North Devon Walks
What better way to explore North Devon’s dramatic scenery than on foot? North Devon walks offer some of the UK's most dramatic and diverse landscapes. With wild coastlines and vast expanses of countryside to explore, there’s no better place to get your hike on.
From magical waterfall encounters to breathtaking coastal rambles, here are some of the most scenic North Devon walks, all easily accessible from Northcote Manor.
Braunton Burrows
This circular walk passes through some of North Devon’s most breathtaking coastal scenery. Beginning at Velator, a once busy Quay, you’ll walk through Braunton Burrows, one of the largest sand dune systems in the UK and a UNESCO-designated North Devon Biosphere Reserve, renowned for its rich plant and animal life.
The walk takes you inland around Braunton Marshes and past the historic Great Field, one of England’s three medieval strip farming fields.
Perfect for: Sandy dunes and wildlife spotting
Walk Length: Approximately 6 miles
Difficulty: Easy
The Tarka Trail
One of the best ways to explore the natural beauty of North Devon is along the Tarka Trail. Spanning 180 miles, this figure of 8 loop winds its way through Exmoor and Dartmoor National parks, sprawling countryside, woodland and a large section of the South West Coastal Path.
You can join the Tarka Trail in several places and most people break the trail up into manageable sections, for example, Barnstaple to Lynton. Depending on where you finish up, you can catch the Tarka Rail Line service back to Barnstaple at the end of your walk.
Perfect for: Exploring North Devon
Walk Length: It’s up to you! You can join the trail at several points.
Difficulty: Ranging from exposed, steep coastal paths to flatter, easy footpaths
Lee Bay to Bull Point Lighthouse
Beginning at the unspoiled and secluded Lee Bay, this walk takes in some of North Devon’s most varied and picturesque scenery. Journey through ancient woodlands, past hidden coves and secluded beaches until you reach Bull Point Lighthouse and marvel at the magnificent, panoramic sea views.
You can return to Lee Bay the way you came or head back along an equally scenic inland trail.
Perfect for: Remarkable scenery and a secret beach
Walk Length: Approximately 4 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Speke's Mill Mouth Waterfall
Beginning at the unspoiled and secluded Lee Bay, this walk takes in some of North Devon’s most varied and picturesque scenery. Journey through ancient woodlands, past hidden coves and secluded beaches until you reach Bull Point Lighthouse and marvel at the magnificent, panoramic sea views.
You can return to Lee Bay the way you came or head back along an equally scenic inland trail.
Perfect for: Remarkable scenery and a secret beach
Walk Length: Approximately 4 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Valley of Rocks and Lynton Outer Loop
One of the most exhilarating walks in North Devon, this circular ramble hugs the rugged clifftop paths to take in some of the region's most stunning views. Beginning at the pretty town of Lynton, follow the trail up and through the Valley of Rocks and admire the breathtaking scenery before descending through woodland and country lanes on the return to Lynton.
Perfect for: Dramatic scenery and mountain goats
Walk Length: Approximately 6 miles
Difficulty: Moderate