Devon


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tuckenhay-circular-easy-2-5-miles"><a href="https://www.gps-routes.co.uk/routes/home.nsf/routeslinkswalks/tuckenhay-walking-route">Tuckenhay Circular</a>, easy 2.5 miles</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="974" height="974" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/12/watermans-arms.jpeg" alt="The Waterman's Arms Ashprington " class="wp-image-72464" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/12/watermans-arms.jpeg 974w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/12/watermans-arms-800x800.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/12/watermans-arms-400x400.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/12/watermans-arms-768x768.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/12/watermans-arms-500x500.jpeg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 974px) 100vw, 974px" /></figure>



<p>Take a stroll around the picturesque Dart Valley, with a chance to meander alongside Bow Creek and a picturesque old mill. Both the walk and your cosy pub in Ashprington, <a href="https://thewatermansarms.net/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Waterman&#8217;s Arms</a>, are dog-friendly too (bar nut not the restaurant). Book in for their Masquerade Ball on NYE while you&#8217;re about it.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beesands-circular-moderate-3-7-miles"><a href="https://www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/walksdb/83/">Beesands Circular</a>, moderate, 3.7 miles</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="905" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/12/cricket-inn.jpeg" alt="The Cricket Inn Beesands" class="wp-image-72468" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/12/cricket-inn.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/12/cricket-inn-800x483.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/12/cricket-inn-1000x603.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/12/cricket-inn-768x463.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit The Cricket Inn.</figcaption></figure>



<p>A coast walk that takes you from the beach car park at the former fishing village of Beesands past Hallsands, a village that was washed away by the sea one hundred years ago. Stop at <a href="https://www.thecricketinn.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Cricket Inn</a>, a Muddy Award-winning pub with rooms right on the waterfront open 11am-6pm this Boxing Day.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wistman-s-wood-dartmoor-moderate-5-miles"><a href="https://www.twobridges.co.uk/wistmans-wood-walk-step-by-step/">Wistman’s Wood</a>, Dartmoor, moderate, 5 miles</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2020/06/wistmans-wood.jpg" alt="Wistman's Wood, Devon " class="wp-image-22683" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2020/06/wistmans-wood.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2020/06/wistmans-wood-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2020/06/wistmans-wood-667x500.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2020/06/wistmans-wood-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2020/06/wistmans-wood-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The old ones are the best and this walk is&nbsp;<em>really</em>&nbsp;old, with 400 year-old stunted oaks covered in moss and lichen, with every view an insta-worthy shot. It’s also the site of one of the largest Bronze Age settlements in Dartmoor and the winter home to skylarks, short-eared owls and hen harriers. Get there early if you want to find a spot in the small car park nearby and pack a flask or stop for a mulled wine (or special rum hot chocolate with a splash of Spiced Devon Rum) at the cosy&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twobridges.co.uk/">Two Bridges</a>&nbsp;across the road from where the walk starts. A circular 4-mile walk takes in Wistman’s Wood and the nearby Crockern Tor.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-teign-gorge-to-castle-drogo-easy-to-moderate-1-2-hours"><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/castle-drogo/trails/teign-gorge-classic-circuit" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Teign Gorge to Castle Drogo</a>, Easy to moderate, 1-2 hours</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2020/10/Teign-Gorge-looking-back-towards-Castle-Droge-from-Sharp-Tor.jpg" alt="Teign Gorge " class="wp-image-25670" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2020/10/Teign-Gorge-looking-back-towards-Castle-Droge-from-Sharp-Tor.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2020/10/Teign-Gorge-looking-back-towards-Castle-Droge-from-Sharp-Tor-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2020/10/Teign-Gorge-looking-back-towards-Castle-Droge-from-Sharp-Tor-667x500.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2020/10/Teign-Gorge-looking-back-towards-Castle-Droge-from-Sharp-Tor-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2020/10/Teign-Gorge-looking-back-towards-Castle-Droge-from-Sharp-Tor-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit Laura Moss, Luxury Coastal</figcaption></figure>



<p>Park up and grab a brew at&nbsp;<a href="http://finglebridgeinn.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fingle Bridge Inn</a>&nbsp;then take your pick from the more arduous stomp up Hunters Path or keep it tame alongside the river. The views across the valley are stunning with plenty of picnic benches for coffee stops on your journey to Castle Drogo, the last castle to built in England (<a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/castle-drogo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">winter opening hours here</a>).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brixham-headlands-moderate-3-5-miles"><a href="https://www.southdevonaonb.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/OS-Brixham-headland-walk.pdf">Brixham Headlands</a>, moderate, 3-5 miles</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/12/file-3.jpeg" alt="stone stile at Berry Head, Devon " class="wp-image-62200" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/12/file-3.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/12/file-3-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/12/file-3-1000x750.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/12/file-3-768x576.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/12/file-3-700x525.jpeg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Part at Berry Head to take in the stunning coastal views then head inland along the coast path to Brixham, where you&#8217;ll find dog-friendly stone stiles (where they can scoot underneath) and coconut-scented gorse for sniffing. Depending on how long a walk you fancy, go all the way to Brixham for a café bite (<a href="https://therockfish.co.uk/pages/brixham-seafood-restaurant">Rockfish</a> is fab) or stop at <a href="https://berryheadhotel.com/the-view-brasserie-terrace" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Berry Head Hotel</a>&#8216;s sea-facing brasserie &#8211; no need to book, you can just pop in for a hot chocolate or coffee if you fancy. If you need a short-pushchair friendly stroll, take this <a href="https://www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/walksdb/66/">shorter route</a> and have a nose in the visitor centre.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-branscombe-circular-easy-2-5-miles"><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/branscombe/branscombe-village-walk">Branscombe Circular</a>, easy, 2.5 miles</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="952" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/03/masons-arms.jpg" alt="Masons arms Branscombe " class="wp-image-54666" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/03/masons-arms.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/03/masons-arms-800x508.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/03/masons-arms-1000x635.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/03/masons-arms-768x487.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/03/masons-arms-827x525.jpg 827w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Of course, you could tackle the cliffs and do the six miles to the village of Beer, but if you fancy something less arduous, this stroll around Branscombe is super-pretty and takes in the pebbly beach (where you can grab a family selfie on the anchor of the doomed MSC Napoli which beached here back in 2007. Then, duck into the 14th century thatched pub with rooms, <a href="https://masonsarms.co.uk">Masons Arms</a>, which is warm, festive and low-beamed with cosy nooks to hide away in.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-noss-mayo-and-revelstoke-driv-e-noss-mayo-moderate-3-hours-3-5-miles"><a href="https://www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/walksdb/91/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Noss Mayo and Revelstoke Driv</a><a href="https://www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/walksdb/91/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">e</a>, Noss Mayo, Moderate, 3 hours/3.5 miles</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1440" height="960" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/12/ship-inn.jpg" alt="The Ship Inn Noss Mayo " class="wp-image-72471" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/12/ship-inn.jpg 1440w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/12/ship-inn-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/12/ship-inn-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/12/ship-inn-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit The Ship Inn </figcaption></figure>



<p>A walk round the wild side of the Yealm estuary, starting at Warren Car Park with options for the sure-footed to clamber down to beautiful beaches and spot seals along the way. If you fancy a detour, stay on the road to Noss for a bevy overlooking the water at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nossmayo.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Ship Inn</a>. Alternatively, park in Noss or Newton Ferrers and do a circular walk around the two villages which face each other across the water (hopping over the creek if the tide is out) while trying to look like you’re not rubber-necking into the windows of the many covetable cottages and awesome waterside homes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lydford-gorge-and-devil-s-cauldron-lydford-moderate"><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/lydford-gorge">Lydford Gorge and Devil’s Cauldron</a>, Lydford, moderate </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="800" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/12/arundell-sofa-800x1000.jpeg" alt="The Arundell Arms Lifton Devon" class="wp-image-71957" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/12/arundell-sofa-800x1000.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/12/arundell-sofa-640x800.jpeg 640w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/12/arundell-sofa-768x960.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/12/arundell-sofa.jpeg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></figure>



<p>Devon’s deepest gorge takes you down and down into prehistoric territory, dripping with ferns and moss, culminating in the 30m-high White Lady’s Waterfall. It&#8217;s an exhilarating head-clearer standing close by, and at the other end, the Devil’s Cauldron is a broiling mass of water which you can hear pounding like a steam train way before you reach it. The National Trust tea room is closed on Boxing Day so swerve to <a href="https://www.thearundell.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Arundell Arms</a> at Lifton for a cocktail by the fire.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-valley-of-the-rocks-lynton-3-miles-difficult"><a href="https://www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/walksdb/247/">Valley of the Rocks-Lynton</a>, 3 miles, difficult </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/11/LYNMOUTH-RISING-SUN.jpg" alt="The Rising Sun Lynmouth, Devon" class="wp-image-60963" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/11/LYNMOUTH-RISING-SUN.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/11/LYNMOUTH-RISING-SUN-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/11/LYNMOUTH-RISING-SUN-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/11/LYNMOUTH-RISING-SUN-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/11/LYNMOUTH-RISING-SUN-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Park in Lynmouth and head to this dramatic piece of North Devon coastline, redolent of smugglers and shipwrecks and famed for its views and feral goats which roam the cliffside, obliviously munching daredevils on the rocks. The cliff railway is closed during the winter, so drive down to Lynmouth afterwards for a tipple at <a href="https://www.risingsunlynmouth.co.uk">The Rising Sun Inn</a>, a cosy 14th century pub, perched on the picturesque harbour.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meldon-hill-chagford-moderate-steep-1-5-miles"><a href="https://holidayindartmoor.co.uk/chagford/meldon-hill-circular-walk-35976.html">Meldon Hill</a>, Chagford, moderate/steep, 1.5 miles </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1333" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/12/file1.jpeg" alt="woman in snow in Chagford " class="wp-image-62204" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/12/file1.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/12/file1-600x800.jpeg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/12/file1-750x1000.jpeg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/12/file1-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/12/file1-394x525.jpeg 394w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>With its Market House, aka the Pepperpot, in the square and lovely artisan shops and galleries, Chagford is always a good day trip for a mooch, and there are a number of walks that pass through the Dartmoor town. The Boxing Day Hunt meet in town early always a festive sight, then it&#8217;s either the four-hour Two Moors Way hike for the hardcore, or you can opt for the shorter, but steeper, stomp up Meldon Hill to take in the incredible views, then stop into <a href="https://www.thechagfordinn.co.uk">The Chagford Inn</a> for a winter warmer or a homemade gastro meal.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kenn-haldon-6-miles-moderate"><a href="https://www.pinns.co.uk/devon/kennfhaldon.html">Kenn-Haldon,</a> 6 miles, moderate </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/12/kenn-1000x750.jpeg" alt="church walk at Kenn, Devon " class="wp-image-62208" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/12/kenn-1000x750.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/12/kenn-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/12/kenn-768x576.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/12/kenn-700x525.jpeg 700w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/12/kenn.jpeg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>I confess the main reason to visit this pretty village just off the Splatford Split near Exeter is the fabulous <a href="https://theleyarmskenn.co.uk/new/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ley Arms</a>, with its thatch and year-round twinkle (and amazing roasts!) but if you fancy a hill walk here&#8217;s a good place to start for a climb up Haldon. Your reward is the fabulous views over the forest and out to the winding Exe Estuary. Alternatively, you could just have a wander up the hill behind the church for an easy, post-pint breather. The village also lays claim to the oldest fingerpost in Devon.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ringmore-to-ayrmer-cove-challenging-3-miles"><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/wembury/ringmore-to-ayrmer-cove-walk">Ringmore to Ayrmer Cove</a>, challenging, 3 miles</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/11/journeys-end1.jpg" alt="The Journeys End Inn Ringmore " class="wp-image-71066" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/11/journeys-end1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/11/journeys-end1-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/11/journeys-end1-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/11/journeys-end1-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/11/journeys-end1-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Not a circular walk, and steep too, but how could we not finish on a pub called <a href="https://www.thejourneysendinn.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Journey&#8217;s End</a>? Winding through Ringmore Valley, past brilliant coast views, atmospheric old smugglers&#8217; lanes and a secluded cove. Your reward is a quaint and cosy free house nestled in the village of Ringmore, dating back to the 13th century, serving real ales and their own JE lager brewed just down the lanes.</p>


Local Boxing Day walks with cosy pub pitstops

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