If you've been wanting to see and enjoy more of the beautiful nature Mid-Devon has to offer, get out and explore some of its beautiful walks. There is adverture right outside your door.

Here's a list of five of the best walks in Mid-Devon. There is something for everyone.

Haytor Quarry Circular

Haytor Quarry in the summer.
(Brett Sutherland on Wikimedia Commons)

This 1 h 3 min circular walk will provide any walker with beautiful and rewarding views. You will pass through the old quarry, the iconic Haytor rocks, and the 1820s Haytor Granite Tramway, for a bit of interesting Mid-Devon history. The tramway has been in disuse since 1853, in case you thought you’d be getting a cheeky ride back, you’re just a little bit too late.

The trail begins at the visitor centre, along the B3387 and from there, you begin the ascend to Haytor Rocks. Due to its geological features, both the quarry and Haytor Rocks have been designated a ‘Site of Special Scientific Interest’. Keep a look out for wildlife and make sure to wear appropriate footwear, as this walk gets tough in places.

Fisherman's Path to Fingle Bridge

Telephoto view from top of Prestonbury Castle, in rather cloudy conditions in November, so giving it all a dark, brooding appearance.
Telephoto view from top of Prestonbury Castle, in rather cloudy conditions in November, so giving it all a dark, brooding appearance. (Philip Goddard on Wikimedia Commons)

What’s better than a beautiful 3hr 10km walk, to a 17th century stone bridge, through magical woodland lining the river Tamar, passing over wooden bridges and three castles along the way? Not much, but this walk manages to combine all this, plus the special addition of a pub to mark the halfway point. Rain or shine, a nice beverage to kick start the second leg of the journey is always welcome.

The walk begins at the Chagford Lido where you can access the footpath through the farmyard. Make sure the river is to your right, walk across the fields and then into the woods.

Once you get to Fingle Bridge, on the ridge above you to the northeast is Prestonbury Castle, on the ridge above you to the south is Cranbrook Castle and a little under two miles further east along the river lies Wooston Castle, which are all Iron Age Hill Forts.

Teigngrace Circular

The river Teign, decorated with daffodils
The river Teign, decorated with daffodils (Anguskirk on Flickr)

This walk is on the tame side but doesn’t leave out any of the fun. It’s a nice 8km which takes around an 1hr 30min to complete. It begins with a gentle stroll along the river Teign, then you head back south, along Stover Way towards Jetty Marsh Local Nature Reserve, with an exciting chance to explore Whitelake before heading back. This is the perfect quiet walk through the countryside and is even dog-friendly.

Ted Hughes Poetry Trail

A duck, enjoying an afternoon dip at Stover Park.
A duck, enjoying an afternoon dip at Stover Park. (Robin Lucas on Wikimedia Commons)

In just under an hour, you can complete this 3.5km walk, or take as long as you want, relaxing on one of the many lake-side benches along the way. This short walk is packed with wildlife, like ducks, frogs, and other curious creatures.

The walk is also located in a popular geocaching spot. Children can enjoy bird feeding and dogs are welcome. So, whether you’re on a solo escape or with the whole family, you’ll find something that suits you along the 3.5 km trail.

The trail is located in Stover Park, where there is a car park and toilets. You can also easily access the trailhead from the Heathfield Station by walking south.

The Templer Way

Haytor rocks in all their hilly glory
Haytor rocks, shining in the sun. (Calips on Wikimedia Commons)

If you’re up for a challenge this may be the walk for you. At 29.5km and taking 7hrs and 33min to complete, it’s definitely the most challenging on this list. The walk is a long-distance path that connects Haytor to Teignmouth. With views of moorland, woodland, canal, river, and sea, you will find a great variety of terrains along the way.

This trail is a combination of the wonderful possibilities Mid-Devon walks offer. The trail starts the same as the first walk on our list, at the visitor centre along B3387 and leads you on a steady ascent to Haytor Rocks, then walk along the Haytor Granite Tramway across the moorland, before entering Yarner Wood.

Cross the farm fields to Bovey Tracey, passing through Stover Park as you make your way towards Newton Abbot. Once there, follow along river Teign bank to Teignmouth via the coastline.

For even more of a challenge, you can do the walk in reverse, ending with Dartmoor, be aware of a very steep ascent though, if that is the path you dare to take.