To provide you with the best experience, cookies are used on this site. Find out more here.
Explore North Devon
Stay
What's On in North Devon
Welcome to the Itinerary Planner. Use this tool to build your own journey or choose from an exciting range of specially selected tours.
To build your own Itinerary, click to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
19th December 2018
Here in North Devon, we fully embrace the festive season. Our Christmas Days are spent over-indulging in delicious dinners and knocking back the celebratory tipples - so it’s fair to say that we often need a chance to brush away the cobwebs on Boxing Day.
So how better to do that than with one of our many walks? From leisurely strolls along the seafront, to brisk walks through woodlands and gentle wanders with the family, we’ve compiled a handy list of all the best Boxing Day walks in North Devon.
Hailed as one of the UK’s prettiest villages, the cobbled streets of Clovelly make for the perfect coastal wander.
Situated on the water’s edge, enjoy a breath of fresh air as you explore the main streets, the harbour, or the rocky beach, where you’ll find the unique sight of a toppling waterfall. Alternatively, the area surrounding the village is covered in pretty woodland and natural greenery that makes for an enjoyable view.
This year, finish your walk off at the Red Lion, overlooking the village harbour, where there will be a delicious barbecue waiting for you alongside live music and warming mulled cider. Find more details online now.
For the outdoorsy type, Northam Burrows provides the ideal day out. A Site of Special Scientific Interest, the Burrows are home to a diverse selection of wildlife and unique natural habitats, such as salt marshes and sand dunes.
Credit: Andy Francis (NDC)
With only occasional inclines, a gentle path carries you on from the back end of Westward Ho!’s pebble ridge towards Appledore and vice versa, making it perfect for small children, and with dogs welcome every member of the family can come along. On your way, you may catch glimpses of animals such as horses and sheep grazing in the grassland.
Keep walking beyond the Burrows and you’ll find yourself encountering the towns of Appledore and Westward Ho!, where no doubt you’ll be able to find a pub open for a refreshing pint or warming cuppa.
The walks around Woolacombe will treat you to some stunning scenery, whether you’re keen for a lighter stroll or a brisker, more purposeful trek.
Woolacombe Beach is one of North Devon’s more dog-friendly beaches, with few restrictions in place over the winter months. Enjoy a wander along seemingly endless miles of sand, with glorious views out over the ocean.
Alternatively, make your way up Potters Hill for a more intensive walk that’ll reward you with some unique, breathtaking sights up over the coastal views across the bay, towards unspoilt landscapes like Baggy Point and Morte Point. Drive a little further to begin your walk in the rocky terrain of Mortehoe, framed by dramatic landscapes and jagged cliff sides with incredible views out over the sea.
With rolling moorlands, endless trails through miles of woodlands and greenery, and bordered by coastal pathways, there’s a perfect walk for everyone over Exmoor. As one of the UK’s National Parks, the area is full of protected wildlife, exhibits of outstanding natural beauty and unique landscapes.
With many different walking routes, there is something for everyone, whether you are looking for a brisk and challenging adventure - such as through the panoramic Valley of the Rocks - or simply would like a stroll to peeter out a headache with a circular venture around the beautiful woodland leading towards Heddon’s Mouth.
Another sleepy seaside village, Croyde offers perfect examples of some of Devon’s natural beach beauty.
Like Woolacombe, the flat surface of the beach will allow for a gentle stroll for families, older walkers or those nursing a sore head; a gulp of fresh air is sure to be brought in with the rolling tides onto the shore.
Baggy Point doesn’t lurk far from here. It’s an easy route to make your way from the beach up to this idyllic spot, giving glimpses of nature and offering sweeping views out all over North Devon’s picturesque coast.
That said, there are plenty of more challenging routes around Baggy Point should you not feel too tempted to rush into town to catch the sales.
So has our list included your favourite Boxing Day walk, or are there different trails that you’ll be taking? Let us know by tweeting us at @lovenorthdevon or getting in touch on Facebook. Have a great Christmas!
© Visit Devon Community Interest Company