Here's an updated directory of scenic walks around the Newton Abbot area, including gardens, parks, and notable trails like Courtenay Park and Templer Way:
1. Decoy Country Park
Type of Walk: Nature Reserve, Lakeside Walks
Description: A peaceful park featuring woodlands, lakes, and grassy meadows. Several walking routes wind around the lakes and through the woods, making it perfect for nature walks.
Facilities: Cafés, birdwatching, children’s play areas, dog-friendly spaces.
Distance: Various routes, with easy and accessible paths.
2. Stover Country Park
Type of Walk: Woodland Walk, Lakeside
Description: A beautiful park with woodlands, heathland, and a tranquil lake. Various routes allow visitors to explore the park's diverse habitats.
Facilities: Café, information boards, toilets, dog-friendly.
Distance: Circular walks ranging from 1 to 3 miles.
3. Tuckers Meadow
Type of Walk: Riverside, Countryside Walks
Description: A large open space with scenic riverside walks and views of the surrounding countryside. It’s ideal for peaceful strolls in a natural setting.
Facilities: Picnic areas, children’s play areas.
Distance: Shorter walks, approximately 1-2 miles.
Check out my video about Newton Abbot Town Centre in 2024
4. The Teign Estuary Trail
Type of Walk: Riverside, Coastal Views
Description: A stunning trail running along the Teign Estuary, offering beautiful views of the river and the surrounding coastal area. The trail can be walked in sections or as a longer route.
Facilities: Various spots for birdwatching and scenic views.
Distance: Approximately 8 miles (one way), with options for shorter sections.
5. Newton Abbot Town Centre Walk
Type of Walk: Urban Walk, Historical Sites
Description: A town walk through Newton Abbot’s historic streets, featuring landmarks such as St. Leonard’s Tower, the market square, and local shops.
Facilities: Cafés, shops, and historic sites.
Distance: 1-2 miles.
6. Orchard Gardens
Type of Walk: Garden Walk
Description: A peaceful, well-kept garden perfect for a relaxing stroll, with floral displays and beautiful greenery.
Facilities: Benches for resting and lovely flower displays.
Distance: Small, easy-to-navigate paths.
The historic landmark, St. Leonard's Tower, in Newton Abbot
Photos and videos by Loretta S ©
7. Barton Hill Nature Reserve
Type of Walk: Nature Reserve
Description: A quiet nature reserve with woodlands, scrubland, and diverse wildlife. It’s a great place to enjoy a more natural environment.
Facilities: Limited facilities, but peaceful for nature walks.
Distance: Short routes, around 1-2 miles.
8. Ken’s Walk and Forde Park
Type of Walk: Park, Woodland Walks
Description: Forde Park offers wide green spaces, woodlands, and lovely trails. Ken’s Walk is a short, scenic walk within the park.
Facilities: Café, playground, tennis courts, and large open spaces for picnics.
Distance: Around 1 mile.
9. Haldon Forest Park (nearby)
Type of Walk: Forest Trails, Scenic Views
Description: A beautiful forest park just a short drive from Newton Abbot, offering fantastic views over the Devon countryside and a range of marked trails.
Facilities: Visitor centre, café, cycle hire, dog-friendly.
Distance: Various trails from 1 to 10 miles.
Check out my video about Teignmouth Walk
10. The South Devon Way (near Newton Abbot)
Type of Walk: Long-Distance Trail, Coastal Walk
Description: A long-distance path running from the source of the River Teign to the coast, with beautiful coastal and countryside views. Sections near Newton Abbot are ideal for day walks.
Facilities: Nearby towns, pubs, and cafés.
Distance: Various sections (5-10 miles for day walks).
11. Wolborough Hill (viewpoint)
Type of Walk: Hilltop, Scenic Views
Description: A short, steep climb up Wolborough Hill rewards walkers with panoramic views of Newton Abbot and the surrounding countryside.
Facilities: Limited facilities, ideal for photography.
Distance: Around 1 mile to the summit.
12. Courtenay Park
Type of Walk: Park, Relaxed Stroll
Description: A well-maintained park in the heart of Newton Abbot, perfect for leisurely walks. The park features plenty of greenery and paths ideal for a relaxing stroll.
Facilities: Playground, tennis courts, dog-friendly spaces.
Distance: Around 1 mile.
My shorts video about Teignmouth Beach
13. Templer Way
Type of Walk: Long-Distance Trail, Countryside Walk
Description: A long-distance footpath that runs from Teignmouth to Stover Country Park, following the route of the historic Templer Railway. The walk offers beautiful views of the Teign Valley and Dartmoor National Park.
Facilities: Various cafés and pubs along the route, with visitor facilities at Stover Country Park.
Distance: Approximately 18 miles (one-way), with options for shorter sections.
14. Ashburton Walks
Type of Walk: Countryside, Historic Town Walks
Description: Ashburton, located just 5 miles southwest of Newton Abbot, offers scenic walks through the countryside and the historic town. The town is known for its charming streets, as well as being a gateway to Dartmoor National Park.
Facilities: Cafés, pubs, and local shops in Ashburton.
Whether you're looking for short park strolls, longer countryside hikes, or historic trails, this list provides a variety of options for locals and visitors alike.