The best walks and hikes around Alverdiscott

Yes, the area around Alverdiscott is excellent for circular walks. Many routes combine sections of local footpaths with parts of the Tarka Trail or paths along the River Torridge. For a moderate circular hike, the Appledore Village – Appledore Colorful Streets loop from Bideford is a great option that explores the charming coastal village.

Many trails in the region are dog-friendly, especially the open paths along the Tarka Trail and through local woodlands. However, you will cross agricultural land with livestock, so it's essential to keep your dog on a lead in these areas. Always check for local signage regarding dogs.

The region offers many gentle walks perfect for families. The traffic-free sections of the Tarka Trail, which follow a former railway line, are particularly suitable. For a shorter, easy walk with lovely scenery, consider the River Torridge Riverside Path loop from Bideford, which is just over 4 miles (6.7 km).

The Tarka Trail is easily accessible from nearby towns like Bideford and Great Torrington. You can join the trail at various points for shorter walks or longer excursions. A popular route that incorporates a section of the trail is the Bideford Long Bridge – Rolle Canal Roving Bridge loop from Bideford, which also explores the historic Rolle Canal.

For panoramic views, a hike up Codden Hill is highly recommended. From its summit, you can see across to both Dartmoor and Exmoor. Many sections of the South West Coast Path nearby also offer dramatic sea views and rugged coastal scenery.

The landscape is varied. You'll find gentle, flat paths along the river valleys and the Tarka Trail. Away from the rivers, the terrain consists of rolling hills, wooded areas, and public footpaths through farmland. The nearby coast offers more challenging, rugged cliff-top paths.

Yes, Alverdiscott is close to two major long-distance paths. The 180-mile Tarka Trail offers extensive walking through diverse North Devon landscapes. For a more strenuous coastal challenge, you can access the South West Coast Path, which features some of its most dramatic sections in this region.

The trails around Alverdiscott are highly regarded by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the peaceful riverside paths, the well-maintained sections of the Tarka Trail, and the beautiful blend of woodland, rolling hills, and coastal scenery.

For those seeking a challenge, the coastal routes are your best bet. The Instow Beach – Isley Marsh Nature Reserve loop from East The Water is a longer, more demanding hike. Additionally, sections of the South West Coast Path near Hartland Point are known for their strenuous climbs and descents along dramatic cliffs.

Instow offers a lovely sandy beach that is popular with walkers. You can enjoy a pleasant walk along the shoreline with views across the Taw-Torridge estuary. The Instow Beach loop from Bideford is a moderate route that takes you right along the coast.

There are over 270 hiking routes to explore in the Alverdiscott region. These range from short, easy strolls of under an hour to challenging all-day hikes, with the majority being easy or moderate in difficulty.

Yes, many routes pass through or near towns and villages like Bideford and Appledore, where you can find a variety of traditional pubs and cafes. It's a good idea to check opening times in advance, especially if you are hiking outside of the main tourist season.