South West England

There are 14 great walks to choose from or search for more walks

A walk through time

Walk in the footsteps of Jack Rattenbury, the 19th Century Beer smuggler known as ‘Rob Roy of the West’! The striking chalk outcrop of Beer Head offers many a story and breathtaking coastal views.

Where? East Devon AONB
How long? 6km / 3.5 miles
How hard? Moderate

coastal

Barrow Circle

Explore part of the South Dorset Ridgeway, an ancient ceremonial landscape with Bronze Age round barrows and spectacular views of the Jurassic Coast.

Where? Dorset AONB
How long? 9km / 5.5 miles
How hard? Moderate

coastalheritagepicnic

Beaulieu River

Superb riverside walk between the picturesque village of Beaulieu and the historic shipbuilder’s hamlet of Buckler’s Hard. The walk is suitable for pushchairs and there are great views of the river through the oak trees that come down to the water’s edge. The walk follows part of the Solent Way long distance footpath and passes through a National Nature Reserve which has boardwalks and a bird hide where you can view the wildlife.

Where? New Forest National Park
How long? 7 km / 4.5 miles
How hard? Easy

coastalrivers and lakeswoods and forestscar freefamily friendlyeasy accessheritagepicnic

Burleigh Dolts and Bolt Tail

Following in the steps of our forefathers, this walk takes in the spectacular sites of two enclosures, dating back to the Iron Age, and the pathways and ancient green lanes in between, including a glorious stretch of coast.

Where? South Devon AONB
How long? 14.5 km / 9 miles
How hard? Difficult

coastalsummitsheritage

Deer Leap

Lovely walk on the Mendip Plateau, with outstanding views across the Somerset Levels and moors and through the village of Priddy.  

Where? Mendip Hills AONB
How long? 4.8 km / 3 miles
How hard? Easy

dog friendlyfamily friendlyheritagepicnic

From Wold to Water

A walk from the historic town on Stow-on-the-Wold via the picturesque villages of Icomb and Wyck Rissington, through Salmonsbury Water Meadows to Bourton-on-the-water.

Where? Cotswolds AONB
How long? 10 km / 6 miles
How hard? Moderate

rivers and lakesfamily friendly

Hartland: Trade and Settlement

An exciting journey through Hartland's rich history of trade and settlement. Hear about the seafarers who braved this treacherous coastline, stories of pirates, convicts, smuggling and wrecks, and the folk who lived and worked in what was once a very remote outpost

Where? North Devon AONB
How long? 9.5 km / 6 miles or 5.5 km / 3.5 miles
How hard? Difficult

coastalsummitswoods and forestsdog friendlyheritagepicnic

Haytor Audio Walk

Download the Haytor Audio Walk and explore this popular area of Dartmoor National Park using your mp3, iPod or mobile phone.  Enjoy stunning views over a changing landscape and see evidence of Dartmoor's medieval and industrial past.

Where? Dartmoor National Park
How long? 10 km / 6.5 miles
How hard? Moderate

rivers and lakessummitscar freedog friendlyfamily friendlyheritagepicnic

Heddon Valley Heaven

Explore Exmoor’s Heddon Valley on a walk that takes in wooded coombes (valleys), rich heather moorland and some stunning coastal views. Running along the western edge of Exmoor, the River Heddon meets the sea at the dramatic Heddon’s Mouth.

Where? Exmoor National Park
How long? 13.5 km / 8.5 miles
How hard? Moderate

coastalrivers and lakeswoods and forestsdog friendlyfamily friendlyheritagepicnic

Mount Edgcumbe to Kingsand

Beginning in the formal gardens of the Country Park then along the Cornwall Coast Path to the fishing village of Kingsand, returning through the woods and fields past ancient forts and farms.

Where? Cornwall AONB
How long? 10km / 6.3 miles
How hard? Moderate

coastalwoods and forestsdog friendly

Staple Fitzpaine Herepath

Enjoy a full day’s walk or half day’s ride around the highest point of the Blackdown Hills. This circular trail will lead you to discover the hidden secrets and stunning views of this enigmatic area.

Where? Blackdown Hills AONB
How long? 13.5 miles / 22km
How hard? Moderate

summitswoods and forestscar freedog friendlyheritagepicnic

The Lawry Walk

Explore a hidden corner of the Tamar Valley. Venture through magical woodland, explore the beautiful riverside quay of Cotehele, stroll past once-bustling market gardens and, in the spring, enjoy the sunshine-bright daffodils that this valley is famous for.

Where? Tamar Valley AONB
How long? 3.5 km / 2 miles
How hard? Easy

rivers and lakeswoods and forestscar freedog friendlyfamily friendlyheritagepicnic

Wardour Castle

Explore the picturesque Nadder Valley and historic Wardour Park with views across the valley and the chalk downland to the South. Break your walk halfway by exploring the ruins of Old Wardour Castle.

Where? Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs
How long? 9 km / 5.5 miles
How hard? Moderate

rivers and lakeswoods and forestscar freefamily friendlyheritagepicnic

Worsleys and Appuldurcombe

A circular walk in the Isle of Wight Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, tracing the history of the Worsley family and Appuldurcombe, and enjoying some of the Island’s finest landscapes.

Where? Isle of Wight AONB
How long? 9.5 km / 6 miles
How hard? Moderate

summitswoods and forestsdog friendlyheritagepicnic

Search for more walks

Key

car free

Car free
You can do this walk easily using the bus or train

dog friendly

Dog friendly
But please keep dogs on leads near ground-nesting birds and livestock

family friendly

Family friendly
But check the length of walks for young children

easy access

Easy access
For wheelchairs, pushchairs and people who find walking a challenge

heritage

Heritage
Historical buildings or remains

picnic

Picnics
Places for picnics but maybe not benches, so bring a rug to sit on

coastal

Coast

moors and dales

Moors and dales

rivers and lakes

Rivers and lakes

summits

Summits and hills

woods and forests

Woods and forests

Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
National Trails
National Nature Reserves
Signpost