Walking, Cycling & Riding in Devon

Devon, located in the heart of South West England, is a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts. It is the only UK county with two separate coastlines—the rugged Atlantic cliffs of the north and the sheltered coves of the south—and the only English county with two National Parks: Dartmoor and Exmoor.

Activities & Sights
Walking: Explore over 3,000 miles of footpaths, including the South West Coast Path, which covers the entire coastline. Inland, you can scale granite “tors” on Dartmoor or discover ancient woodlands like Wistman’s Wood.
Cycling: Devon offers numerous traffic-free trails such as the Tarka Trail (32 miles in North Devon) and the Granite Way (11 miles skirting Dartmoor). For mountain biking, Haldon Forest Park provides 3,000 acres of dedicated trails.
Riding: Dartmoor and Exmoor are famous for horse riding across open moorland. Coastal hacking is also available near reservoirs like Wistlandpound.

Visitor Profile & Timing
Who should go: It is ideal for families seeking safe cycle paths, hikers looking for diverse terrain, and dog owners—Devon is noted as one of the UK’s most dog-friendly destinations.
When to visit: The most popular time is May to September for warm weather and open attractions. September is particularly recommended for cycling due to lingering warmth and “cycle confidence” events.
Duration: Most overnight visitors stay for an average of 4.8 to 4.9 nights.

Unique Appeal
Devon’s “dual-coastal” position allows you to experience two distinct environments: the “English Riviera” in the south with its sub-tropical climate, and the wild, surfing-heavy Atlantic swells of the north. It is also home to the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for 185 million years of geological history and fossil hunting.

Membership Benefits & Booking Tips
Memberships: National Trust and English Heritage members receive free entry and parking at numerous historic sites, such as Castle Drogo or Buckland Abbey.
Offers: Active Devon often runs free guided rides and adult cycle confidence sessions.
Booking Tips:
Advanced Booking: Popular sites like Berry Pomeroy Castle require advanced timed tickets, even for members.
Last-Minute Trends: Approximately 30% of bookings are now made within four weeks of travel, but popular spots like Salcombe fill up quickly in high season.
Transport: While a car is recommended for rural areas, many National Trust sites are accessible via local bus routes.