There’s some nice running in Dartmouth, a tourist destination on the western bank of the estuary of the River Dart. Enjoy a waterfront run and climb to the Dartmouth Castle, or head to the National Trust – Greenway to run along the gorgeous paths and gardens of Agatha Christie’s summer home!
Waterfront Run. The best bet here is to combine the paths & road on the western and eastern sides of the estuary. On the western side, there’s a short waterfront path along the marina, and then the road to Dartmouth Castle, which involves a 200 foot climb over 1 mile. 1.5 miles one-way (Note: Not great sidewalks/shoulders here — quite narrow).
On the eastern side, there’s a brief jaunt along the marina, and then a ~1 mile path dirt path along Waterhead creek, adjacent to the train tracks Optional add-on are wooded paths along Waterfead Creek (info). You can use the ferry/pontoon to make this a ~ 5 mile loop!
David Hawgood
National Trust – Greenway. The summer home of Agatha Christie is a popular visitor destination. There are lovely paths around gardens, woodlands, and down to the estuary, as well as longer options in the countryside. In all, one can put together several miles, incorporating the recommended ‘walks‘ at the Greenway. This guide is an excellent resource. Note: Admission fee & reservations might be required.
There’s some nice running in Dartmouth, a tourist destination on the western bank of the estuary of the River Dart. Enjoy a waterfront run and climb to the Dartmouth Castle, or head to the National Trust – Greenway to run along the gorgeous paths and gardens of Agatha Christie’s summer home!
Waterfront Run. The best bet here is to combine the paths & road on the western and eastern sides of the estuary. On the western side, there’s a short waterfront path along the marina, and then the road to Dartmouth Castle, which involves a 200 foot climb over 1 mile. 1.5 miles one-way (Note: Not great sidewalks/shoulders here — quite narrow).
On the eastern side, there’s a brief jaunt along the marina, and then a ~1 mile path dirt path along Waterhead creek, adjacent to the train tracks Optional add-on are wooded paths along Waterfead Creek (info). You can use the ferry/pontoon to make this a ~ 5 mile loop!
David Hawgood
National Trust – Greenway. The summer home of Agatha Christie is a popular visitor destination. There are lovely paths around gardens, woodlands, and down to the estuary, as well as longer options in the countryside. In all, one can put together several miles, incorporating the recommended ‘walks‘ at the Greenway. This guide is an excellent resource. Note: Admission fee & reservations might be required.
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Essentials
Waterfront: Combine eastern & western sides of the estuary for a ~5 mile loop. For the Greenway, numerous options
Run to Castle involves 200 foot climb
Dartmouth marina - western side
Train station in Dartmouth: Kingswear; Train Station at Greenway: Greenway Halt. Also cap park there
A 'runseeing' tour of Plymouth, featuring the main sites of Devon's largest city. Includes the Greenery, Hoe Park, the marina area, Mayflower Steps, and the Barbican district. Can be combined with our west Plymouth route for a longer run.
An exploration of the Devonport area in west Plymouth, including Royal William Yard, Mayflower Marina, Mount Wise Park, and Devonport Park. There's also a running track. Can combine with our main Plymouth route, ~1 mile east.
A true destination run only a 7-minute ferry ride from Plymouth. Landscaped gardens, open parkland woodland paths, gorgeous sections of S W Coast Path in this 865-acre historic coast park Something for all runners!
Sidmouth is a tourist resort and a gateway to the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. The best place to run is a route combining the Esplanade to Peak Hill, and then a jaunt along The Byes, a lovely park leading to Margaret's Meadow.
Two good running options in this port town at the mouth of the River Exe: a 3.7-mile waterfront path around the Marina and along the Channel east to Orcombe Point; and a 3.5-mile off-road cycle path headed east to Budleigh.
This 'runseeing' tour of ancient Roman city of Exeter hits all the major sites: Fore St., Cathedral, Castle, several small parks, and a section of paths on the River Exe. For longer, there are additional paths along the river headed south toward Topsham.
There are some pleasant paths along the River Exe, which flows south into the English Channel. One can run up to 8.2 miles, including 2.5 miles along the Exeter Ship Canal in Topsham. Fun option: do the longer run one-way and return via train!
In this seaside resort town nicknamed The English Riviera, there's terrific running around the marina, a couple of small central parks, and the 5+ mile waterfront path south to Paigngton and more.
There's some terrific running in this seaside town on the 'English Riviera', featuring several small parks and a lovely a lovely waterfront path that goes for ~6 miles between Goodrington Beach, just south of Paington north to Torquay.
The best place to run in Brixham is a series of paths along the water. From town, head north to the Brixham Battery or south toward Berry Head, where there are some great views at the Lighthouse. Additional options on the S W coast path.
The South Devon AONB is a vast natural area including rugged coastal stretches, farmland & quaint villages. See some of our running recs from among the 200 miles of right of way and 60 miles of Coast Path. There's an excellent website & interactive map.
Running the 'moors' of Dartmoor National Park, especially on a classically bleak day, is a singular running experience. Choosing from among the list of walks, or some of the bridleways and byways recommended for cycling, are great options for running.
The 11.25 mile canal towpath in Grand Western Canal Country Park is a great running option in Tiverton -- the main commercial and administrative centre of Mid Devon. Flat, easy, and all off-road. Additional running options using the 'walks' in the Park.
Wonderful running in North Devon includes: the cycle trails from Barnstaple north to Braunton and south to Meeth; nice quayside running in Bideford; great beach running on Saunton Sands & Greystone Beaches; and sections of S W Coast Path.
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Essentials
Waterfront: Combine eastern & western sides of the estuary for a ~5 mile loop. For the Greenway, numerous options
Run to Castle involves 200 foot climb
Dartmouth marina - western side
Train station in Dartmouth: Kingswear; Train Station at Greenway: Greenway Halt. Also cap park there
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Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!