Walks

Wondering where to walk? Wander your way around the South and West with our walks in Cornwall, Devon walks, places to walk in Dorset, Somerset walking routes and where to walk on the Isle of Wight. Yes, we've done a lot of walking in our time, and here are our thoughts and favourites.

Things to do in Brixham

Brixham is a beautiful harbour town with pastel houses clinging to the hillside. It’s a colourful town, rich with history and wildlife, perfect for family holidays or peaceful romantic getaways.

Things to do Philip Eley

Ashdown Forest

With vast forest and open heathland as far as the eye can see, take time to explore this stunning Area of Outstanding Beauty in Sussex.

Places to Go Liz Arnell

Zennor to St Ives Walk

Enjoy breakfast in the Chapel Cafe in Zennor and a stunning walk along the South West Coast Path and lunch in St Ives.

Things to do George Thomas

Things to do in the Blackdown Hills

If you love admiring and exploring the great outdoors, then this part of the world is the perfect place to soak up beautiful countryside and emerald woodland. The Blackdown Hills offers an extensive range of range of activities and things to do on a visit to the area.

Things to do Tasha H

Things to do in Bude

Voted the Best UK Coastal Resort at the British Travel Awards in 2015 and 2016, Bude has lots of things to do. Visit for your holiday or simply a day out while staying in one of our Cornwall cottages.

Things to do Abby D

River Dart Country Park

With walks, play areas and adrenaline adventures, River Dart Country Park has everything you might need for a fun-filled family day in Devon.

Things to do Philip Eley

Family day at Stourhead Gardens

A family day out to Stourhead, exploring the gardens, having a picnic and generally having a magical adventure.

Visitors' Book Emma L

Top Walks in the West Country

Whether to wear out the kids, or to rediscover alone time together, here are a few of our favourite walks in the South West.

Places to Go Katie Chown

A country park dog walk in Hampshire

For a truly diverse day out with your dog, with walks galore, head over to Netley’s Royal Victoria Country Park when on holiday in Hampshire.

Places to Go Kylie Barton

Princetown old railway walk

Walk through the heart of the moors along the Princetown old railway walk. Dramatic views and flat paths make this route ideal for a family walk.

Things to do Philip Eley

Things to do in a forest

Any time of year is always great for resurrecting some of the simple pleasures of yesteryear. Forests become wonderlands of fun, discovery and adventure. Here’s a round-up of some simple forest fun ideas to try.

Things to do Philip Eley

Lyndhurst and the New Forest ponies

We had driven through the town of Lyndhurst earlier in the day and made a note to stop off on our way back to our holiday cottage in Lymington, not least because of the large number of New Forest ponies we had seen just on the outskirts of the town.

Visitors' Book Faye

Haytor Quarries walk on Dartmoor

Come rain or shine, this Dartmoor walk is enjoyable at any time of year. Winter, spring, summer or autumn, you'll find our writer, Philip heading to Haytor Quarries.

Things to do Philip Eley

Dog walks on Dartmoor

Dartmoor is made for dogs. Wide open spaces and plenty of miles to walk. Join our writer, Philip, on a tour of his favourite dog-walking routes on Dartmoor.

Places to Go Philip Eley

Cottages on the South West Coast Path

The South West Coast Path is a real walking holiday adventure. Plan a stay in one of these cottages where the coastal path is on your doorstep and enjoy some of our favourite walks in the whole world.

News & Offers Kayleigh Hardy

Things to do in Tolpuddle

This ancient Dorset town is so tranquil and laid back, R&R is practically guaranteed so you can kick back and zone out. But if you like to occupy your time away, there are plenty of things to do in Tolpuddle.

Things to do Katie Chown

Family friendly walk around Fort Victoria

Get a breath of fresh air with a family walk along the beach and through the woods near Yarmouth. This dog friendly beach means every member of your clan can enjoy the Great Outdoors of the Isle of Wight.

Places to Go Kayleigh Hardy

Stonehenge

Learn Stonehenge facts by visiting Stonehenge Visitor Centre and marvel in the ancient history of the English landscape.

Places to Go Becky Bye

Weight watching with Dorset walks

Whether you started your resolutions and then lapsed, or never actually got round to starting, there is no time like the present - or no time like when you're on holiday in Dorset, to walk off the weight, with or without the dog as motivation.

Places to Go Becky Bye

Things to do in Ryde

I hadn’t thought much about having a holiday in Ryde before I spent the day there but I was really surprised by what it has to offer.

Things to do Liz Arnell

Moors Valley Country Park

I cannot recommend Moors Valley Country Park highly enough, in fact I've already sent a number of friends and family along and hope to go back again myself soon.

Things to do Faye

Medieval things to do in Somerset

The whole of Somerset is steeped in history, but with a wealth of Medieval evidence to impress all history buffs, the county is well worth exploring. The best example of this time is concentrated in the Somerset city of Wells.

Places to Go Kylie Barton

Walking around Dartmouth with the dog

With a backpack full of essentials we headed off to start on our epic journey... all eight miles of it! We were both shattered by the end, but it was absolutely brilliant.

Places to Go B Hutchings

Cornish Smugglers' Stories

No Cornish history lesson would be done justice without attention being turned to smugglers. Whether they were liberators, criminals, pirates or local heroes, they covered the Cornish coastline with their illicit trade and made history through their dealings.

Stories & Characters Lizzie H

Top ten Autumn walks in Somerset

As the colder months draw in, and golden and red hues fill the trees then empty over the paths as we head through winter, there’s nothing quite like gathering the family for a stroll through the countryside. Embrace the fresh air, wrap up warm and soak in the beauty of Somerset on these ten autumn walks.

Places to Go Kylie Barton

Winter walks in Cornwall

Pull yourself out of hibernation. It will do you the world of good. Put that extra gear on – the wellies, the wool, the fleece, the waterproofs. Layer up. It’s time to brave the storm with these wonderful winter walks.

Visitors' Book Sadie Phillips

Sea Glass and Dogs at Yaverland

Isle of Wight dog walks at Yaverland don't come prettier than this one filled with sparkling sea glass for beach wanderers.

Places to Go Liz Arnell

Things to do in Yarmouth

It’s a great place to watch the ships go by from Portsmouth and Southampton with sailing boats dotted in between with many a deli and cafe to while away relaxing days.

Things to do Liz Arnell

New Forest Walking Festival

Explore the New Forest with or without the help of a local expert during October's New Forest Walking Festival, for young, old, two or four legs.

Places to Go Kylie Barton

Little Theatre circular dog walk in Devon

Bailey's back to walk you around Torquay on a cultural route around the old town and harbour. It's a circular walk for dogs with a little bit of theatre for their owner.

Places to Go B Hutchings

Walking on the Tennyson Downs

Fill your lungs with fresh air on your Isle of Wight holiday by walking across the AONB Tennyson Downs.

Things to do Liz Arnell

Murder Mystery family activity in Totnes

Explore a new town and find things to do with children in Totnes - as we eliminated suspects and weapons we explored places with great names like Warland and Ticklemore Street.

Things to do Philip Eley

Things to do in Wareham

Wareham is a beautiful old town with literary connections and a great place to stop to break up a long journey, or spend a few days if you are heading down towards the coast.

Things to do Becky Bye

Things to do in Shaldon

Shaldon is a fantastic village facing an attractive estuary with a small village charm but also a good range of shops, pubs and cafes. It lies in a sheltered valley and stares out at the larger town of Teignmouth which it is connected to by a bridge and a ferry.

Things to do Philip Eley

Things to do in Looe

Want bucket loads of seaside charm? Head to Looe! Whether you decide to base yourself here, or pop over for a day trip, there are plenty of things to do to keep you busy here.

Things to do Abby D

Things to do in Seaton

With its pebble beach, easy-going vibe, and many interesting days out and attractions nearby, Seaton is a good place for a family holiday, a walking holiday or an activity holiday.

Things to do Philip Eley

Things to do in Bovey Tracey

Bovey Tracey is a welcoming town with many tasty cafes and restaurants. It is a great base from which to explore a lovely area so here is my guide to things to do in 'Buvvy'.

Things to do Philip Eley

Things to do in Lerryn

Whether you’ve got a week or an afternoon to spend, Lerryn makes the perfect place for a spot of pottering. There are things to do in Lerryn to keep you occupied while you relax and unwind on holiday in Cornwall.

Things to do Abby D

A pretty walk to Steephill Cove

A hidden gem with calm waters and golden sands, perfect for a quiet afternoon out in the sunshine while on holiday on the Isle of Wight.

Places to Go Liz Arnell

Things to do in Beaminster

Dorset walks, places to eat and things to see and do in the unassuming but very pretty little market town of Beaminster, north of Bridport. It's worth a quick visit when you're on holiday in Dorset.

Things to do Katie Chown

Things to do in Dawlish

Dawlish is a seaside town in south east Devon with a gentle air of sophistication yet still a great place for traditional bucket and spade holidays. With both Dawlish and Dawlish Warren full of ideas for a fun break, here is my guide of things to do in Dawlish.

Things to do Philip Eley

Things to do in Lulworth Cove

If you’re after a coastal day out in Dorset, but fancy something a little more adventurous than Lyme Regis or Swanage, then Lulworth Cove is for you.

Things to do Becky Bye

Things to do in Plymouth

Plymouth describes itself as Britain’s Ocean City. It is a vibrant, modern city with plenty of attractions and historic buildings, places to visit, things to do and see and lots of foody destinations.

Things to do Philip Eley

Things to do in Newton Abbot

Newton Abbot is a medium-sized market town, surrounded by great parks and beautiful countryside with access to great seaside one way and great moorland the other way. It also has some of the best parks and open space land you can find plenty of things to do in.

Things to do Philip Eley

Things to do in Swanage

A day out in Dorset would be far from complete without a trip to the seaside. Swanage is the best town on the Jurassic Coast for scenery.

Things to do Becky Bye

Spring tide walk to St Helens Fort

A walk with a difference. This walk can only be attempted 4 times a year so plan your holiday for low tide and hope to strike lucky.

Things to do Liz Arnell

Things to do in Wimborne Minster

Little known Dorset town Wimborne Minster has a lot of activities to offer, whether you are after a family day out, or a quiet relaxing weekend for two.

Things to do Becky Bye

Brading Marshes circular walk

Join Liz Arnell and her Labrador Retriever, Nigel, on a circular walk on the east of the Isle of Wight. The walk takes in stunning sea views and magical woodland on the island.

Visitors' Book Liz Arnell

A family day out mixing Legend and History at Tintagel Castle

A visit to Tintagel in North Cornwall is like taking a pilgrimage to a peculiarly mythical land. The castle ruins perched high on the clifftop are the quintessence of one of the greatest legends that course throughout Cornwall’s history.

Places to Go Deb S

5 Dog friendly beaches in south Devon

Devon is a fabulous place for dogs, with many wide-open spaces for running around in. So, which beaches in South Devon are the most dog-friendly?

Places to Go Philip Eley

Best Dog Friendly Places in Dorset

One of the best things about holidaying in Dorset is long walks that end up in a cosy pub – and it’s just not the same if you don’t take your four-legged friend with you. Luckily we have some of the best dog-friendly cottages in Dorset.

Places to Go Amanda Tomlin

Things to do in St Austell

When you think of a typical Cornish holiday, you probably won’t think of St Austell. But this historic town is well worth a wander and offers plenty of things to do as well as fantastic access to some of the best beaches in the whole county.

Things to do Abby D

Things to do in Kingsbridge

Kingsbridge is an attractive market town in its own right, but it is most often seen as a good base from which to explore the spectacular surrounding area of South Hams.

Things to do Philip Eley

Things to do in Teignmouth

Teignmouth has the nostalgic charm of a Victorian seaside town, with its pier, lido and large houses, but there’s a lot more to this interesting town than that, so here’s my guide to things to do in Teignmouth.

Things to do Philip Eley

Family Day Out at the New Forest Centre

The New Forest Centre is a hub of information and activities through which to learn about the beautiful scenery which surrounds you, and provides a great educational day out for families holidaying nearby.

Places to Go Kylie Barton

Things to do in Southampton

On a glorious spring day last year, we did two things of note. We looked at the sky. Then we gazed at the sea. Then we enjoyed many of the things to do in Southampton that make for a great family holiday.

Things to do Jonathan C

Visit Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight is one of the few places in the UK where you could get away with a relaxed approach to holidaymaking. From the centre of the Island you are never more than half an hour from the sea, and you'll find family friendly bays, beaches and coves scattered all over. There are lots of things to do on a visit to the Isle of Wight.

Things to do Robbie L

Things to do in Torquay

Torquay has been a fashionable seaside resort since the early 19th century with some fabulous beaches and many interesting historical houses alongside its shops and cafes.

Things to do Philip Eley

Things to do in Fowey

Set on the south coast, Fowey is a maritime lover’s paradise. The smart nautical town hugs the west side of the Fowey estuary, where deep waters attract sailing fans. The town itself is a mix of enchantingly narrow streets and a mix of architecture including historic medieval, grand Georgian and Victorian buildings.

Things to do Abby D

Things to do in Lymington

Quite simply, Lymington is an enchanting town for all seasons, for all the family. Situated on the southern edge of the New Forest, it offers the perfect springboard from which to explore the stunning national park.

Things to do Jonathan C

Things to do in Weymouth

I wonder if Weymouth is actually rather overlooked and under-rated, with visitors flocking more to other Dorset locations such as Bournemouth, but Weymouth has some brilliant hidden gems that I want to share with you.

Things to do Becky Bye

Things to do in Bodmin

One of the oldest towns in Cornwall, Bodmin is truly steeped in history yet has many modern conveniences to make life easy.

Things to do Abby D

Dog walking on Bembridge Beach

Soak up the sunshine and views of the Solent and the Channel with a walk around the Bembridge coastline on the east of the Isle of Wight.

Places to Go Kayleigh Hardy

Things to do in The New Forest

Welcome to the heart of the New Forest, where cattle, ponies, donkeys, deer and pigs have roamed free for centuries.

Things to do Jonathan C

The Times Top 3 winter walks

Check out things to do and where to stay if you fancy following one of The Times' winter walks to celebrate all things outdoors.

News & Offers Kayleigh Hardy

A short break in Burley, New Forest

After a weekend away in the New Forest, you’ll feel bright eyed and bushy tailed for your return home and back to reality.

Places to Go Becky Bye

Exploring Lostwithiel

But it’s not just the lively shopping scene that draws the crowds, there are beautiful riverside walks to enjoy, brilliant play parks for kids and plenty of excellent pubs, cafes and restaurants ready for when hunger strikes.

Places to Go Abby D

Cardinham Woods family walk

My wife is a city girl; she is happy in these maintained woodlands to know that there are toilets nearby, places to buy good coffee, and well-maintained paths, while I’m happy that we don’t have to actually stay on the paths at all.

Places to Go Philip Eley

Stoke Gabriel dog walk in Devon

Take in the waterside sights of an amble around the ancient village of Stoke Gabriel and its dog-friendly places to go.

Visitors' Book B Hutchings

St Michael's Mount day trip

You really wonder at the enterprise and sheer foolishness of building a stately home on a huge chuck of rock 500 meters out to sea

Places to Go Philip Eley

Somerset Walks and Unusual Discoveries

Walking along and picking out the pieces that catch my eye has become a ritual. Imagining where they came from, who used them and why they were cast out is addictive and helps paint vivid pictures of times gone by.

Things to do Anna H

Top 5 best things to do in the New Forest

We know because we've been there, but we're also backed up by our guests and Owners - here's some of the best things to do in the New Forest.

Things to do Katie Chown

A day in Kingsand and Cawsand

Kingsand and Cawsand are twin seafront villages on The Rame Peninsula in Cornwall. They have a rich fishing (and smuggling!) heritage and you can still spot the old fish cellars and stores along the coast.

Visitors' Book Abby D

Dog walks in Paignton with Bailey

It’s very tempting to belt out a rendition of something from ‘The Sound of Music’, but all I can manage is ‘Bailey wait for me!’ as she disappears through some brambles.

Visitors' Book B Hutchings

New Year Walks in Dorset

What we need is some fresh air and exercise, and Dorset thankfully has scenic walking spots in abundance. Wrap up warm, bundle the kids and dogs into the back of the car and head down to any of these places on New Year's Day to brush off the cobwebs.

Places to Go Becky Bye

Winter walks in Dorset

Dorset has some of the finest countryside that the nation has to offer, including some absolutely breath-taking views. For beauty, views, and for a certain special something, here are some top winter walks around Dorset as the cold weather closes in around us.

Places to Go Becky Bye

Dog walking around Burgh Island, Bigbury-On-Sea

Take a wander around, picking up some interesting facts about Bigbury Bay while you're there; the life and times of a Huer, and the pilchard packers. Remember though, it is tidal!

Places to Go B Hutchings

Goat walking in Exmouth

The World of Country Life is a great day out for young children. Even though we went on a Saturday it was surprisingly quiet and we didn’t have to queue for anything which made it all the more enjoyable.

Places to Go Philip Eley

The Blue Pool

The Blue Pool in Wareham, Dorset is allegedly home to the Wareham Bears... So make sure you take a picnic!

Visitors' Book Philip Eley

Becky Falls family day out

I read on the leaflet that Becky Falls has been open to the public since 1903. A lot of small feet must have walked its trails in that time but my children really did feel like explorers discovering a strange and magical land for the first time.

Visitors' Book Philip Eley

Dog walking in Devon on Berry Head

Yes, we are talking rabbits, dog walkers, bird watchers, picnic lovers, historical researchers; and of course not forgetting the Guardhouse Cafe, on the Berry Head Nature Reserve

Visitors' Book B Hutchings

Walking in Dorset

Some of the more rural country walks in North Dorset suggest themselves as more of a waterproof coat and wellington boot alternative, though there are plenty of coastal walks for the slightly more adventurous types with hiking boots and walking sticks. However, these are my particular favourites;

Things to do Becky Bye

Distinctly Devon cycle path walk

Totnes to Ashprington is a perfect riverside walk. The path is easy to walk on and beautiful from beginning to end.

Things to do Philip Eley

Family friendly Things To Do for Free in Devon

We are quite a frugal family so the more free things that we can fill our days with, the better. Since we have lived in the West Country we have discovered all sorts of new, free, places to visit and I thought I would share a few of them with you.

Places to Go Gina Caro

Buried in a tree

A crypt-keeper's poem on an otherwise lovely stroll.

Pub Philosophy Katie Chown

The crown of The Jurassic Coast

Whilst the Jurassic Coast is overflowing with beautiful seaside destinations, there is one for me whose charm outshines the rest; Lulworth Cove.

Places to Go Becky Bye

There's something about Shaftesbury

The unassuming Saxon hilltop market town may at first appear to be nothing special but this north Dorset spot has a treasure trove of appeal.

Places to Go Becky Bye

There's no Doc Martin here

A mosey around Port Wenn aka Port Isaac and getting dive-bombed by overprotective seagulls.

Pub Philosophy Katie Chown

A Jurassic Coast dog walk

No sounds of worldly toil ascending there Mar the full burst of prayer

Things to do Molly and the Princess

Discount walking guides

We've got a special Classic discount on walking books. All the walks in each book are circular and each has all the information walkers need for a good day out.

News & Offers Katie Chown

A magical afternoon at Dartington Hall

They say Dartington is situated on a ley line – now I’m not sure about all that hippy stuff, but one thing I do know is I always feel an incredible sense of calm and beauty when I visit.

Places to Go Molly and the Princess

Bluebells at Blackbury Camp in Devon

The flowers are short-lived, and so once they are out, you should grab the opportunity to see them at their best...

Places to Go Molly and the Princess

A Dartmoor walk around Chagford

Snowdrops and crocuses have appeared triumphant and herald the start of Spring, soon to make way for carpets of bluebells.

Visitors' Book Molly and the Princess

A shipwreck adventure on the coast of north Cornwall

‘From Pentire Point to Hartland light, a watery grave by day and night’, so goes the local saying. It’s one of the UK’s most notorious stretches of coastline for shipwrecks...ripe for adventure.

Visitors' Book Ali Ray

The Tarka Trail

Fancy going off-road but want it easy-going? Hit the Tarka Trail. This 35 mile former railway line is a Sustrans benchmark in more ways than one. It’s free of traffic (bar the odd horse), fills you in on the history and the wildlife as you go and lays on a series of artist-made benches, each one acting as a resting place, waymarker or shelter.

Places to Go Katie Chown

Yoga at Lanyon Quoit

Driving along yet more winding, narrow hedged roads the landscape was familiar with far reaching views over fields sectioned with stone walls and gorse hedges. An earlier signpost had indicated ‘Lanyon Quoit’ was along here somewhere, but what was a ‘lanyon’? Or a ‘quoit’ for that matter.

Pub Philosophy Katie Chown

Strange Stone Circles in the South West

Grateful for the strength of denim on my legs, we parted the brambles and were swallowed into the greenery. Flip-flops were a poor choice in the morning dew with nettles and grass snakes threatening, but melodrama was short lived as we emerged into a more open area.

Pub Philosophy Katie Chown

The Magical Mystery Tour of far west Cornwall

We went at the wrong time of day to stumble across the locals. But we still picked up a few tips that sparked a Magical Mystery Tour of the Penwith peninsula.

Pub Philosophy Katie Chown

Penwith Peninsula Tour Map

Lumps of stone perched in a way no human could have constructed, magical dells full of wishes and spectacular sights that make you drop all your thoughts and just be.

Pub Philosophy Katie Chown

Tremayne Quay Picnic Walk

We wanted to go on a picnic. And the best kind of picnic usually involves a bit of a ramble to walk off those scones, as long as you don't have to carry the hamper too far. So, we chose Tremayne Quay near Mawgan on the Lizard peninsula, Cornwall.

Pub Philosophy Katie Chown

Picnic on the Quay

A mid-July, mid-week, mid-afternoon picnic on Tremayne quay off the Helford River. We picked our way through the best bits of the local farm shops on our Tour of the Lizard to create an enviable hamper full of goodies.

Pub Philosophy Katie Chown

Tregonning Hill Barefoot walk

Inspired by our encounter with Steve Bloor and the Godolphin House Barefoot Trail, we decided to try out our own walk with naked feet, so we hot-footed it over to nearby Tregonning Hill.

Pub Philosophy Katie Chown

A Barefoot Pub Philosophy in the Blue

In the summer of 2013, we walked up the road to our local, to see where the stories would take us and whether we knew as much about the area as we think we do.

Pub Philosophy Katie Chown

The Magic of Mount's Bay

Not just for those with a Bus Pass... this journey is best taken on an open top bus!

Visitors' Book Maz C

Dorset Days

We explore the eastern boundaries of our territory. Don't succumb to the temptation to keep following the dotted white lines west, but turn off and explore the unique character of Dorset. Perfect for a short, revitalising escape.

Places to Go Philippa Penney

Sand Summit 2011/12

How one long walk sparked a dream to collect an eggcup’s worth of every beach from Minehead to Swanage.

Stories & Characters Peter Kirby

The loveliest loop on earth

The pick of things to do, places to see, food to eat on the western tip of Cornwall by people who have been born there or as good as.

Places to Go Peter Kirby

Walk the Best

Have a walk around the best bits of the West Country, as voted for in the Coast Awards 2012.

Places to Go Katie Chown

Our Ten Favourite Benches, No. 1

Oh for a seat! This is the first of our 10 places to be sedentary, ponder and enjoy another fabulous view.

Places to Go Peter Kirby

The Ten Laws of Sitting

We've got some great places to just sit, so make the time and let your imagination go.

Stories & Characters Peter Kirby