Explore the Top 10 Places to Enjoy Nature in North Devon, from stunning coastal walks and beautiful beaches to peaceful countryside trails and wildlife hotspots. Discover North Devon’s best outdoor destinations for hiking, picnics, and breathtaking views.
The 33-mile-long cycle and walkway (and on some parts, bridleway) goes through many environments. Starting at the southern end, the Tarka Trail leaves Meeth Nature Reserve, the old quarry and travels through woodlands of different types. You will be able to see the many tree species along lining the Tarka Trail along with creatures such as garden birds, birds of prey and the deer which call these woodlands home.
The common lands belonging to the town of Great Torrington are only 2 miles away. The 360 acres which surrounds the town on three sides has many trees to enjoy on the 20 miles of footpath The Commons were first given to the town in 1194 which was formalised with the Commons Act in Parliament in 1889. The footpaths have wonderful names such as Sliding Rock and Barmaid’s. Some paths are tarmacked and accessible for wheelchair users whilst others are more rugged and need to be navigated with care. The 3km tree walk takes you on a path around the common where you will be able to see 55 different species of tree.
https://www.torringtoncommons.org/
Free to enter, The Devon Wild Life Trust’s Halsdon Wood is perfect for finding some autumn colour during a romantic walk or a spot of bird watching. Halsdon wood is ‘a top wildlife spot, with exceptional walks through woodland and alongside a classic Devon river.’ European Otters are often seen at Halsdon, so if you haven’t spotted them playing in the Weir on the Tarka Trail then make sure you don’t miss out on a visit here. Other species often seen are kingfishers, tawny owls, great spotted woodpecker, goosander ducks, long-tailed tits and sand martins. There are two car parks, dogs are welcome on leads, 1km of pathway to the river is level, animals can be seen grazing and there are bird hides to use along the way. Most of the paths on the 57 hectares of woodland are steep in parts and unsurfaced.
https://www.devonwildlifetrust.org/nature-reserves/halsdon
In Dartmoor National Park there are several woods to explore. The broadleaf woodlands of Dartmoor are mainly oak woodlands concentrated on the steep valley sides of the main National Park Rivers. These woodlands are home to rare lichens and nesting birds including the pied flycatcher and wood warbler.
Smaller woodlands of alder and willow can be found in wet valley bottoms.
There are also large forestry plantations such as Burrator, Bellever and Fernworthy which do not contain native trees but the conifers are home to species such as crossbill and Nightjar which are not commonly found in other areas.
Set in a dramatic river gorge, the ancient oak woodland of Watersmeet will provide you with plenty of trees to look at as you enjoy a stroll. The National Trust property has 2,000 acres of estate, and is the meeting place of East Lyn River and Hoar Oak Water. The miles of footpaths join onto the South West Coastal path meaning this walk is perfect for those fancying a stroll or a complete hike.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/watersmeet
The National trust property, Castle Drogo was the last castle to be built in Britain. Just 100 years old, the Castle has recently finished going through a nine-year restoration project which cost £15.5m. The castle, built between 1911 and 1932 had suffered water damage and is now water tight. During the restoration, The National Trust “uncovered the original collection to bring to life the Lutyens-designed masterpiece”. With a roof the size of two football pitches, it is understandable why the project took so long.
Castle Drogo overlooks the Teign Gorge woodland which can be accessed from the gardens. Walking through the gardens which have been carved into the landscape, you can enter into the castle’s estate and explore the ancient gorge which is full of wildlife and can be seen from the trails along the river.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/castle-drogo
The Estate of Castle Hill has been home to the Fortescue family since 1684. The current custodians of Castle Hill are the 17th Fortescue generation to live here. The house is surrounded by mature gardens, parkland, a variety of veteran trees, shrubs and plants. The 50 acres of the estate open to the public allows you to explore the gardens and magical gardens.
https://castlehilldevon.co.uk/
Located just outside Barnstaple, on the edge of Exmoor, Arlington Curt, a National Trust property has the house, gardens and pleasure grounds for you to explore. The wider estate has 20 miles of footpath ranging from easy strolls to demanding hikes. On the Deer Park Walk, keep an eye out for these majestic creatures.
Belonging to the Forestry Commission, Cookworthy Forest is somewhere you can explore some of the area’s most beautiful landscapes on foot, bike or horse back. Cookworthy Forest has a variety of open paths for you to enjoy and explore. Dogs are welcome at Cookworthy Forest too!
https://www.forestryengland.uk/cookworthy-forest
At Smytham we have a variety of very old and veteran oak trees along with new saplings. Enjoy walking through the trees surrounding our 5 ponds and the woods up to the stream.
If you love to be surrounded by nature and wildlife, make sure to book your stay here at Smytham Holiday Park.
