Winter Walks in South Devon

Winter is a wonderful time to explore South Devon. The cooler months give the landscape a different feel, with longer views and a quieter atmosphere. With fewer people on the paths, it’s a great time to explore at your own pace and enjoy the scenery without the rush of the busier months. 

Whether you prefer coastal trails, gentle paths, woodland wanders or the wide-open expanses of Dartmoor, there’s a walk to suit every pace. Below, we’ve highlighted some of the very best winter walks across the region to help you plan your next ramble. 

Salcombe to Hope Cove 

The stretch of the South West Coast Path linking Salcombe and Hope Cove is one of the most spectacular walks in the South Hams. The route carries you across high cliffs, sandy coves and rugged headlands, offering dramatic views of the coastline even on calmer days. The winter light on the sea feels particularly special here, and the mix of gentle dips and steeper climbs gives the walk a pleasant rhythm. It’s a classic coastal route that feels wonderfully wild without being too demanding. 

Thurlestone to Bantham 

A shorter but equally memorable coastal walk links Thurlestone and Bantham, with sweeping beaches, tidal estuary views and the famous Thurlestone Rock adding interest along the way. In winter, the broad sands are at their most serene, and the whole route feels refreshing and spacious. This is a great choice if you want a beautiful winter walk that’s scenic without requiring a long day on the trail. 

Torquay to Meadfoot 

For an easier seaside wander, the path from Torquay’s harbour to Meadfoot Beach makes a lovely winter stroll. The route is sheltered in places, opens out in others, and offers gentle elevation changes that reward you with glimpses over the bay. Meadfoot itself feels calm in winter, with quiet water and a rugged headland backdrop – the perfect setting for a peaceful coastal walk on a cold, clear day. If you’re in the mood to go a little further, you can continue along the coast towards Thatcher Point, where you will be rewarded with wide open views right across the bay and towards Thatcher Rock. 

Lympstone to Topsham (Exe Estuary Trail) 

The Exe Estuary Trail is one of the most accessible and rewarding winter routes in the region. The section between Lympstone and Topsham is almost entirely flat, making it ideal for families, gentle-paced walkers and anyone looking for an easy yet beautiful winter outing. The estuary comes alive at this time of year with overwintering birds, wide open skies and glistening water. Topsham’s historic buildings and riverside character make a perfect finish before heading back the way you came. 

Stover Country Park & Stover Trail 

Stover Country Park offers a calm and easy winter walk, with well-maintained paths looping around the lake and through peaceful woodland. It’s a great choice for days when you want fresh air without tackling hills, and the quieter winter months make the wildlife spotting even better. If you’d like to extend your walk, the Stover Trail links the park with Newton Abbot along a largely traffic-free route, giving you a longer, easy-going path through countryside and riverside sections. It’s gentle, accessible, and ideal for a relaxed winter wander at your own pace. 

Dittisham & the River Dart 

The countryside around Dittisham offers a network of circular paths that are ideal for calm winter rambling. These routes combine wooded valleys, open farmland and snatches of estuary views, giving you a real sense of the Dart’s winding journey. The village itself is charming at any time of year, but in winter it feels especially quiet and picturesque – a lovely place to pause before or after your walk. 

Haytor & Hound Tor (Dartmoor) 

For a dramatic winter experience, the walk linking Haytor and Hound Tor delivers broad views across the moor, striking granite tors and a sense of space you won’t find anywhere else. The terrain is open but not overly challenging, making it one of the best accessible moorland walks when the weather is clear. The winter light over Dartmoor gives the landscape a soft, almost dreamlike quality that’s hard to find at any other time of year. 

The Templer Way 

For a completely different kind of winter walk, the Templer Way offers a brilliant mix of countryside, riverside paths and historic interest. Running between Haytor on Dartmoor and the quayside in Teignmouth, the full route is around 18 miles, but it’s easy to enjoy smaller sections if you don’t want to tackle it all in one go. The stretch between Newton Abbot and Teigngrace is especially peaceful in winter, following quiet paths beside the River Teign and passing through open fields and sheltered woodland. It’s a lovely option if you want something away from the coast but still full of interest, with clear waymarking and plenty of spots to pause and take in the scenery.  

Bellever Forest 

If you want a sheltered moorland walk, Bellever Forest on Dartmoor National Park offers well-defined paths through atmospheric woodland, with opportunities to climb gently up towards Bellever Tor for far-reaching views. The mix of forest tracks and open moorland creates a walk that’s varied but not difficult, and the winter stillness makes the whole area feel almost enchanted on a cold, bright day. 

Dartmouth Town to Dartmouth Castle 

Closer to town, the riverside walk from Dartmouth to Dartmouth Castle is full of winter charm. The route winds past historic buildings, calm water, wooded coves and the dramatic entrance to the estuary. Low winter sun creates beautiful reflections on the river, and the castle itself is always an impressive sight. This is a lovely option if you want a shorter walk that still feels scenic and atmospheric. 

Plan Your Winter Walk 

Whether you’re here for a weekend or you live locally and need a reason to get outside, winter is a brilliant time to explore somewhere new. These routes show just how varied South Devon can be at this time of year, from coast to countryside and through the heart of the moor. If one of them has caught your eye, you’ll find even more ideas, detailed routes and local tips on our Walks page – the perfect place to plan your next day out. If you head out on a winter wander, don’t forget to tag us in your photos on Instagram so we can see and share your adventures!