National Landscapes in Devon

National Landscapes are areas protected for their significant scenery, formerly known as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs). Devon has five such areas: Blackdown Hills, East Devon, North Devon Coast, South Devon, and Tamar Valley. They cover a diverse range of terrain from coastal cliffs to inland river valleys.

This page aggregates routes and information for three of Devon's National Landscapes. These include the South Devon Aonb, the East Devon AONB, and the Blackdown Hills Aonb. Together, they offer over 500 routes for various outdoor activities.

The primary activities are hiking, road cycling, and mountain biking. There are over 500 routes available across the featured landscapes. Specific guides are also available for MTB Trails in Devon and Road Cycling Routes in Devon.

There are more than 200 hiking trails across the three featured National Landscapes. The South Devon Aonb offers over 80 hiking routes, many along its rugged coastline. The terrain varies from coastal paths and river valleys to the high plateaus of the Blackdown Hills.

The South Devon Aonb is defined by its rugged coastline, sandy coves, and five distinctive estuaries. Inland, the landscape features rolling farmland and ancient sunken lanes. It offers over 180 routes, with hiking and road cycling being the most numerous.

The East Devon AONB includes a section of the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its landscape is characterized by red sandstone cliffs, heathland, and fertile river valleys. The area provides nearly 190 routes for activities like hiking and cycling.

The Blackdown Hills Aonb is a more tranquil area of steep ridges and wooded valleys. It offers over 150 routes for hiking, road cycling, and mountain biking. The trails explore a landscape of small farms, hedgerows, and historical sites like Iron Age hillforts.

Yes, there are routes suitable for families. The varied terrain of the National Landscapes includes flatter coastal paths and gentle valley trails. For more options, see the guide to Family-friendly hikes in Devon.

The terrain is highly varied. It ranges from dramatic coastal cliffs and sandy beaches in the South and East Devon landscapes to steep, wooded ridges and high plateaus in the Blackdown Hills. Many routes follow river valleys, quiet country lanes, and established coastal footpaths.

National Landscapes are large areas protected for their overall scenic quality and recreational opportunities. Nature Reserves in Devon are typically smaller, designated specifically to protect particular habitats, species, or geological features, and often have a stronger focus on conservation and wildlife observation.

Yes, cycling is a popular activity with numerous routes available. The East Devon AONB has over 30 road cycling routes and 20 mountain bike trails. The quiet lanes and varied topography of all the landscapes provide options for both road cyclists and mountain bikers.