The best walks and hikes around Totnes

Yes, Totnes is an excellent base for circular hikes. A popular choice is the Totnes Castle, Follaton Arboretum & the River Dart loop, a varied 5.1-mile (8.2 km) route. For a longer walk with sweeping views of the surrounding countryside and Dartmoor, the 6.75-mile Franklin Totnes Trail is a fully waymarked circular route starting from the town.

Many trails around Totnes are suitable for walking with a dog. The paths through the Dartington Estate are a local favourite, offering riverside and woodland sections where dogs can often be off-leash. The Dartington Hall loop from Totnes Steamer Quay is a great example. However, always be mindful of livestock, especially in fields around Sharpham and Ashprington, and keep your dog on a lead where required.

The path between Totnes and The Cider Press Centre at Dartington is a fantastic option for families. It's a relatively level trail that follows the River Dart, offering plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife like swans and cormorants. The path is accessible and provides a gentle introduction to the area's scenery without any strenuous climbs.

Totnes has a mainline train station, making it very accessible. Many walks start directly from the town centre or Steamer Quay, just a short walk from the station. For linear walks like the Dart Valley Trail to Dartmouth, you can use local bus services or the seasonal river boat to return to Totnes. It's best to check timetables in advance as services can be infrequent.

The Dartington Estate is a great destination, with several cafes and a pub near the main path network. The walk from Totnes to Dartington leads you directly to The Cider Press Centre, where you'll find refreshments. For a more traditional village pub experience, the walk through Ashprington on the Ashprington & Bow loop passes near a well-regarded local pub.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community. Reviewers frequently praise the beautiful combination of riverside scenery and tranquil woodland paths. The variety is a key highlight, with hikers enjoying everything from the gentle, accessible trails on the Dartington Estate to the more challenging rolling hills and expansive views on routes around Sharpham and Ashprington.

While Totnes itself is inland on the river, it's a great gateway to the South West Coast Path. You can take a bus or ferry to nearby Dartmouth to access stunning coastal sections. From there, the walk towards Brixham or the shorter circular route around National Trust Little Dartmouth are popular choices, offering dramatic cliffs and sea views.

Dartmoor National Park is only about a 20-minute drive from Totnes, offering a completely different hiking experience. You can easily drive to areas like South Brent to access the open moorland, granite tors, and deep river valleys that Dartmoor is famous for. This provides a great option for more challenging and remote-feeling hikes.

The walk around the Sharpham Estate offers a unique experience, particularly through its rewilding project. The Sharpham & Ashprington loop takes you through this dynamic landscape. Expect uneven ground and paths through tall grasses as the area is managed by free-roaming ponies and cattle. It's a fantastic walk for seeing nature's revival and enjoying expansive views of the River Dart.

For walks starting in Totnes, there are several pay-and-display car parks in the town centre, such as at Steamer Quay, which is a convenient starting point for many riverside routes. For walks focused on the Dartington Estate, there is a large car park near Dartington Hall and The Cider Press Centre. Arrive early on sunny weekends as spaces can fill up quickly.

The main difference is the character of the landscape. The loop through Dartington features more established, manicured paths through historic woodlands and gardens. In contrast, the walks around Sharpham are wilder, with routes through open fields and a pioneering rewilding area, involving more rolling hills and a more rugged feel underfoot.