This region contains some of the best beaches in the UK - and some of the best walking. The northerly quarter is centred upon the harbour town of Ilfracombe - which is an excellent centre from which to explore. The cliffs and downs west of the town stretch west towards Bull Point, which acts as the corner between Bideford Bay and the Bristol Channel.

The great beaches of Woolacombe, Croyde and Braunton sweep south from Bull Point and there are excellent hiking opportunities around all three.

From this stretch of the littoral you will always be able to see the island of Lundy lurking 12 miles west out into the Atlantic. A visit to the island is a must for all real Westcountry walking enthusiasts.

The lonely stretch of coast from Westward Ho! to Hartland Point is one of the most unspoilt to found along the edge of the peninsula and halfway along it you will come across the famous fishing village of Clovelly. Turn the mighty maritime corner of Hartland Point and you enter an even wilder walking zone. The jagged shores from here to Bude weren't known as the Wrecker's Coast for nothing - the coast has more wrecks per mile than any other in Europe.

Inland central Devon stretching south towards Dartmoor is the Westcountry's most empty zone. The rolling hills seem to go on forever and are interspersed by villages and small market towns. Many of these are fascinating, old fashioned places to visit (for example, don't miss the public market at Hatherleigh on Tuesdays - in some ways, it is like stepping back 40 years) - but the area does tend to get overlooked somewhat in the mad rush to the coast or moors. Over time this website intends to address that oversight.

Click here to see a list of links to the walks.