This is a guide to running in Devon, a county in South West England. The coverage includes waterfront promenades, clifftop trails, and beaches in south-coast harbour towns from Sidmouth to Dartmouth, including the ‘English Riviera’, towns on the River Exe, and some spots in North Devon.
Some of the best places to run in Devon are waterfront promenade paths in the Sidmouth, Exmouth, Dartmouth, Torquay, Paignton, and Brixham. There are lovely paths along the River Exe between Exeter and Topsham. There’s also some excellent running in Plymouth, Devon’s largest city, including Mt. Edcumbe, reachable via 7-minute ferry, In North Devon, enjoy running on cycle paths around Barnstable, plus some great beaches for running in Westward Ho and Saunton Sands. Several of our routes incorporate a section of spectacular South West Coast path — there’s a range of options from easy paved paths to challenging trail running. Runners should also experience some some of the heaths, moors, farmland, and woodland of interior Devon in the South Devon Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Dartmoor National Park.
The main towns in South Devon are wonderfully connected by train. In fact, there are some fun options for one-way coastal runs using the train to return. Runners should be aware that Devon weather can be damp, cool, and windy. Many of the coastal paths are exposed – which can affect trail surface conditions.
