The best walks and hikes around Plymouth

Yes, Plymouth is a great place to hike with your dog. Many local parks and nature reserves welcome dogs. For example, National Trust - Plymbridge Woods is a very popular spot for dog walkers, offering riverside paths and woodland trails. Similarly, Cann Woods provides a quieter environment for a walk with your furry friend.

You'll find several easy, engaging walks suitable for the whole family. The Plym Valley Trail, which runs through Plymbridge Woods, is a fantastic choice as it follows a mostly flat, disused railway line with interesting viaducts. For a coastal option, the 9-mile Plymouth Waterfront Walkway is largely paved and offers plenty of sights to keep children entertained.

Yes, you can reach Dartmoor National Park from Plymouth. The journey is about 30 minutes by car, and there are also bus services that connect the city to the park, making it accessible for a day of hiking on the moors. For specific routes and timetables, it's best to check local bus operator websites.

Many trails in the area are loops, making logistics simple. A great example is the Maybury State Park Hiking Trail loop, which offers a straightforward circuit through pleasant parkland. You can also find circular walks around the River Yealm estuary and Burrator Reservoir, providing varied scenery without needing to retrace your steps.

Plymouth is a gateway to the famous South West Coast Path. You can explore dramatic cliff-top sections with stunning sea views, such as the walk from Wembury to Mount Batten Point. For something calmer, the estuary walk at Warleigh Point Nature Reserve offers beautiful views over the River Tamar.

Locals and visitors enjoy a variety of spots for hiking. Some of the most highly-regarded include:

• National Trust - Plymbridge Woods: A favorite for its beautiful oak woodland, riverside paths, and historic viaducts.
• Cann Woods: Known for its extensive network of quiet forest trails.
• Warleigh Point Nature Reserve: A hidden gem offering stunning estuary views and peaceful walks.

The terrain is quite varied. You can expect gentle, paved paths along the waterfront and in city parks, making for easy strolls. Further afield, you'll find rugged, hilly coastal paths and the wild, open moorland of Dartmoor. Trails like the Lakeview Trail — Newburgh Pointe Recreation Area offer mostly flat, well-maintained paths typical of the area's parklands.

Absolutely. The region boasts several beautiful woodlands. Plymbridge Woods and the adjacent Cann Woods offer extensive networks of trails through oak woodland and forestry plantations. For a different experience, the Bennett Arboretum Trail — Northville West Recreation Area provides a lovely walk through a collection of diverse trees.

There's a good mix for all abilities. The majority of trails in the immediate area are easy to moderate, with minimal elevation gain. For instance, there are over 18 easy routes perfect for casual walkers. If you're seeking a challenge, the coastal paths and trails within Dartmoor National Park offer more strenuous and rugged options.

The trails around Plymouth are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars. Hikers often praise the beautiful scenery, from coastal views to tranquil woodlands, and the variety of walks available for different fitness levels.

For spectacular coastal views across Plymouth Sound, head to the trail between Jennycliff and Bovisand. Another excellent spot is Warleigh Point Nature Reserve, which offers panoramic vistas over the River Tamar. For a different perspective, the Cann Viaduct on the Plym Valley Trail provides fantastic views over the River Plym and surrounding woodland.