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A flavour of Devon’s geology

Devon has a varied and ancient geology and as you travel around the County this variety is clearly reflected in the diverse landscape.

Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Devon

Devon's green and beautiful countryside is rightly treasured by natives and visitors alike, and recognition has been given to its world-class quality by the award of five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs).

Barnstaple - Lynton/Lynmouth

Distance: 30 miles Difficulty: Moderate/Hard End points: - Barnstaple (Grid Ref SS555325) - Lynmouth (Grid Ref SS724495) Leaving Barnstaple along the Taw, paths then lead away between villages over a quiet and beautiful countryside until Exmoor is reached near ...

Barnstaple - Okehampton

Distance: 45 miles Difficulty: Easy/Moderate End points: - Barnstaple (Grid Ref SS555325) - Okehampton (Grid Ref SX 587952) Between Barnstaple and Bideford the Trail follows a former railway alongside the wide estuaries of the Taw and Torridge rivers, passing ...

Blue Flag Beaches in Devon

Devon's beaches are some of the best and cleanest in the world - and you don't have to take just our word for it! A dozen of our loveliest beaches have been given the prestigious Blue Flag award, guaranteeing ...

Boating and Canoeing

For messing about on the water, Devon is unbeatable.

Bovey Tracey - Newton Abbot

Distance: 6 miles Difficulty: Easy End points: - Pottery Pond (Grid Ref SX813771) - Newton Abbot (Grid Ref SX863718) This is an almost completely level walk, largely on the floor of the valley of the River Teign.

Bridestowe - Lewdown

Distance: 7 miles Difficulty: Moderate End points: - Bridestowe (Grid Ref SX514894) - Lewdown (Grid Ref SX448868) This is a quiet and remote part of Devon. The Trail passes through woodland, over high airy download and along hedged lanes.

Buckfastleigh - Tavistock

Distance: 24 miles Difficulty: Moderate/Hard End points: - Buckfastleigh (Grid Ref SX740661) - Tavistock (Grid Ref SX482745) Virtually every aspect of the Dartmoor landscape is encountered here.

Car Free Days Out

Letting public transport take the strain is the perfect way to travel around the Devon countryside.

Colebrooke - Crediton

Distance: 8.5 miles Difficulty: Easy End points: - Colebrooke (Grid Ref SS770000) - Crediton (Grid Ref SS835002) Most of this length of the route follows the valley of the River Yeo.

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Crediton - Stoke Canon

Distance: 10.

Cycle Hire, Shops and Holidays

Just take a look at the number of businesses devoted to cycles and you'll be in no doubt that Devon is a great place for cyclists.

Cycling

If pedal power is your choice, Devon is the perfect base for you. Exciting off-road tracks, leisurely afternoon rides or challenging long distance routes - just take your pick.

Dart Valley

The Dart Valley Trail is 16 miles in total, made up of an estuary circuit, covering about 4 miles on either side of the lower river valley, plus an additional 8 mile path up the valley to the ancient ...

Dartmoor Sunday Rover

Enjoy a day out on Dartmoor with a Sunday Rover ticket and try one of our easy to follow itineraries as featured in the "Days out to Dartmoor by bus and train" leaflets.

Dartmoor Way

The Dartmoor Way is an ideal way to explore some of the less well-known sides of Dartmoor at any time of the year.

Devon Coast to Coast

Unlike the better known walk in the north of England which runs west to east, Devon's goes from north to south.

Devon Coast to Coast

Distance: 102 miles / 163km Difficulty: Variable End points: Ilfracombe and Plymouth The Devon Coast to Coast (NCN Route 27) links Ilfracombe on the north coast with Plymouth on the south coast for a distance of 102 miles/163km.

Devon's Geology

Devon has a varied geology - one of the most diverse in the British Isles, and the county even gives its name to a geological period - Devonian.

Devon's National Parks

Wilderness, beauty, a powerful sense of history stretching back to the beginning of time, treasure troves for animals and plant life - Dartmoor and Exmoor irresistibly draw a host of visitors each year, yet their wide expanses still readily ...

Devon's Scenic Railways

Let the train take you on a scenic tour of real ales along either the Tarka or the Tamar Valley branch line.

Devonshire Heartland Way

The Devonshire Heartland Way runs for 43 miles through the heart of Devon, linking the Exe Valley in the east, with Okehampton in the west.

Discover Devon Differently

Devon has the most fantastic natural environment and we all want it to stay that way.

Diving

Whether an advanced diver or just dabbling your first toe in the water, Devon's terrific range of places to dive and brilliant sea-life will take your breath away.

East Devon Way

Walking any distance along this 38 mile path - popularly known as 'The Foxglove Way' - which runs through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is undoubtedly one of life's richer pleasures! Following footpaths, bridleways and stretches of quiet ...

East Devon Way: Colyton - Lyme Regis

Distance: 10 miles Difficulty: Moderate/Hard End points: - Colyton (Grid Ref SY247943) - Lyme Regis (Grid Ref SY333933) The Way continues along the Coly Valley to reach the wide floodplain of the River Axe.

Eggesford - Barnstaple

Distance: 20 miles Difficulty: Moderate End points: - Eggesford (Grid Ref SS682115) - Barnstaple (Grid Ref SS555325) It is possible to devise your own walking route continuing north along the Taw Valley from Eggesford to Barnstaple using minor roads ...

Erme-Plym Trail

This 10 mile, generally easy path takes in the pleasing environment of the Erme Valley south of Ivybridge as well as following a cross-country route through attractive pastoral landscape. At its western end it has two branches.

Erme-Plym Trail: Brixton - Hooe Lake

Distance: 5 miles Difficulty: Easy/Moderate End points: - Brixton (Grid Ref SX554523) - Hooe Lake (Grid Ref SX504529) West of Brixton the Trail crosses an attractive tidal creek and just over a mile further west from here it splits ...

Erme-Plym Trail: Brixton - Wembury

Distance: 4.5 miles Difficulty: Easy End points: - Brixton (Grid Ref SX554523) - Wembury (Grid Ref SX517484) West of Brixton the Trail crosses an attractive tidal creek and just over a mile further west from here it splits into two.

Erme-Plym Trail: Ivybridge-Brixton

Distance: 12.

Exe Valley Way

Almost 45 miles end to end, this trail runs through beautiful Devon countryside between the Exe Estuary and the heights of Exmoor.

Exmouth - Newton Poppleford

Distance: 12.5 miles Difficulty: Easy/Moderate End points: - Exmouth (Grid Ref SY000810) - Newton Poppleford (Grid Ref SY086898) The Way leaves Exmouth along the Exe Estuary, offering superb views over this wide and picturesque waterway.

Fishing

Discover clean rivers, inland fishing lakes, rewarding deep-sea angling trips and organised fishing weekends year-round in Devon. South West Lakes Trust manages 16 inland lakes and reservoirs in Devon and each offers wonderful trout and coarse fishing.

Food and Drink

Shimmeringly fresh fish, lovingly matured farmhouse cheeses, crusty cottage loaves, local ales, award-winning wines, organic apple juice and the sheer luxury of traditional ice cream - delicious, first-class food which you'll find everywhere when you come to Devon.

Further information on Devon's geology

If you want to dig deeper into the geology of Devon there are many sources of information you can explore. Here are just a few: - The Educational Register of Geological Sites in Devon: www.devon.gov.

Gardens in Devon

Sheltered nooks full of exotic plants, wild woodland walks, ancient walled gardens packed with glowing flowers, you'll find them all and much more in Devon's gardens.

Green Transport

Devon is easy to reach by public transport making it the ideal destination for a short break or a longer holiday.

Green Accommodation

Green short break or holiday, there is a whole range of top quality green accommodation in Devon perfectly suited to your wishes, from glorious coast to rural hideaway - for many of our hotels , farms , B&Bs and ...

Green Attractions

Paddling on a beach, striding across moors or hunting for bugs - whatever your tastes, Devon's world-class landscape gives you space to enjoy them.

Green Awarded Attractions in Devon

Devon's green tourism is growing strongly so you'll have no difficulty in finding attractions doing more than their bit to preserve our heritage.

Green Awards Information

Devon leads the field in the number of excellent organisations promoting sustainable tourism and environmentally friendly holidays. These cover local food and drink organisations, environmental award schemes, charities promoting organic food and many more. Green Tourism Business Scheme.

Green Events

Get in touch with your wild side and search out some of the many green events happening all year round in Devon. From nature trails to festivals, there is plenty to lure you into our great outdoors.

Green News

Devon Grows Organically - we're the number one green county! Devon has been declared the number one organic county according to the latest figures from Defra.

Green Tourism

Keeping Devon Special Devon's stunning natural beauty and cultural heritage are deservedly famous and we are working hard to keep it as special as it today.

Green Tourism Business Scheme

In a busy world we all enjoy the opportunity to switch off and relax. This award allows you to do just that.

Haytor - Bovey Tracey

Distance : 4.

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Horse Riding

Come to the Wild West, Devon-style! Saddle up and try pony trekking through Devon. Ride across open moor, hack down country lanes, or - for the more adventurous - gallop along the beach.

How Do I Make Green Holiday Choices?

Take the train and come and visit. If you cannot then make sure you leave your car unused for at least ONE day on your holiday. You may discover so much more beyond the windscreen.

Itineraries

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Keeping Devon Special - Sustainable Tourism in Devon

We understand that the key appeal of Devon is its environment.

Lewdown - Lifton

Distance: 5 miles Difficulty: Easy End points: - Lewdown (Grid Ref SX448868) - Lifton (Grid Ref SX387852) Passing through more quiet countryside, the Trail arrives at Stowford, with its Dark-Age carved stone.

Lifton - Launceston

Distance: 5 miles Difficulty: Easy/Moderate End points: - Lifton (Grid Ref SX387852) - Launceston (Grid Ref SX332847) Heading west out of Lifton the Trail descends to the valley of the River Carey, a tributary of the Tamar.

Local Food and Drink Organisations

South Hams Local Food and Drink Association The South Hams is a food lover's paradise, with a wide variety of fresh locally produced food and drink.

Long Distance Trails

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Lydford - Okehampton

Distance: 9.5 miles Difficulty: Easy/Moderate End points: - Lydford (Grid Ref SX510847) - Okehampton (Grid Ref SX587952) Lydford is worthy lingering over - its two castles, ancient church and Saxon walls repay more exploration.

Lynton/Lynmouth - Barnstaple

Distance: 47 miles Difficulty: Moderate/Hard End points: - Lynmouth (Grid Ref SS724495) - Barnstaple (Grid Ref SS555325) This part of the Tarka Trail follows the line of the South West Coast Path along the North Devon coast and into ...

Moretonhampstead - Buckfastleigh

Distance: 23 miles Difficulty: Easy/Moderate End points: - Moretonhampstead (Grid Ref SX754860) - Buckfastleigh (Grid Ref SX740661) A long stretch of this section of the Way follows alongside or parallel to the River Bovey as it cuts through the ...

My Itinerary

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National Cycle Network

Nearly 150 miles of the National Cycle Network (NCN) are in Devon. The routes are designed to be safe for novice cyclists, useful for local journeys and a memorable experience for visitors.

Newton Abbot - Teignmouth

Distance: 6.5 miles Difficulty: Easy/Moderate End points: - Newton Abbot (Grid Ref SX863718) - Teignmouth (New Quay) (Grid Ref SX939727) Leaving Newton Abbot the edge of the Teign Estuary is followed all the way to Shaldon.

Newton Poppleford - Colyton

Distance: 16 miles Difficulty: Moderate End points: - Newton Poppleford (Grid Ref SY086898) - Colyton (Grid Ref SY247943) Much of this section crosses a quiet and remote, but always very scenic, part of East Devon.

North Tawton - Colebrooke

Distance: 12.5 miles Difficulty: Easy/Moderate End points: - North Tawton (Grid Ref SS664017) - Colebrooke (Grid Ref SS770000) This is a quiet area of paths and lanes, giving wide views south to the edge of Dartmoor.

Okehampton - Bridestowe

Distance: 7 miles Difficulty: Easy/Moderate End points: - Okehampton (Grid Ref SX587952) - Bridestowe (Grid Ref SX587952) Okehampton Castle, one of the two great Norman castles from which the Trail gets its name, looks over the early part of ...

Okehampton - Eggesford

Distance: 22 miles Difficulty: Easy/Moderate End points: - Okehampton (Grid Ref SX587952) - Eggesford (Grid Ref SS682115) Leaving Okehampton the Trail samples a short stretch of high moorland tracks.

Okehampton - Moretonhampstead

Distance: 20 miles Difficulty: Moderate End points: - Okehampton (Grid Ref SX587952) - Moretonhampstead (Grid Ref SX754860) A little way east of Okehampton the Way enters Belstone Cleave, a superb deep wooded rocky valley.

Okehampton - North Tawton

Distance: 13.5 miles Difficulty: Easy/Moderate End points: - Okehampton (Grid Ref SS590945) - North Tawton (Grid Ref SS664017) The Trail's western terminus is at Okehampton Station, on the very edge of Dartmoor.

Other Sustainable Tourism Organisations

David Bellamy Conservation Awards David Bellamy Conservation Awards are made each year to parks which can demonstrate policies showing active concern for the environment.

Outdoor Activities

Discover Devon's idyllic playground - the place to switch off from everyday life and get active. Try something new, enjoy something old - Devon's Activities will charge up your batteries and return home refreshed and invigorated.

Plymouth - Tavistock

Distance: 18.

Ride and Stride

Devon has some excellent walks very close to public transport links, allowing you to take a short bus, train or ferry ride and then walk back - creating a great circuit for you to enjoy.

Safety and the conservation of geological specimens

A little care and consideration for your safety and surroundings can help us all to continue to enjoy Devon's wonderful environment and its unique geological heritage. Use your common sense and please: - Follow the Country Code: www.countrysideaccess.gov.

Short and Circular Cycle Routes

Coast or country, moorland or canal, straight line or circle, there is a wonderful abundance of rides to suit all moods in Devon.

Short and Circular Walks

Coast or country, moorland or sunken lanes? Wherever you go in Devon you will find a criss-cross of tracks so you can roam freely through our green and beautiful land.

Sites of International Importance in Devon

Outstanding as Devon is for the beauty of its world-class landscapes, it also has three remarkable areas recognised as sites of international significance by the UNESCO - the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

South Coast Cycle Route

Difficulty: Variable End points: Plymouth and the Devon/Dorset Border near Axminster The Southern Coastal route (NCN Route 2) is being developed by Devon County Council and - although not yet complete - has some sections already built.

South West Coast Path

Over the centuries fishermen, coastguards and smugglers have helped to create this historic path - now Britain's longest National Trail - stretching over 600 miles.

South West Coast Path: Barnstaple - Exmoor

Distance: 48 miles Difficulty: Moderate/Hard End points: - Exmoor (Grid Ref SS725404 ) - Barnstaple (Grid Ref SS665308 ) This is a coastline of great variety.

South West Coast Path: Cornwall border - Barnstaple

Distance: 43 miles Difficulty: Easy/Moderate End points: - Barnstaple (Grid Ref SS665308) - Cornwall border (Grid Ref SS213175) In the east, the path follows the estuary of the Taw and Torridge rivers, much on a former railway making for ...

South West Coast Path: Dartmouth - Exe Estuary

Distance: 38 miles Difficulty: Easy/Moderate End points: - Kingswear (Grid Ref SX877514) - Starcross (Grid Ref SX975818) The Coast Path between the River Dart and Brixham is surprisingly strenuous and remote.

South West Coast Path: Exe Estuary - Dorset border

Distance: 30 miles Difficulty: Moderate/Hard End points: - Exmouth (Grid Ref SY005809) - Lyme Regis (Grid Ref SY339920) In the west, Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton offer facilities and easy walking over low cliffs.

South West Coast Path: Plymouth - Dartmouth

Distance: 65 miles Difficulty: Moderate/Hard End points: - Plymouth (Grid Ref SX452550) - Dart Estuary (Grid Ref SX877514) Beyond the historic sights of maritime Plymouth, this length of coast is cut by the three beautiful wooded estuaries of the ...

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Surfing

Powerful Atlantic swells sweeping down on Devon's two coasts create superb surf all year around. No wonder then, with such exhilarating challenges, Devon is so popular with surfers.

Tarka Trail

Inspired by Henry Williamson's much loved novel "Tarka the Otter" which was based on real places, this 180 miles recreational route, in a figure of eight, follows Tarka's journeys through the northern part of the county.

Tavistock - Lydford

Distance: 9.

Tavistock - Okehampton

Distance: 19 miles Difficulty: Easy/Moderate End points: - Tavistock (Grid Ref SX482745) - Okehampton (Grid Ref SX587952) This length skirts the western edge of the moor, never as high or remote as some of the section to Buckfastleigh.

Templer Way

Named after a local family, this comprehensively waymarked 18 mile trail links Haytor with the sea at Teignmouth.

The Devon Wildlife Trust

There is a growing awareness of how important our natural environment is - in towns, in the countryside, and even under the sea.

Totnes-Dartmouth-Paignton Round Robin

The Round Robin is a unique circular tour using an integrated transport system.

Two Castles Trail

The Two Castles Trail is a route of 24 miles linking the medieval castles of Okehampton and Launceston.

Two Moors Way

Running for just over 100 miles between Ivybridge in the south and Lynmouth in the north, this famous path links the two National Parks of Dartmoor and Exmoor.

Two Moors Way: Drewsteignton - West Anstey

Distance: 36 miles Difficulty: Easy/Moderate End points: - Drewsteignton (Grid Ref SX736908) - West Anstey (Grid Ref SS853274) This part of the Way crosses the quiet landscape of central Devon, a length giving the opportunity to experience a relatively ...

Two Moors Way: Ivybridge - Drewsteignton

Distance: 38 miles Difficulty: Moderate/Hard End points: - Ivybridge (Grid Ref SX635560) - Drewsteignton (Grid Ref SX736908) The Way climbs onto Dartmoor following an old mineral tramway; views back over South Devon to the sea are impressive.

Two Moors Way: West Anstey - Lynmouth

Distance: 29 miles Difficulty: Moderate/Hard End points: - West Anstey (Grid Ref SS853274) - Lynmouth (Grid Ref SS724495) Entering Exmoor, the Way descends to cross the River Barle at the famous beauty spot of Tarr Steps.

Walking

Discover Devon Walking - you'll find walks for everyone and, with its mild climate, unspoilt beauty, peace and tranquillity, Devon is the perfect place for walkers to explore.

Watersports

Push out your boundaries and discover how wet and wild Devon can be.

West Devon Way

This path covers the 36 miles between the market town of Okehampton, situated in the very heart of Devon and the historic city of Plymouth.

Westcountry Way

Distance: 105 miles / 168km Difficulty: Variable End points: - Devon/Somerset border, near Tiverton - Devon/Cornwall border, near Holsworthy The West Country Way (NCN Route 3) from Bristol to Padstow, crosses Devon for 105 miles/168km from the Somerset border ...

Why does Devon look the way it does?

Climate has played a role, with Devon's wet and mild weather influencing how the land has been farmed and the plants and animals that naturally grow here.

Wildlife in Devon

Wherever you stay in Devon, you'll find wildlife right on your doorstep.