North Devon Autumn Breaks For Walkers and ‘Walkies’!
Two legs or four, it doesn’t matter! If you’ve spent most of this year staring at the same four walls for an inordinate amount of time then now’s the time to plan a North Devon Autumn break. One of the more off the beaten track coastlines in England, it is fantastic walking country.
While July and August are for beaches, crowds and all the trappings of a summer holiday, it is the Autumn months of September and October which often provide richer pickings for those looking to enjoy the best of the region’s scenery on foot.
As an Autumn break destination, North Devon ticks many boxes, especially during current times, and The Carlton in Ilfracombe provides the ideal sanctuary for an escape from the city. Buffeted by fresh Atlantic breezes and surrounded by miles of open beach and countryside space, the hotel is offering a special three day/two night North Devon Autumn break deal and an exclusive dog-friendly Autumn break deal.
Of course, any holiday booking needs to be considered in relation to the Covid situation and The Carlton is ever ready to answer any questions or concerns potential guests may have. The hotel’s team was quick to respond to the challenges and has implemented a fully integrated plan that seeks the safety of guests while not compromising on the quality of service (more information about this can be found in a recent blog article).
5 Great Walks For North Devon Autumn Breaks
A paradise for casual strollers, dog walkers and serious hikers, there is a walk-in North Devon suitable for all levels of fitness. Lace-up those sturdy shoes, forget your worries and hit the trail with 5 great walks to take during a North Devon Autumn break, as recommended by The Carlton.
1) Southwest Coast Path: Ilfracombe – Lee Bay
Level: Medium
Time: 1-2 hours
Straight from the door of the Carlton Hotel to the beautiful little village of Lee, this stretch of the coast path takes approximately 2 hours there and back. The rewards are rolling countryside and clifftop views along the way and the beach of Lee Bay sits in a sheltered cove. There are options to extend the walk and make it circular by linking up with the old railway line.
2) Woolacombe – Putsborough Beach
Level: Easy
Time: 1 – 1.5 hours
This walk is all beach, but what a beach! Regularly featuring in the top ten of best beaches of the world, let alone the UK, Woolacombe is a big open beach with acres of bare sand, so popular with dog walkers. Out of holiday season and during the week, seagulls are often more numerous than other walkers. A big favourite with dogs – pack a blanket for that back seat on the return journey as they tend to bring half the beach away with them!
3) Combe Martin – Great Hangman Hill
Level: Difficult
Time – 3-4 hours
Close to Ilfracombe is the village of Combe Martin, the start of a walk that scales a series of peaks which reward with ‘top of the world’ views over the rugged North Devon coastline. A circular walk provides a nice diversity of scenery, following the Southwest coast path upwards to cliff top heights before cutting back inland and following country lanes which wind back down to the village.
4) Exmoor: Doone Valley
Level: Medium
Time 5 -6 hours
Walking is the best way to discover the delights of Exmoor, North Devon’s expansive area of the national park. If Autumn breaks for you mean true peace and tranquillity then you will find it in an amazing National Trust circular walk which takes in the breathtaking beauty of the Doone Valley (named after the family in the classic tale of Lorna Doone). While meandering through wooded valleys with the soothing sound of river’s flow in your ears there are plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife, including birds of prey, deer and the area’s famous Exmoor ponies. Most walking is on footpaths and so dog friendly, although attention should be made to signs denoting the presence of livestock.
5) Saunton and Braunton Burrows
Level: Easy – Medium
Time 1 – 2 hours
Saunton Sands is another wide-open beach known for being dog friendly. Behind it are the dunes of Braunton Burrows, a UNESCO biosphere reserve renowned for its varied plant life and otherworldly landscape. Saunton is the best start point for those looking for easy walking, with quick beach access and the opportunity to dip inland to experience the sand dune system. Crow Point and Sandy Lane car parks are both starting points for circular walks, more details of which can be found in the Braunton Burrows guide.
As every walker knows, a day of pounding the path is more than likely followed by an evening of immense appetite and a desire to fall into a soft bed at the end of the night! What great news then to discover that The Carlton is best equipped to satisfy these needs with its fresh, local food menus and stylish modern rooms that emphasise guest comfort. For more information and booking inquiries, contact the Carlton on stay@ilfracombecarlton.co.uk or 01271 862446.
