The South Devon Countryside

The South Devon landscape is an abundance of lush rolling fields, wooded valleys, heath land and tors.

This varied landscape is a treasure trove waiting to be explored, there are footpaths and cycle ways to discover, wildlife to look out for and enchanting villages and towns to explore.

National Landscapes and National Park

With three National Landscapes (formerly AONBs) and a National Park large amounts of the South Devon Countryside are protected to ensure the unspoilt beauty can be enjoyed by all.

South Devon National Landscape
Running from Plymouth to Torbay and inland covering a number of river valleys including the River Dart and River Avon you’ll find yourself in the South Devon National Landscape. The National Landscape covers 60 miles of coastline, estuaries and countryside.

Blackdown Hills National Landscape
Sitting on the Devon and Somerset border The Blackdown Hills National Landscape offers a landscape of steep valleys, forests and farmland. The area offers brilliant walking, cycling and riding with plenty of history to interest any visitor.

East Devon National Landscape​​​​​​​
Spanning the East Devon coast line from Exmouth to the Dorset border and reaching inland to Ottery St. Mary and the edge of the Blackdown Hill National Landscape is the East Devon National Landscape. Here you’ll find the landscape is dominated by heathland and inmate wooded combes.

Dartmoor National Park
In the centre of the county is the rugged landscape of Dartmoor National Park with its Granite Tors, heatherclad moors, ancient woodlands and fascinating history. With wide open expanses and river valleys the landscape is perfect for all types of activities and sports, from climbing, kayaking, walking to horse riding and letter boxing. 

Wildlife

As well as the National Landscapes and National Park you’ll find a whole range of nature reserves across the region which provides the perfect backdrop of tree, grasslands and rare flowers for wildlife watching and bird spotting, including the Nightjar which has been spotted in the Blackdown Hills National Landscape.   

Walking and cycling

With such a varied landscape on offer it’s easy to walk, cycle or ride your way across the county on one of the many hundreds of miles of foot paths, cycle ways and bridleways that crisscross the region. By being car free you have the flexibility to stop and admire some of the wonderful views or spend time in one of the many villages or towns that you pass through.

Not only can the footpaths and cycle ways provide access to parts of the county which aren’t accessible by car but you can work up an appetite to enjoy some of the great local food and drink which Devon has on offer.