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Home to sweeping coastlines, wild moorlands, peaceful forests, and charming villages, the Southwest of England is known for its beautiful natural scenes. It also offers some of the country’s most impressive walking routes for those looking to spend more time outdoors.
From intrepid hikes that will test your fitness levels to gentle strolls that are all about appreciating the views, there’s a walk for every mood and ability. So if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle and get back to nature, here are eight of the very best walks in Southwest England.
1. Zennor to St Ives, Cornwall
Winding for 630 glorious miles along the Somerset, Devon, Cornwall, and Dorset coastlines, the South West Coast Path is England’s longest national trail. Spanning 7.7 miles across wild coastal landscapes and rugged terrain, it’s a challenging yet deeply rewarding hike.
It begins in the quiet village of Zennor, where the path quickly turns rocky, weaving over jagged headlands and dipping into small valleys. The scenery is wonderfully varied, and you’ll trek over granite cliffs, gorse and heather heathland, and boulder-strewn hillsides – just remember to look out for seals or dolphins in the turquoise seas below.
The section of the walk between Zennor and St Ives showcases some of Cornwall’s most dramatic and untamed landscapes. And the route ends in the bustling seaside town of St Ives, where you can tuck into some well-earned fish and chips and an ice cream before hopping on the bus back to Zennor.
Head over to I Walk Cornwall to find out more.
2. Glastonbury Tor, Somerset
If you’re looking for a short walk that blends history, mythology, an exhilarating climb, and spectacular views, a trip up Glastonbury Tor is difficult to beat. Crowned by its 14th-century tower, the Tor has long been linked to legends of King Arthur, ancient pilgrimage routes, and mystical ley lines – layers of folklore that still shroud this hill in an unmistakable aura.
While the walk is brief – just 1.5 miles up and down – it offers a chance to experience one of Somerset’s most iconic landmarks. You can also extend the route by setting off from the centre of Glastonbury town, adding another mile as you make your way up to the Tor.
Afterwards, Glastonbury’s mix of cosy pubs, quirky shops, and independent cafés makes it a lovely place to spend an afternoon. Don’t miss the atmospheric ruins of Glastonbury Abbey, which are steeped in centuries of myths and legend.
Head over to Local Walks to see your route.
3. Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door circular, Dorset
With dramatic cliffs, turquoise waters, and striking geological formations, the Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door circular walk is one of England’s most iconic coastal hikes. This five-mile route features gentle climbs and unforgettable views, making it accessible to most walkers. Plus, it passes the gems of the Jurassic Coast: golden beaches, hidden coves, and soaring white cliffs.
The walk begins in Lulworth Cove, a picturesque bay famous for its almost perfectly circular shape. The path climbs gently along the South West Coast Path, winding over cliff tops until it reaches Durdle Door, the limestone arch that juts dramatically into the sea. The path then loops inland through wildflower meadows and chalk downs dotted with sheep. Remember to bring a camera, especially if you’re walking near sunset, when the cliffs and sea glow gold.
Find out more about this route on the Dorset Travel Guide website.
4. Avebury, West Kennet, & Silbury Hill, Wiltshire
Wiltshire is home to some of the country’s most extraordinary prehistoric sites, and the Avebury, West Kennet, and Silbury Hill circular make up three of them. At just under five miles, the route winds across rolling chalk downs and ancient trackways through some of Wiltshire’s most beautiful countryside. With skylarks singing overhead and mysterious monuments rising from the fields, the walk has a wonderfully timeless, atmospheric feel.
Highlights include Avebury, the world’s largest prehistoric stone circle, where, unlike Stonehenge, you can walk freely among the stones. You can also wander through West Kennet Long Barrow, a dark, echoing Neolithic burial chamber over 5,500 years old and past Silbury Hill, Europe’s largest man-made prehistoric mound. Although its purpose remains a mystery, watching this huge monument emerge from the flat farmland is always a memorable experience.
For more on this route, head over to All Trails.
5. The Bath Skyline Walk, Somerset
Bath is one of England’s most beautiful and historic cities, and if you’re seeking a fresh perspective on this much-loved destination, the Bath Skyline Walk offers the perfect escape. This six-mile circular route provides sweeping views over Bath’s honey-coloured Georgian architecture, and despite skimming the edges of the city, it feels wonderfully rural – a rare blend of nature and heritage.
Walkers are encouraged to follow the trail clockwise as it winds through a surprisingly diverse landscape of open meadows, ancient woodland, and secluded valleys. From viewpoints such as Bathwick Fields, you can take in the city’s iconic crescents, terraces, and spires. The route’s highlights include the elegant Sham Castle and historic cemeteries that have evolved into peaceful havens for wildlife.
To find out more about this walk, head over to the National Trust.
6. The Haytor Vale & Hound Tor Circular, Dartmoor, Devon
Known for its wild, open moorlands, deep river valleys, and eponymous ponies, Dartmoor National Park is one of the most uniquely beautiful places in the country. There’s no shortage of great walks here, but if you fancy a route that combines soaring granite tors, sweeping views, pretty villages, and medieval ruins, the Haytor Vale and Hound Tor Circular might become a fast favourite.
Beginning in the hamlet of Haytor Vale, the trail climbs towards the imposing Haytor, Dartmoor’s most famous tor, where you can enjoy sensational views from the summit. The path then dips in and out of sheltered valleys before rising again towards the jagged silhouette of Hound Tor. You’ll pass through open moors, shady forests, and fields dotted with ponies and cattle before ending back at Haytor Vale.
Beyond the scenery, this walk offers a fascinating insight into Dartmoor’s past. Just below Hound Tor lie the remains of a medieval village, while further on, you’ll follow the Haytor Granite Tramway, where granite rails from a Victorian tram system still run through the earth.
You can discover more about the route on Trail Exposure.
7. Dozmary Pool walk, Bodmin Moor, Cornwall
Just over the county border lies Bodmin Moor, a vast and rugged granite landscape crisscrossed with excellent walking trails. One of the highlights is the Dozmary Pool walk, a circular route that loops around Cornwall’s largest natural lake. At just over six miles, the trail travels across rolling hills, open moorland, and boggy meadows, with plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting along the way.
Dozmary Pool is steeped in Arthurian legend and local lore; the lake is said to be named after Dozy Mary, an unfortunate girl who met her tragic end here. The combination of wide-open moors, vast skies, and the eerily still waters of the pool creates a uniquely atmospheric setting, perfect for quiet reflection. In the early morning or late afternoon, mist often drifts over the pool, making visits particularly magical.
To find out more, head over to GPS Routes.
8. The Cheddar Gorge Circular Walk, Somerset
At almost 400 feet deep and three miles long, Cheddar Gorge is England’s largest gorge – and if you’d like to explore one of the country’s most spectacular natural wonders, one walk stands out. The Cheddar Gorge Circular is one of the most dramatic and rewarding hikes in the Mendips, taking you along rugged crags and weathered pinnacles, over limestone cliffs, and through viewpoints that open onto rolling hills.
Starting in the village of Cheddar, the trail winds for four miles; some sections are steep, exposed, and wonderfully wild, yet the clear waymarking keeps the route manageable, and each climb is rewarded with breathtaking views. The contrast between the deep, narrow gorge and open clifftops gives the walk striking variety, and you may spot birds of prey circling above. Once you return to Cheddar, the village’s quirky cafés (and famous cheese shops) offer plenty of spots to relax and refuel.
For more details about this walk, visit the National Trust.
Final thoughts….
From wild granite moors and ancient stone circles to towering coastal cliffs, the Southwest is a region made for walking. Each of these eight routes offers something different, from dramatic sea views to folklore and history, but all walks share the same beauty and magic that makes this corner of the country so special.
And, whether you’re wandering through ancient woodland or climbing a legendary hill, these walks offer more than a chance to stretch your legs and get some fresh air. They’re also opportunities to slow down, reconnect with nature, and explore some of the country’s most spectacular landscapes.
For further reading, check out our list of 7 of the best walks in Northeast England.
Have you been on any of these walks? Or do you have your own suggestions for the best walks in the Southwest? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
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