The best walks and hikes around Westleigh

Yes, the area offers several easy walks perfect for a family outing. A great option is the Instow Beach – Oyster Shack Café loop from Instow. It's a relatively short and flat route that follows the beach and estuary, making it accessible for all ages.

Many trails in the area are suitable for walking with a dog, especially along the public footpaths and beaches. However, always check for local restrictions, particularly in nature reserves like Northam Burrows Country Park, where dogs may need to be kept on a lead, especially during bird nesting season.

The trails around Westleigh are quite varied. You'll find flat, easy-going paths along the estuary and beaches, like those near Instow. Other routes, especially sections of the South West Coast Path, can be more challenging with some ascents and descents. Paths through the sand dunes can be soft and uneven underfoot.

There is a wide selection of routes to explore, with over 350 trails in the region. These range from short, leisurely strolls to more demanding all-day hikes, ensuring there's something for every fitness level.

Absolutely. Many of the best routes are loops, so you can start and end in the same place without retracing your steps. For a longer day out, consider the Appledore Village – Sand Dunes of Northam Burrows loop from Bideford, which combines a coastal walk with village exploration.

The komoot community rates the hikes here very highly. Reviewers frequently praise the stunning coastal scenery, the beautiful sandy beaches, and the charming villages like Appledore and Instow. The mix of riverside paths, dune systems, and coastal trails is a recurring highlight.

Yes, the main towns and villages in the area, such as Bideford, Instow, and Appledore, are served by local bus routes. These services can be a convenient way to reach the start of many popular walks without needing a car.

For expansive views across the Taw-Torridge estuary, routes that follow the South West Coast Path are your best bet. The walk between Instow and Appledore offers fantastic perspectives of the water and the surrounding landscape. The trails through the Northam Burrows also provide great views back towards the coastline.

While the area is known for its more gentle walks, you can find challenging options by linking longer sections of the South West Coast Path. The Instow Beach – Appledore Village loop from Instow is a moderate hike that can be extended for a more strenuous day out.

Hiking is possible year-round, but the best time is from late spring to early autumn (May to September) when the weather is typically warmer and drier. This period offers the best conditions for enjoying the beaches and coastal paths. Be sure to check the weather forecast, as conditions can change quickly on the coast.

Yes, many routes pass through or near villages like Instow and Appledore, which have a great selection of pubs, cafés, and restaurants. The Instow Beach – Bideford Long Bridge loop from Instow is a good example of a trail with options for refreshments along the way.