your cottage, just walk across our field and across the lane, the path starts there. Walk the Coastal Path on National Trust land around the coast to Croyde. This walk includes an easier route and a steeper path for an alternative route back. It’s a great walk for taking in amazing, panoramic views of the coastline towards Bideford and Hartland, and on a clear day you can see the coastline of Wales as well as Lundy Island and the beautiful golden beaches of Putsborough, Croyde and Saunton. Children will love discovering the secrets along the way and everyone will enjoy the rocks and cliffs – a true, North Devon experience.
MORTE POINT
A walk on the pathways of Morte Point will give you the chance to enjoy a dramatic and rocky coastline with sweeping views. You can tag this on to the walk from Putsborough to Woolacombe if you are a keen walker (approx 6 miles each way). Stop at Woolacombe for lunch or dinner. Or you can commence from Mortehoe village carpark and look out for the sign ‘coastal path’ and have a picnic on the point or visit one of the two lovely pubs in Mortehoe.
CROW POINT & BRAUNTON BURROWS
If you want to get away from the crowed beaches of Croyde or Woolacombe in the summer this is the place for you! Drive to Velator from Braunton, you’ll find carparks where the Burrows meet the estuary. From there it’s up to you, as there are no set paths, instead you can simply wonder. Drop down onto the beach and follow the water to the wrecked boat and Crow Point – with views of Instow, Westward Ho!, and Appledore – and then head towards the sea onto the far end of Saunton Sands. With the Burrows behind you, there’s plenty of dunes to be explored too.
HEDDON VALLEY
If you fancy a woodland walk alongside a river as it makes its way to the sea and then discover Heddon’s Mouth (a pebbly beach with an ancient lime kiln) then take a drive to Heddon Valley On the edge of Exmoor the drive to Heddon Valley is worth the trip, as you drive into the valley you will discover a beautiful landscape of ancient lichen covered trees and fern forests that harken back to prehistoric times. Park near The Hunters Inn and find the start of a beautiful walk through the woods alongside the River Heddon to where it meets the sea. These are some of England’s highest sea cliffs, framing an amazing view out to sea. Ideal.
