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Refreshing walks

Published on
walking

StretchYour Legs

Fully indulge yourself in the North Devon charm by taking some picturesque walks during your stay. No matter what kind of walker you are, you are sure to find a walk to suit you. So grab your walking shoes, tie up your laces and take a stroll around beautiful Devon.

Devon supplies all kinds of quaint and charming walks and is sure to leave you inspired and in awe of the natural beauty surrounding us. 

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Valley of the Rocks Near Lynton North Devon

Valley ofRocks

The Valley of Rocks is one of the most popular destinations in the National Park, which comes as no surprise with its spectacular setting at the mouth of the wooded gorges of the East and West Lyn rivers, hemmed in by gigantic cliffs. The Valley of Rocks is arguably the most stunning and scenic location on Exmoor, and depending on the time of day you visit you could be met by fiery skies as the sun sets creating a dramatic skyline that is truly breathtaking.

 If the view wasn't the only thing making this a top walk for all, the location also offers an array of wildlife the most intriguing being the feral goats that roam freely, getting on their merry way along the jagged cliff edges or most often on the outskirts of the car park located on-site. 

It can be reached by an easy walk from Lynmouth, as is the River Lyn. To top things off the coastal path from Lynton to the Famous Valley of Rocks is relatively level and has been surfaced with tarmac making it an easy route for all walking abilities. 

Additionally, the walk can be shortened if starting from one of the car parks in the Valley of Rocks, reducing the coastal walk to a loop. 

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Sunset Over Croyde Beach North Devon

BaggyPoint

Baggy Point provides several photo opportunities, whether you want to capture candid photos for Instagram, capture heartfelt moments on family outings or whether you just want to treasure the beauty of the coast through a lens. Baggy Point has something to offer all kinds of walkers. Baggy Point overlooks Croyde, one of the best surfing beaches in North Devon.

The walk itself has stunning coastal views and jagged cliff lines and gives you a real sensation of being on the edge of the world. Baggy Point allows for an easy access path that allows people of all ages and abilities to enjoy. Allowing walkers to escape the bustle of the beaches and take in spectacular views.

What's more, this is an excellent route for bird-watching and if you're lucky enough you may even spy on some seals. At certain times of the year, you can watch rock climbers scaling the cliffs which, adds to the essence of the area. Along your walk, you will be greeted by multitudes of wildlife but mostly likely flocks of sheep as you make your way through the path.

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Tarr Steps in Exmoor North Devon

TarrSteps

Let's leave coastal paths and indulge in something a little more inland. The Tarr Steps are situated towards the southern aspect of Exmoor, near Withypool, some five miles from the large town of Dulverton. Tarr Steps is surrounded by stunning plant life, but maybe more visually pleasing is the ancient clapper bridge which possibly dates back to 1000BC and is by far the longest of the 40 or so clapper bridges left in Britain.

Whether you are an experienced walker or prefer shorter strolls, Tarr Steps accommodates for all with a mixture of long and short walking paths all starting at the base of the attraction and edging off further away before looping back to the main attraction of the clapper bridge. For more challenging circular walks why not try Dulverton to Tarr Steps.

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Coastline at Hartland Quay North Devon

HartlandQuay

Hartland Quay offers a quaint mix of coastal views with fascinating rock formations and plunging waterfalls to rugged grass lines enriched with yellow flag irises, foxgloves, bluebells and wild garlic. This walk is described as challenging which is no surprise with its array of surroundings.

The coastal paths and green lanes occasionally get muddy in places so consider your footwear wisely. There are several stretches of steep gradients as well as lengthy flights of steps and serval stiles, which makes this walk the most challenging of the bunch. A rollercoaster walk heading north from Hartland Quay to Hartland Point, above a stretch of coastline notorious for the extensive catalogue of shipwrecks on its deadly rocks. It returns along ancient green lanes, passing through the churchyard of 'The Cathedral of North Devon, near the fifth-century saint's holy well.

This walk although challenging, the stunning views make up for every staggered breath and sweat given to accomplish.

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Woolacombe Beach and Morte Point North Devon

Morte Pointand Bull Point

The walk between Morte Point and Bull Point is a strenuous one, a circular walk along high cliffs and steep valleys. When visiting in spring you can expect birds calling from bushes draped in blossoms and the grasslands are full of wildflowers and insects. Do take into consideration that the walk comes with high winds from the coastal path so do remember to carry extra layers.

A strenuous circular walk along high cliffs and steep valleys. Beware of high winds on the coast path. If you want a walk that will guide you away from crowds and immerse you in dramatic cliffs, rocky headlands and sandy bays this is the one for you. Look out for seals along your walk from Morte Point towards Bull Point.

The coastline once known to be notorious for smugglers and shipwrecks now beholds a subtle beauty of natural appreciation. An extra bonus of this walk is the bull point lighthouse which the walk will guide you pass, so why not take a break and take in the views. This would also make a great photo opportunity for those candid snappers out there.

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The Barnstaple Hotel is the perfect base no matter where your walks take you. Why not check our offers to see if we can tempt you into staying with us during your walking adventures?

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