South Devon National Landscape Explorer brochure – a guide on where to go and what to see in the South Devon National Landscape.
In addition to this webpage version of Explorer 2026, an extract from the brochure, you can also download a pdf version or view a flipbook version from this page.
The Explorer is available to pick up from information centres and is widely distributed across the National Landscape.
First time or 91st time, you are always welcome!
15% of the land in England is within a National Landscape and there are 46 National Landscapes to fall in love with!
6% of people in England live within half an hour’s journey time of a National Landscape – if that’s you then why not make 2026 the year you delve into the ‘natural beauty’ of South Devon National Landscape.
The lush green valleys and picturesque estuaries create a peaceful, unspoiled environment.
Charming coastal settlements like Salcombe and Dartmouth add a touch of charm to the rugged beauty. Whether you’re a fan of rugged coastal walks, quiet river valleys, or seeking out local food and drink, South Devon offers an array of opportunities to explore and enjoy:
Our current Management Plan covers the period 2019-2024 (extended to 2026) and is now due for review.
Every five years, we create a Management Plan to help guide the work and activities of all organisations, groups and individuals with a responsibility or interest in the area.
This statutory document defines what makes it special, identifies the key issues facing this special place, and sets out our vision and priorities for conserving and enhancing its natural beauty for the next 5 years. The draft Plan public consultation dates are to be advised. There will be an opportunity to give us your views by completing a survey accessible from our website.
The South Devon National Landscape website has over 35 walks you can download for free. There is a huge variety to choose from; some suitable for seasoned walkers, others for those who like an extended stroll.
They range in length from 2 to 12 miles and include details of facilities and access as well as information on wildlife, archaeology and history, see our walks page. You can also join a guided walk – see our events page.
20 geocaches have been placed along established walks in the National Landscape; however, prepare to go off the beaten track to hunt for the treasure! See our Geocaching webpage.
Britain’s longest trail. The South West Coast Path extends to 630 miles of which 60 are in the South Devon National Landscape from Berry Head in Brixham to Jennycliff in Plymouth. The path is well waymarked and a variety of guides cover the section. You can also download day walks from www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk or guides are available from local information centres.
A great way of experiencing some of the most spectacular views the area has to offer!
Further information from the South West Coast Path website.
The Dart Valley Trail links Dartmouth to Totnes and Greenway to Kingswear, offering 17miles (27km) of glorious walking linked handily to buses, ferries and steam trains. This means you can walk all parts of the trail.
See walks Dartmouth Greenway round, the lower half of the Dart Valley Trail and Dittisham to Totnes, a linear walk (link with the Dartmouth Greenway round to complete the whole Dart Valley Trail.
The Avon Estuary Walk links Bigbury-on-Sea to Bantham, via Aveton Gifford, making a 9 mile (14km) walk if you use the River Avon ferry. The ferry has restricted operating hours, so try to check the times beforehand and include the ferry crossing early in your walk, so that you aren’t rushing later on.
The Greenway walk links the National Trust’s Greenway Estate to areas of nearby Paignton offering visitors a ‘green’ way to arrive! The 7 mile (11km) trail can be joined in Broadsands, Galmpton and Churston and offers the best views of Torbay’s coastline and spectacular Dart Estuary in one walk.
Further information:
Car free and care free …
For bus routes and timetable enquiries, please call Traveline, refer to their website for up to date information or download the Traveline app.
0871 200 22 33 (0700 to 2000 daily). Calls from landlines cost 12p per minute.
Bus timetables available from local information centres.
Dartmouth
A3122 Dartmouth outskirts TQ6 9LW. For up-to-date operating times and prices, go to www.southhams.gov.uk.
On dates when the seasonal Park and Ride service is not operating:
Salcombe
A381 Salcombe outskirts TQ8 8EL. For up-to-date operating times and prices, go to: www.salcombetowncouncil.gov.uk.
When there is no seasonal service from this car park, the regular 164 bus into town can be picked up at the bus stop on the Main Road over at the far corner of the car park. It is also possible to walk into town.
Cycling in South Devon provides access to some of the best bits of the area, but the hills can be a bit challenging! There are a number of e-bike hire centres across the National Landscape which can help with our inclines – search online if you fancy trying one out.
Routes to try
Totnes is a good base to cycle from.
Totnes to Dartington:
This is a lovely route for families with young children alongside the river. It runs for two miles alongside the River Dart and by Queens Marsh and Bidwell Brook on the Dartington Hall Estate. Refreshments are available in Totnes or at The Cider Press Centre.
Totnes to Ashprington:
Part of the Dart Valley Trail, this hilly route is along ancient lanes, water meadow, marshland and quiet woods. There are lovely views of the River Dart. Approximately 6 miles round trip.
Riders can explore a network of bridleways, green lanes and quiet country roads, many linking villages, valleys and coastal viewpoints.
In total, the area contains around 38 km of public bridleways and about 67 km of historic green lanes, providing off-road routes that are ideal for hacking and longer circular rides.
For mainline enquiries about times and fares contact 03457 484950 or go to www.nationalrail.co.uk.
Steam railways
A lovely way to appreciate the varied landscape of the area. Steam trains run along the spectacular coast from Paignton to Kingswear for Dartmouth via the passenger ferry. Call Paignton station 01803 555872 or visit www.dartmouthrailriver.co.uk for details of times and fares.
Combined river excursions are also available – the Round Robin which takes you from Paignton – Totnes by bus, down the river Dart from Totnes – Dartmouth and then back on the steam train from Kingswear to Paignton.
On the water …
You’ll be spoilt for choice in the National Landscape. Speak to an information centre (back page) or search the internet for one of the many activity providers offering a range of experiences.
There are five estuaries in the National Landscape of which four are served by ferries – an important and enjoyable way to get around.
If you’re walking the South West Coast Path they form an essential link across the estuaries. As they’re dependent on tides and weather it’s best to check the ferry services timetable before travelling. For further details speak to an information centre; you can also find information on our Out and About webpage.
Hire equipment or book up some lessons for professional coaching
Ferry timetables may change, for example due to adverse weather or public holidays. Check journey with travel operator before travel.
Ferry information is available on our Out and About webpage.
With over 35 walks free to download on our website, we thought we would pick just a few to give you some ideas of where to start!
The full list of walks as well as these, can be found on our walks webpage.
With wildlife a-plenty, boardwalks and woodlands to explore and a hidden geocache, it really is a great walk for all the family.
And maybe an ice cream by the seaside to finish?!
2.75 miles, easy to moderate walk. Not suitable for pushchairs.
A hugely rewarding coast and estuary walk with peerless views from some of the most dramatic cliffs in the area. It ends with a huge vista of South Devon, and the welcoming sight of Kingston village snuggled amongst the fields.
Some of the hills are steep, but worth the views from the top!
5.5 miles, strenuous walk
Don’t miss this walk when the remains of the Civil War star fort are carpeted in bluebells – just gorgeous!
With views up the Dart estuary and out to sea, it is easy to see why this was such an important lookout point in the past.
1.8 mile, easy to moderate walk
Who doesn’t love being in the woods in Autumn as the trees don their wonderful golden coats!
Stroll along the wooded river valley following the route of the old Primrose Line railway, then finish in the nearby cafe with a cup of something warm.
3.5 mile moderate walk
If you want an easy, flat walk with amazing coastal views over our wild and rugged coastline – you can park at the start point and just walk out along the carriage path created in the 1880s.
This part of the walk is just over 2km to the headland near the mouth of the Yealm. For an easy route retrace your steps – the view is even better the other way round!
Whole circular route – 4.5 miles easy to moderate walk.
Revelstoke Drive section – 1.2 miles each way easy walk
Discover the hidden history of Kingsbridge town centre – all the clues are there, if you know where to look!
You will be surprised at how many stories the buildings of this historic market town have to tell!
2 mile easy walk.
There are lots of opportunities in the National Landscape to explore the past. You can do this on your own or with the help of others like the National Trust or English Heritage.
Opened in 1972. The galleries are full of permanent displays and special exhibitions.
Is a small, fascinating museum in an atmospheric old merchant’s house on the Butterwalk
A treasure trove of models, paintings, photographs and artefacts tell the story of Salcombe’s links with ships and the sea from ancient times to the Second World War.
Was built in 1836 to protect shipping off Start Point in south Devon. The Lighthouse, sited at the very end of the headland, has guided vessels in passage along the English Channel for over 190 years.
Details of tours at www.startpointdevon.co.uk
Is a Grade II* listed building set in beautiful parkland. The Lupton Trust was formed in 2008 to bring the House and gardens back into use for the benefit of the community.
Was originally an Iron Age hillfort, probably built sometime after 400 BC. It was defended by a massive earth and stone rampart topped with a timber palisade, and a deep outer ditch.
The site is owned by the Arundell Charity, there is a small car park and paths around the monument.
Owns and manages much of the coastline in the National Landscape in addition to woods and gardens. All are open for walking.
Has four exciting castles to visit in South Devon at Bayard’s Cove and Dartmouth Castle in Dartmouth, Totnes Castle and Berry Pomeroy Castle near Totnes.
11th – 20th September. Every year places across the country open their doors for FREE in England’s largest festival of history and culture. It’s a chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences, celebrating heritage, community and history.
Uncover more of South Devon’s history and heritage whilst enjoying stunning views of the coast with our narrated walk series ‘walking through time’.
Visit our Coastal Heritage Project webpage and listen to the audio, or download one of our self-guided trail leaflets from the walks page.
Flying into year three of the Life on the Edge project!
We are now into the third year of our five-year project and over 7,000 people have taken part so far! There have been all kinds of amazing activities ranging from guided walks, practical conservation tasks, arts activities, seed collecting, meadow making and much more! And there is lots more planned for an exciting Year 3.
You can find out more about the events, volunteer tasks and surveys, walks and fun days on our event listings webpage.
We have been working closely with local land managers to create over 25 hectares of new species-rich grassland and restored over 115 hectares of insect friendly habitats in our project hotspots. Our project team and volunteers have been busy conducting surveys along the coast this past year and have made some awesome discoveries! In December we found a third population of Mediterranean oil beetle, previously only known from two sites in the UK. We hope in our third year we will continue to uncover more populations!
Investing in people is core to the Life on the Edge project, and producing opportunities for people to learn new skills is hugely important. We are very proud to be able to provide paid work and training for new people entering the world of conservation work. We currently have a Communications Assistant, two part-time Trainees and three Apprentices working with us. There will be more opportunities throughout the project, with another three apprenticeships, three Communications Assistants and four Trainees over the next three years.
We could not do any of this without the support of our amazing volunteers, partners, staff team and funders, including the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and more locally, Devon Environment Foundation, National Trust and South West Coast Path Association.
Thanks so much!
Keep up to date by signing up to our newsletter, The Bees Knees – email [email protected]
Make your time count!
Join our volunteer survey programme to help search out the invertebrates along our coastline, helping us to build a better picture
of their distribution. See the events listings webpage for details.
There are also monthly volunteer tasks if you fancy getting your hands dirty!
LotE touring theatre
We are working with Doorstep Arts on a very exciting arts project due to hit South Devon in October 2026! Keep an eye on our socials, the website or sign up for our newsletter to keep up to date!
Small Wonders!
We have worked with artists to release Small Wonders in our hotspots around the South Devon Coast –head out and see if you can find them for yourself.
They can all be found on or near the South West Coast Path so why not take a wander and explore whilst you are there! See our small wonders webpage.
Reaching Out
We have programmes running with many groups including Torbay communities, Adult carers, Devon Mind and local schools. We are hugely grateful to our partners, without whom the project would not be possible!
If you are involved with a group who might like to work with us – get in touch!
We are also running our monthly expert-led walks series, talks to local community groups, bringing our roadshows to large public events, fairs and festivals, and putting on our own large events.
Supporting action
We have two grant schemes which can help communities and landowners carry out LotE projects.
Our Conservation Grants are up to £5,000 and are for carrying out projects on the ground which benefit our target species.
Our Community Grants are up to £2,000 and are for activities and projects which engage people in project activities.
If you would like to find out more about the grants, or anything else about the Life on the Edge project, see our LotE webpage or drop us an email to [email protected] to sound out your idea!
During the 5th year of the programme the local assessment panel has approved a further 29 projects with grant funding in excess of £312K delivered by the end of March 2026.
Through the programme, farmers and land managers can be supported to carry out projects that support nature recovery, mitigate the impacts of climate change, provide opportunities for people to discover, enjoy and understand the landscape and cultural heritage, or support nature-friendly, sustainable farm businesses. It’s a programme of funding for one-off projects covering these areas of work, rather than an agri-environment scheme.
The selection of projects this year has included:
Micro dairy and vending machine –
This project will develop enterprises at Mount Folly Farm, Bigbury with more public engagement, biodiversity and on farm
enterprise development. Drop in for your daily pint and a range of other goodies.
Food in the Community – This collaborative project, based at Daynes Farm, Harberton will create opportunities for a diverse group of residents to immerse in the natural landscape, participate in land based activities, including climate and nature friendly growing practices, and improve their understanding and appreciation of fresh farm produce.
Millco farming – an orchard recreation project at Orcheton Farm Modbury on 8.7 ha spread across 7 fields and the purchase of a tow and fert machine for liquid foliar feeding of grassland and arable crops reducing the use of nitrogen.
Future of FiPL – We were thrilled to hear in January that FiPL would be extended until March 2029. The FiPL team look forward to receiving enquiries for new projects.
We’ve held a range of workshops and visits during the year and welcomed several new members.
The programme has included:
Fingers crossed – we are waiting to hear if we will have a 6 month extension of the programme.
Did you know?
The UK has committed to protect 30% of land and sea for nature by 2030.
£192k spent towards protecting 30% of our land and sea for nature by 2030. We have supported:
South Devon National Landscape is a paradise for food lovers.
Enjoy everything!
From seafood to dairy, charcuterie and seasonal produce to meat, fish and game, preserves and local tipples. You’ll find it all here – fresh, local and delicious.
Farm shop/ cafés
We have an array of farm shops and cafés where you can sample and buy a fantastic selection of local food and drink including
There are also vending machines at Coleridge Farm, Mount Folly Farm and Stanborough Farm supported by Farming in Protected Landscapes funding.
23-25 October 2026
The festival has grown from humble beginnings in 2004 into a first class feast of entertainment featuring workshops, seminars, tastings, competitions, demonstrations and over 100 hand-picked exhibitors.
Shopping at the farmers market means
Kingsbridge
Kingsbridge Farmers and Local Producers Market is on 1st, 3rd and 5th Saturdays each month on the Quay from 9am – 1pm. www.kingsbridgefarmersmarket.co.uk
Wembury
9.30am – 12pm, Wembury Village Hall 1st Saturday of the month. Range of food, drink and local crafts. See Wembury Farmers Facebook page.
Dartington
Held on the 1st Saturday every month from 11am-4pm in the Cider Press Centre. Hosted by CLASH/Crop.
www.dartington.org/visit/shops
In addition
Tips for shopping & eating out
