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Plymouth is a walker’s paradise, offering a rich blend of stunning coastal views, historic city trails, and beautiful countryside walks. In celebration of Walking Month, we are going to tell you about the best spots in and around the city for you to explore.
Enjoy sea views with coastal walks
Situated on the coast, Plymouth offers an abundance of walks, each of which offer stunning views of the sea. There’s a variety of routes that you can take, meaning that no matter if you're after a challenging hike or a flat, leisurely stroll, you can find the perfect coastal walk to enjoy.
Southwest Coast Path
Stretch your legs along the renowned Southwest Coast Path, England’s longest National Trail, which winds through Plymouth’s stunning waterfront. Start at Rame Head and follow the trail around the sound, passing historic landmarks like the Royal William Yard, the iconic Plymouth Hoe, and the vibrant Barbican, before continuing to Jennycliff and beyond.
Feeling hungry? Take a break and enjoy a bite at one of the many waterfront cafés along the way. Find them here.
Waterfront Walkway
The Plymouth Trails App offers a fantastic way to explore stunning coastal walks, including the Waterfront Walkway. With real-time maps, engaging audio guides, and immersive "Now & Then" image overlays, the app brings Plymouth’s rich maritime heritage to life as you stroll.
Explore Plymouth's history with different trails
Geo trail at Royal William Yard
For something a little different, try the Geo Trail at Royal William Yard. This fascinating walk uncovers 380 million years of geological history, from ancient coral reefs to volcanic rocks. Collect a leaflet from the visitor office and scan QR codes along the way to reveal the secrets hidden in the local stonework. Keep an eye out for fossils, rare wildflowers, and the dramatic limestone bedrock at Devil’s Point
Plymouth Trails App
The Plymouth Trails App offers a variety of walking routes to explore the city’s rich history and natural beauty. From the historic Mayflower and Hoe Trails to themed walks like the Rainbow Connections and Powerful Women Trails, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy immersive stories, maps, and offline access as you discover Plymouth’s heritage, waterfront, and vibrant neighbourhoods at your own pace.
Discover peaceful woodland walks
Saltram
Wander through the historic parkland and woods of the National Trust Saltram estate. The riverside paths, ancient trees, and landscaped gardens provide a peaceful retreat with plenty of wildlife to spot.
Plymbridge Woods
Follow the old railway line through Plymbridge Woods, a haven for birdwatchers and families. The gentle, traffic-free path is ideal for walking or cycling, offering glimpses of all kinds of different wildlife.
Cann Woods
Venture a little further to Cann Woods, where a network of trails winds through mixed woodland. It’s a popular spot for dog walkers, runners, and anyone seeking a quiet escape among the trees.
Ham Woods
Explore the tranquil surroundings of Ham Woods, a local nature reserve that offers a network of paths through ancient woodland, meadows, and marshland. It's a perfect spot for a peaceful walk surrounded by nature.
Stroll along shores with scenic beach walks
Make the most of the beautiful outdoors this summer by enjoying some sunshine at one of the many stunning beaches near Plymouth.
Wembury Beach
Owned by the National Trust, Wembury Beach boasts its own Marine Conservation Centre and guided rock pool rambles, making it an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts. You can easily walk along the Southwest Coast Path toward Bovisand.
Mothecombe Beach
One of South Devon's quieter beaches, Mothecombe Beach is a large, unspoilt sandy paradise. It's fine sand and sheltered waters make it perfect for a relaxing day of shallow bathing.
Dogs are not permitted from 1 May to 30 September.
Bovisand Beach
Relax in the sheltered bay of yellow sand at Bovisand Beach, with gorgeous views over Plymouth Sound National Marine Park. This sandy bay is perfect for a leisurely stroll and is dog-friendly year-round, so your furry friends can join in the fun.
Bigbury Beach
Bigbury on Sea features a stunning sandy beach and is home to the iconic Burgh Island, where you'll find the famous Art Deco Burgh Island Hotel. The area offers shallow waters perfect for paddling and rock pools ideal for exploring. You can also take a trip to the island itself, which provides breathtaking views along the coast. Bigbury on Sea is a popular family beach and a great spot for windsurfing and kite surfing.
Dogs are allowed all year to the west of the causeway.
Explore stunning park walks
Devonport Park
Devonport Park is a fantastic spot for walking in Plymouth, offering wide, well-maintained paths that wind through beautifully restored Victorian gardens and vibrant floral displays. Perched on a hill, the park provides stunning views over Devonport Dockyard and Plymouth Sound, making every stroll scenic and refreshing.
Central Park
Central Park is Plymouth’s largest green space, ideal for exploring with its open meadows, woodlands, and rolling hills. Wide, smooth paths make walking easy for everyone, including wheelchair users and families with prams. There’s a great mix of open meadows and woodlands, all of which is perfect for exploring.
Mountwise Park
Enjoy panoramic views of the Tamar Estuary and Cornwall from Mount Wise Park. With its open lawns and remains of the 18th-century Mount Wise Redoubt fort, this is a great place to stroll, then enjoy a picnic with gorgeous views.
Experience nature with garden walks
Enjoy the best of the season with a walk through some of the finest gardens and green spaces in and around Plymouth.
Elizabethan Gardens
Tucked away in the heart of the Barbican, the Elizabethan Gardens are a peaceful hidden gem. Stroll among manicured hedges, fragrant herbs, and stone-paved paths. It’s the perfect serene retreat from the busy city.
Buckland Abbey
Once home to Sir Francis Drake, the grounds of Buckland Abbey are rich in history and natural beauty. Wander through vibrant gardens, past tranquil ponds, and around the estate grounds and enjoy the seasonal blooms.
Cotehele
Just a short drive - or scenic train ride - from Plymouth, Cotehele offers expansive gardens, riverside paths, and woodlands that come alive with colour year-round. Don’t miss the orchards in bloom or the views over the River Tamar.
Mount Edgcumbe
Set across the Tamar in Cornwall, Mount Edgcumbe is worth the trip for its sweeping coastal views, historic formal gardens, and miles of scenic walking trails through landscaped parkland.
Discover the wilderness of Dartmoor National Park
Just a 20-minute drive from Plymouth, Dartmoor National Park delivers wild ponies, ancient woodlands, and iconic granite tors. Whether you want gentle strolls or challenging hikes, the moor offers routes for all abilities.
Cadover Bridge
Cadover Bridge is a fantastic starting point for exploring. From here, you can enjoy a variety of routes, the terrain is a mix of riverside meadows, rocky paths, and steep ascents, rewarding walkers with panoramic views from the top of Dewerstone.
Gutter Tor
A lovely walk to enjoy on Dartmoor is the route around Gutter Tor, starting from the nearby Scout Hut car park. The path takes you through open moorland to the impressive granite outcrop of Gutter Tor, where you can pause to take in sweeping views of the rugged landscape. Just a short stroll from the tor, you'll find the atmospheric ruins of Ditsworthy Warren House, famously featured as the Narracott family farm in the film War Horse.
Burrator
A delightful walk around Burrator Reservoir is perfect for all ages and abilities, offering a peaceful escape into Dartmoor’s beautiful landscape. The easy, flat circular route of about 3.5 miles follows quiet lanes around the water, winding through mixed woodland that contrasts wonderfully with the open moor and rugged tors beyond. Along the way, you can enjoy scenic views, spot wildlife, or stop for a treat from ice cream vans that often visit the dam and nearby car parks.
For further themed Plymouth inspiration, exclusive offers and things to do in the city, sign up to our free Visit Plymouth e-newsletter.
In partnership with GWR, Destination Plymouth’s lead travel partner
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