Easy Walks in Devon with Great Views
Short, accessible routes where the effort is modest but the landscape is anything but.
Devon has an unfair advantage when it comes to easy walking with views — the landscape is so varied that even a short, flat walk tends to end up overlooking something extraordinary. Moor, coast, estuary, valley, farmland: they're all within an hour of each other.
These routes have been selected because they deliver views disproportionate to their difficulty. Some are under 5km; most are under 8km. None require serious navigation or technical terrain. All can be completed comfortably in an afternoon.
Easy doesn't mean tame. Devon's lanes and commons have real character, and even the gentlest routes here go somewhere that justifies the walk.
Who this page is for
- People who aren't regular walkers but want a proper outdoor day with impressive views at the end
- Visitors to Devon who want to explore beyond the obvious tourist spots in manageable outings
- Older walkers, people recovering from injury, or those with limited mobility who still want genuine landscapes
- Anyone who wants to show Devon off to visitors — these are the routes that make people fall in love with the county
About this area
Devon's topography is defined by its two National Parks — Dartmoor and Exmoor — and the two coastlines that frame them. The South Devon coast (Salcombe, Dartmouth, Torcross) is gentler and more accessible than the North Devon coast but has stunning estuary views. The Taw Valley in North Devon offers easy inland walking with extensive views. The hill towns — Totnes, Buckfastleigh, Chagford — are excellent bases for short walks with immediate access to good countryside.
Safety on this terrain
Even on easy routes in Devon, a few basics matter. Paths through farmland can be muddy and slippery — walking boots or trail shoes are better than trainers. Coastal paths in South and North Devon are not difficult but clifftop edges are real hazards in places. Always check sunset times if walking in autumn or winter — Devon lanes in the dark without a torch can quickly become confusing.
When to go
Spring (Apr–May)
Devon's hedgerow lanes are at their best in April and May. Wildflower meadows on the edge of the moor. Still cool enough for comfortable walking.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Coastal walks best in the morning before heat builds. Pack water on exposed moorland routes — shade is scarce.
Autumn (Sep–Oct)
Best light of the year. The estuary routes are stunning with autumn colours reflecting in the water.
Winter (Nov–Mar)
Devon's mild climate means many low-level routes are walkable year-round. Views are clearest in winter when the air is cold.
Explore more
Plan your visit
Use the interactive map to explore routes, check conditions, and plan your day across all three moors.
Open the map