The best running trails in East Devon AONB

The East Devon National Landscape offers a wide selection of running routes. You can find over 300 routes, catering to various preferences and fitness levels, from gentle paths to more challenging trails.

The trails in East Devon National Landscape offer a good mix of difficulties. There are around 30 easy routes, over 220 moderate routes, and about 50 difficult routes, ensuring options for every runner, from beginners to experienced athletes.

Yes, the region provides several easy running options. For instance, the Exmouth Beachfront Path loop from Exmouth is a moderate, mostly paved 5 km route, ideal for an easier run or for those new to jogging. Many sections of the river valleys also offer gentler terrain.

Absolutely. Many of the running routes in the East Devon National Landscape are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the popular South West Coast Path & Otter Valley loop from Newton Poppleford and the Woodbury Common & Woodbury Castle loop from East Budleigh.

Runners in East Devon National Landscape can experience incredibly diverse landscapes. These include dramatic coastlines along the Jurassic Coast with towering red cliffs, extensive lowland heathlands like Woodbury Common, peaceful wooded coombes, ancient woodlands, and lush river valleys such as the Otter and Axe. The region's rolling hills also provide varied elevation and stunning views.

Yes, many routes pass by or offer views of significant landmarks and natural attractions. You might encounter the Otter Estuary Nature Reserve, the iconic Orcombe Point and the Geoneedle, or the striking Ladram Bay Sea Stacks. Historical sites like Iron Age hill forts are also scattered throughout the heathlands.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 60 reviews. Runners often praise the stunning variety of terrain, from coastal paths with breathtaking sea views to tranquil woodland trails and open heathlands. The well-maintained network of paths, including sections of the South West Coast Path and East Devon Way, is also frequently highlighted.

Yes, the East Devon National Landscape is home to sections of two major long-distance trails. The South West Coast Path offers exhilarating coastal running experiences, while the East Devon Way is a 40-mile inland route traversing hills, woods, and river valleys. Both can be explored in sections for varying distances.

Absolutely. A significant portion of the East Devon National Landscape lies within the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. Routes like the Beer and the South West Coast Path loop from Branscombe offer dramatic coastal views with towering red cliffs and fossil-rich beaches, providing a truly unique running experience.

Many of the trailheads and popular starting points for running routes within the East Devon National Landscape offer parking facilities. It's always advisable to check specific route details on komoot or local signage for the most accurate parking information for your chosen trail.

East Devon National Landscape offers great running opportunities year-round. Spring brings vibrant bluebells in ancient woodlands and blooming gorse on the heathlands. Summer provides longer daylight hours for coastal runs. Autumn showcases beautiful foliage, and even winter offers crisp, invigorating runs, though some tracks on the heathlands can become muddy after rain. Always check local conditions before heading out.

Yes, the extensive lowland heaths are a prominent feature. Areas like the Pebblebed Heaths and Woodbury Common, which includes the Woodbury Common & Woodbury Castle loop from East Budleigh, offer unique running experiences through gorse and heather, often with far-reaching views. Trinity Hill Nature Reserve also features rare open heathland landscapes.