Devon’s secret wild places: 7 adventures beyond the beach

Daniel Start, author of Wild Guide Devon and Dartmoor, shares 7 unexpected wild adventures beyond the busy beach

Devon in summer may conjure images of crowded beaches and bustling seaside villages and towns, but beyond the much-loved coast you’ll discover a wilder, quieter side of the county. Here, tumbling waterfalls, ancient stone circles, moss-cloaked oak woods and windswept granite tors offer spectacular escapes for those willing to venture off the beaten track.

From hidden swimming spots to forgotten landscapes steeped in history, here are seven wild adventures across Devon and Dartmoor to inspire your next escape.

1. Speke’s Mill Mouth, Hartland Quay (Waterfall)

• Location Highlights: Located on Hartland’s dramatic shoreline, the South West’s highest waterfall cascades over sheer rock faces via deep plunge pools before tipping down onto a wild bay with strips of sand and folded rock strata.
• Top Adventure: Plunge into the waterfall infinity pool perched directly on the cliff lip, explore the rock pools at low tide, or enjoy a quiet picnic on the wild beach.
• Details: Located along the rugged North Devon coast near Hartland Quay; follow the South West Coast Path southward along the cliffs or take a valley footpath down through a stream combe to reach the cliff waterfall. Take care of cliff edges and tide times.

2. Leather Tor, Norsworthy (Rock Scramble)

• Location Highlights: High above the Walkham valley, Leather Tor offers one of the finest true rock scrambles on Dartmoor. Its jagged granite stacks command far-reaching views over Burrator Reservoir.
• Top Adventure: Tackle a hands-on granite rock scramble to the summit, then explore the historic 1920s farmhouse ruins and ancient stone crosses nestled in the valley below.
• Details: Reached from the western edge of Burrator Reservoir; cross the old stone bridge over the Meavy stream and follow the rising trails leading up toward the tor. Always take care when scrambling.

3. Brent Tor, North Brentor (Sunset Peak)

• Location Highlights: A dramatic, brooding rocky outcrop formed by an underground volcanic eruption 320 million years ago. The 800-year-old Church of St Michael de la Rupe clings precariously to the summit, standing as a prominent landmark on the Dartmoor skyline.
• Top Adventure: Climb to the hilltop chapel as evening approaches to watch the sun set over sweeping, panoramic views stretching toward North Devon and Cornwall.
• Details: Situated on the western fringes of Dartmoor between Lydford and Mary Tavy; park near the base and follow the short, steep footpath leading up to the church summit.

4. Hound Tor Village (Lost Ruin)

• Location Highlights: Tucked beneath the massive granite Hound Tor lies the deserted stone walls and foundations of a 13th-century medieval village. The site carries a powerful historic atmosphere preserved in the open moorland.
• Top Adventure: Wander among the ancient stone farmsteads, soak up the serenity of the lost village, and scramble around the giant rock stacks of Hound Tor above.
• Details: Located in East Dartmoor near Haytor; follow the moorland lanes toward Hound Tor and take the marked footpaths out from the parking area to the ruins.

5. Scorhill Circle & River Teign (Ancient / Sacred Place)

• Location Highlights: Dating from the Bronze Age, this stone circle is set amid wild, heather-covered moorland beside the upper River Teign. The sacred landscape includes standing stones, an ancient clapper bridge, and a holed Tolmen stone.
• Top Adventure: Experience the quiet prehistoric atmosphere of the standing stones, take a dip in the clear granite river pools of the Teign, or stargaze from nearby Kestor Rock.
• Details: Hidden in the moorland west of Chagford; travel along narrow lanes toward Batworthy and follow footpaths across the clapper bridges to reach the circle.

6. Black-a-Tor Copse, West Okement (Ancient Forest)

• Location Highlights: A rare remnant of high-moor ancient woodland, home to stunted, gnarled oak trees with mossy limbs set beside a tumbling mountain stream and granite tor.
• Top Adventure: Wander among the enchanted dwarf oaks, wild camp along the banks of the West Okement stream, or ascend the tor above for sweeping views.
• Details: Tucked away on the northern edge of Dartmoor near Sourton; follow the scenic valley track leading upstream along the West Okement river from Meldon Reservoir

7. Woody Bay, Martinhoe (Tidal Pool)

• Location Highlights: A wild, rocky cove sheltered by steep, wooded cliffs, featuring a historic tidal bathing pool, a cascading waterfall, an ancient lime kiln, and the stone relics of an abandoned Victorian resort scheme.
• Top Adventure: Enjoy a cold-water swim in the stone-bordered tidal pool at low tide, inspect the old pier ruins, or relax beside the valley stream.
• Details: Hidden on the North Devon coast near Martinhoe; descend the steep, winding switchback track down through the wooded combe to the shore