The Coast Path

One of the best ways to explore the coastline is via the South West Coast Path, it is a National Trail, designated by the Countryside Agency, and is managed and maintained in the area by the Northern Devon Coast & Countryside Service and the National Trust. With several million people visiting it each year, it is one of the regions most popular tourist attractions.

Further information about the route can be found at www.nationaltrail.co.uk/southwestcoastpath and www.southwestcoastpath.com

For recommended circular walks in North Devon using the Coast Path visit www.southwestcoastpath.com/main/walks/index.cfm

Public Footpaths

There are around 300 km of Public Footpaths, Bridleways and Byways within North Devon’s coastal areas including the AONB, to allow visitors to explore the stunning scenery and tranquil areas. Many of these routes form circular walks, frequently using the South West Coast Path as a link. Many circular walk leaflets are available from local tourist information centres and much information about the Public Rights of Way network can be obtained at Discover Devon and on Devon County Council's Public Rights of Way pages.

Cycling

Those visitors favouring two wheels can find a variety of cycle routes to accommodate all capabilities, from traffic-free off-road routes for the wobbliest beginner, to long distance rides for the hardened toured cyclist.

Inland the Tarka Trail Cycleway offers over 32 miles of off-road cycling, stretching from Braunton down to Meeth, deep in the heart of Tarka Country. To the north of Braunton the National Cycle Route 27 (Devon’s Coast to Coast Route - Sustrans information on this route) provides a gateway to the coast.

For more information please select Devon County Council's Cycling pages

Walking

For the walker there is a range of routes catering for everything from a casual stroll to a long distance hiking trip. Look out also for details of the many guided walks that take place, giving you the chance to visit some of those places that might otherwise never be found, in the knowledgeable company of a local expert.
The public rights of way network in North Devon allows access to some of the finest scenery in the UK, including a spectacular section of the South West Coast Path National Trail.
The area offers both long and short distance and circular walks to suit people of all abilities. Information and maps of various walks throughout the area can be obtained from tourist information centres.

When walking always remember:

• Keep to the designated line of the path you are following.
• Cliff edges can be extremely dangerous places.
• It may be worth taking a guided walk to familiarise yourself with the area
• Use maps (the Ordnance Survey Explorer range is useful)
• You might also consider leaving route information with a friend or relative.

For more information see www.walkcyclenorthdevon.co.uk