The best walks and hikes around Newton Abbot

Yes, Newton Abbot offers several family-friendly options. A great choice is the Stover Lake loop from Teigngrace, which is a relatively short and flat walk through Stover Country Park. Another popular spot is Decoy Country Park, which has well-maintained paths around a lake and a playground.

Many trails in the Newton Abbot area are dog-friendly. The wide-open spaces at Ideford Common are a popular choice for dog walkers. Parks like Decoy Country Park and Stover Country Park also welcome dogs, though they may need to be on a lead in certain areas, especially near wildlife and livestock.

While most local trails are easy to moderate, the real challenge lies just a short drive away in Dartmoor National Park. From Newton Abbot, you can access rugged moorland routes leading to iconic granite tors like Haytor Rocks. These hikes offer strenuous climbs and require good navigation skills.

Hikers in the area have a few favorite spots that are highly regarded by locals.

Stover Country Park is a top choice, featuring a lake, woodlands, and an aerial boardwalk. For a different landscape, Ideford Common offers a rich heathland environment with numerous paths. Hackney Marshes Local Nature Reserve is another popular destination, known for its level paths and excellent views across the Teign estuary's reed beds.

You can find nearly 40 curated hiking routes around Newton Abbot on komoot. The majority of these are rated as easy, with a good selection of moderate trails as well, catering to various fitness levels.

Yes, you can start several walks directly from Newton Abbot. The Richard Hopkins Wetherspoon loop from Newton Abbot is a convenient option that explores the town's surroundings, including local parks and riverside paths, before returning to the centre.

While it's a significant distance, it is possible to hike towards Dartmoor. The Templer Way is a historic 18-mile route that connects Dartmoor to the Teign Estuary. You can walk sections of it, like the Old Crane at Ventiford Basin – Stover Lake loop from Teigngrace, which follows part of this trail. For reaching the high moorland, driving to a starting point like Haytor is more practical.

The area is defined by its rivers, offering excellent walking opportunities. The River Lemon loop from East Ogwell is a lovely trail that takes you through fields and along the banks of the River Lemon. You can also find many paths along the larger River Teign.

The trails around Newton Abbot are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Hikers often praise the variety of scenery, from the tranquil paths in Stover Country Park to the estuary views at Hackney Marshes.

While Newton Abbot itself is inland, the South West Coast Path is easily accessible with a short drive or bus ride. You can start walks from nearby coastal towns like Teignmouth or Dawlish to enjoy dramatic sea views and cliff-top trails.

The Hackney Marshes loop from Newton Abbot is a great option. This easy, level walk through the nature reserve passes near a pub at the Kingsteignton end of the trail, making it a perfect stop for refreshments.