Pub walks in North Devon
North Devon's coastal paths, river valleys and moorland edge pass through some excellent pubs. These are the walks where a pub stop is a natural part of the day rather than a driving detour at the end.
Walking and eating
Why North Devon works for pub walks
North Devon's combination of coastal paths, river valleys, and moorland edge means most routes pass through or near a village with a pub. The best pub walks here are those where the pub is a natural stopping point — a midpoint rest or an endpoint reward — rather than something that requires a detour at the end of a long day.
The four routes below range from 3 to 8 miles and suit different paces and party sizes. All are suitable for families. All have well-established pubs with a genuine connection to the route rather than just proximity. For the broader walking picture: North Devon walks, North Devon coastal walks, and North Devon walking holidays.
Route 1 — 5 to 6 miles, moderate
Morte Point loop via the Chichester Arms, Mortehoe
This is the classic Woolacombe pub walk: up to Mortehoe village, out to Morte Point headland, and back — with a stop at The Chichester Arms in Mortehoe as the natural midpoint before or after the headland section.
- Route: Woolacombe beach → SWCP north to Mortehoe village → Morte Point headland → return via Mortehoe → Woolacombe
- Distance: approximately 5–6 miles; allow 2–3 hours walking with a pub stop
- Pub stop: The Chichester Arms, Mortehoe village — a traditional North Devon pub open year-round, a natural pause point on the ascent to Morte Point
- Highlights: Morte Point itself — dramatic clifftop, seal spotting on the rocks below in autumn, Lundy Island views on clear days, and wild heathland approaching from Mortehoe
- Difficulty: the steady climb from Woolacombe to Mortehoe gains around 120 metres; otherwise moderate underfoot
See the Morte Point walk guide for full route details, and the Mortehoe village guide.
Route 2 — 4 to 5 miles, easy to moderate
Croyde to Saunton Sands via the dunes (pub at Croyde)
A different kind of North Devon pub walk — instead of clifftop drama, this one crosses the largest sand dune system in England before finishing in Croyde village, where The Thatch is one of the most well-known pubs in North Devon.
- Route: Croyde village → Croyde beach → dune crossing toward Saunton → return via coastal footpath to Croyde
- Distance: approximately 4–5 miles; 1.5–2.5 hours
- Pub stop: The Thatch, Croyde village — a longstanding North Devon landmark; best visited as the endpoint after the walk rather than in the middle
- Highlights: Croyde beach, the Braunton Burrows dune system, and Saunton Sands beach as the distant turning point
See Croyde things to do, Croyde beach guide, and Braunton Burrows. For a closer look at Saunton: Saunton Sands guide.
Route 3 — 4 miles return, easy
Lynmouth to Watersmeet via the gorge (pub at Lynmouth)
The gentlest of the four routes — a riverside walk up the East Lyn Valley to the Watersmeet confluence, then back down to Lynmouth, where the harbourside village has pubs and cafes for the endpoint reward. Accessible enough for older children and those who want a walk without serious ascent.
- Route: Lynmouth village → riverside path up the East Lyn Valley → Watersmeet (National Trust tea room, 2 miles each way) → return to Lynmouth
- Distance: approximately 4 miles return; allow 2 hours
- Pub stop: Lynmouth has several pubs and cafes on the harbourside; a coffee or cream tea at the start, or a pub lunch on the return, work equally well
- Highlights: the East Lyn gorge (wooded, dramatic river scenery), Watersmeet NT tea room as the midpoint (open seasonally), the descent back to the harbour
- Difficulty: easy; riverside path, minimal ascent — the most family-accessible route on this list
See the Watersmeet guide and Lynton and Lynmouth guide for more.
Route 4 — 3 to 5+ miles, easy to moderate
Heddon Valley to Heddon's Mouth — Hunter's Inn
This is North Devon's most famous traditional pub walk. Hunter's Inn sits at the trailhead in the valley bottom — a traditional coaching inn with a direct connection to the walk rather than just geographical proximity. Walk to Heddon's Mouth beach and back, and the pub is both the start and the endpoint.
- Route: Hunter's Inn car park → valley walk to Heddon's Mouth beach → coastal footpath option for an extended circuit → return to Hunter's Inn
- Distance: 3 miles return (valley only); 5+ miles with the cliff-top return circuit
- Pub stop: Hunter's Inn, at the trailhead — open year-round, food served daily, dog-friendly
- Highlights: the NT-managed valley (wooded, dramatic), Heddon's Mouth beach at the seaward end (a grey shingle beach at low water), the optional clifftop return circuit with sea views
- Difficulty: easy on the valley floor; moderate with the cliff-top return circuit
See the Heddon Valley walk guide for route detail and NT access information.
Before you go
Practical notes for North Devon pub walks
- Book tables: popular pubs fill quickly on summer weekends, particularly The Thatch at Croyde and Hunter's Inn. Book in advance for July and August weekend lunch.
- Dogs: most North Devon walking pubs are dog-friendly in the bar and garden; confirm in advance for restaurant areas.
- Families: all four routes above are suitable for families. The Watersmeet/Lynmouth route is the most accessible for younger children and those who need easy underfoot terrain.
- Footwear: North Devon paths can be muddy at any time of year, including summer. Boots or trail shoes are sensible on all four routes.
- Parking: several trailhead car parks are pay-and-display in summer. Arrive early on weekends in July and August; Hunter's Inn and Morte Point approach car parks in particular fill by mid-morning in peak season.
For more eating options in the area: Woolacombe restaurants, Woolacombe pubs, and the North Devon food guide.