May is National Walking Month, a four-week stretch dedicated to inspiring people around the UK to get out and about and enjoy the benefits of walking, regardless of fitness level or ability. Especially over the past year, walking has become healthy for our brains, bodies and communities and has become a lifeline for many people by keeping them busy and social. That is why we are encouraging you to keep walking and #WalkThisMay!
Walking is easy, affordable, and enjoyable, and it improves our overall health. It doesn’t take much to integrate walking into your daily life, and the rewards will last a lifetime, so why not start today?
As a Devon-based charity, we are very lucky to have such stunning walking trails. Take a peek at our Step One team’s top 5 suggested walk routes in Devon. We hope these suggestions give you some inspiration to get out and go for a walk this month!
Haldon Forest has the ideal walking route for you, whether you’re looking for fun and excitement or some peace and quiet to watch the wildlife. The Butterfly track, Discovery trail, Nordic Walking trail, and Raptor trail are all within 15 minutes of Exeter. This location is very popular with families with children, so if you need to carry them along, this is the ideal location.
Walking trails at Haldon Forest Park
EX6 7XR
This lovely walk around Topsham is very coastal whilst being easily accessible from Exeter on public transport. There are lots of benches along the Goat walk so you can sit and gaze at the views, watch the estuary comings and goings and spot the trains on the other side.
Approx 3 miles
EX3 0HZ
Stover offers a range of facilities to help you enjoy the natural surroundings. Its 114 acres of woodland, grassland and lake provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy a long walk and a picnic en-route. It has multiple trails for all, including the Aerial Walkway, which is accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs and provides a tree-top view of one of Stover’s woodlands. The Ted Hughes Poetry Trail and Children’s Trail also have specially planned Poetry Posts, each displaying a Ted Hughes poem with a nature theme.
1.5 miles
Stover Lake
TQ16 6QZ
This walk begins at the award-winning tourist attraction Kents Cavern in Wellswood, Torquay, with a lower route that leads through a woodland area alongside Ilsham Valley Green. There is a lovely grassy stretch where you can rest and take in the scenery.
Approx 2 miles
Anstey’s Cove
Torquay, Devon,
TQ1 3TG
Bellever Forest near Postbridge is a stunning place for a walk. You can take a gentle stroll by the East Dart River or a hike up to Bellever Tor. It’s a beautiful setting and a great place to visit with your dog. Although be careful as there are many families who take the day to go for a picnic around the area.
Approx 3 miles
Bellever Forest
Postbridge,
Yelverton,
Devon, PL20 6TU
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