The best family-friendly hikes and walks in North Devon

North Devon offers a fantastic selection of family-friendly hiking trails. Our guide features over 670 routes, with more than 330 classified as easy, making them ideal for families looking to explore the region's diverse landscapes.

Yes, North Devon has several wonderful circular routes perfect for families. A great option is the Valley of the Rocks, Lynton & Lynmouth trail within Exmoor National Park. This easy 5.3 km loop offers dramatic coastal scenery and unique rock formations, providing an engaging experience for all ages.

Many trails in North Devon are dog-friendly, especially those along the coast and within Exmoor National Park. It's always best to keep dogs on a lead, particularly near livestock or cliff edges, and to check specific trail guidelines. The Tarka Trail is also a popular choice for dog walkers, offering mostly traffic-free paths.

While not directly on a family-friendly route in this guide, the impressive Speke's Mill Mouth Waterfall is a notable natural feature in North Devon. It's accessible via the South West Coast Path from Hartland Quay, offering a rewarding sight, especially after rainfall. Always check the accessibility and difficulty of the specific section of the Coast Path if planning to visit with family.

North Devon is rich in wildlife. Along the coast, particularly around areas like Morte Point and the Baggy Point, you might spot seals, porpoises, and various seabirds. The Valley of Rocks is famous for its wild goats. Inland, in woodlands and river valleys, keep an eye out for deer, otters, and a variety of bird species. Exmoor National Park also offers opportunities to see Exmoor ponies.

For families with toddlers, look for shorter, flatter routes with well-maintained surfaces. The Tarka Trail is an excellent option as it's largely traffic-free and flat, suitable for pushchairs and little legs. Within Exmoor, the Heddon Valley offers accessible routes, including a peaceful walk along the River Heddon to a pebble beach, which can be enjoyed by younger children.

North Devon's trails often lead to or pass by fascinating landmarks. You can explore the dramatic rock formations of the Valley of Rocks, visit the charming twin villages of Lynmouth and Lynton, connected by the historic Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway. The Baggy Point offers stunning coastal views, and the North Walk (South West Coast Path) provides breathtaking sea vistas.

Absolutely! The North Devon coastline offers spectacular family walks. The Croyde & Putsborough loop via Baggy Point is a moderate 8 km route that combines stunning coastal views with access to beautiful beaches. It's a great way to experience the rugged beauty of the North Devon Coast Path with your family.

The komoot community highly rates hiking in North Devon, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers frequently praise the region's diverse landscapes, from dramatic coastal paths to tranquil river valleys, and the abundance of well-maintained trails suitable for various abilities. The stunning views, opportunities for wildlife spotting, and the sense of adventure are often highlighted as key reasons for its popularity among families.

Yes, a significant portion of Exmoor National Park extends into North Devon, offering varied terrain for families. The Combe Martin & Great Hangman loop is a moderate 8.5 km trail that provides a taste of Exmoor's dramatic coastal scenery and offers impressive views from the Great Hangman, one of England's highest sea cliffs. The Heddon Valley, also within Exmoor, provides more gentle riverside and coastal walks.

Many popular family hiking areas in North Devon have cafes or refreshment stops nearby. For instance, the Heddon Valley features a National Trust tea-room, and Watersmeet, a popular woodland walk area, also has a tea garden. Coastal villages like Lynton, Lynmouth, Croyde, and Combe Martin, which are starting points or pass-throughs for many trails, offer various options for refreshments.

North Devon is beautiful year-round, but late spring to early autumn (May to October) generally offers the most pleasant weather for family hiking. During these months, you'll find warmer temperatures, longer daylight hours, and less chance of heavy rain. However, coastal paths can be windy, and Exmoor can be misty, so always be prepared for changeable weather conditions.