Best Plymouth Walking Trails
There is so much to explore in Plymouth on foot. With a staycation in Plymouth, when out walking, you can take in the sea air and experience the countryside too.
Visit Plymouth has launched a brand-new FREE app with self-guided walking trails throughout Plymouth. As well as discovering more of the city, you can explore its complex history.
The app can now be downloaded to Android or iOS. In addition to being available in English, the three main trails are available in French, Spanish, and German.
Discover Plymouth’s fascinating history at your own pace
The brilliant thing about the walking trails is that you can do them in your own time. It’s not just those on a staycation in Plymouth who will benefit. Locals can also discover new walking routes, and more about the city when out and about.
The app allows users to overlay video and images onto the landscape in front of them, and experience a ‘then and now’ snapshot of the city. The trails can be completed as an individual, a couple or with the family. There are even activity packs that can be downloaded for children.
The main three walking trails
The Mayflower Trail has been created as part of the Mayflower 400 celebrations. Along the route, you will see bronze monoliths embedded into the pavements. It is a circular route around The Barbican where the Mayflower set sail for America in 1620.
Mayflower Trail Activity Pack
Starting in Sutton Harbour, the Hoe Trail is a seaside walk where you can encounter Plymouth’s extensive maritime history. You will pass the iconic Smeaton’s Tower, the ruins of medieval Plymouth Castle and the Plymouth Lido. The full trail is 2.1 miles, but there are some shortcuts, and it is hilly in places. It should take around 90 minutes to complete.
Plymouth Hoe Trail Activity Pack
Discover Plymouth after the Blitz, and learn how the city was rebuilt following World War II with the City Centre Trail. The walk takes you down Royal Parade, past the Theatre Royale and the new museum, The Box. The 1.9-mile trail is relatively flat and is suitable for wheelchair users. It takes around an hour to complete.
Activity PackOther walking trails on the app
The Waterfront Walkway is for the more seasoned walker and is a 9.5-mile linear walk. It begins at Admiral’s Hard. You can then follow in the footsteps of famous explorers and encounter naval buildings, breath-taking views and take in the intriguing characteristics of the former towns and villages.
Waterfront Walkway (South West Coast Path)
The American Tree Trail celebrates the links between Plymouth and the USA. Members of the Plymouth Tree Partnership compiled this walk, to help spread awareness and knowledge of the trees in the area. Leading through the City Centre and The Barbican, the 1.2-mile easy route is mostly downhill.
The birthplace of the modern Plymouth we see today, Sutton Harbour Heritage Trail is an easy 1.1-mile circular route. You’ll pass through centuries of history, and there are plenty of opportunities to reflect on the busy marine activity all around you.
Sutton Harbour Heritage Trail
There are additional trails, and more will be added to the app in the future.
More informationPlymouth Walks
Plymouth offers a variety of scenic walking trails suitable for all levels of walkers. Here are some notable routes and circular walks near Plymouth to explore:
Plymbridge Woods
Managed by the National Trust, Plymbridge Woods offers a range of walking paths through ancient woodlands. The area is rich in wildlife, including fallow deer, kingfishers, and peregrine falcons. The woods are also home to the historic Plymbridge, a Grade II listed bridge over the River Plym.
Drake's Trail
This 21-mile trail connects Plymouth to Tavistock, passing through Plymbridge Woods. It's a popular route for both walkers and cyclists, offering a mix of woodland paths and riverside walks.
Wembury to Heybrook Bay
A 3.3-mile (5.3 km) trail that follows a section of the Plymouth to the River Yealm Walk. This easy route takes just over an hour and is great for birdwatching and wildflowers in the springtime. It also offers the opportunity to do a little fishing along the way.
Dartmoor Walks near Plymouth
Located just a short drive from Plymouth, Dartmoor National Park offers a variety of walking trails through rugged landscapes, including wild ponies, towering tors, and stunning scenery. It's well worth the 20-minute drive to the edge of the moor.
Plym Valley Trail
A 7-mile (11 km) trail that follows the route of the former South Devon and Tavistock Railway, offering a flat and easy walk through the Plym Valley. The trail passes through Plymbridge Woods and offers views of the River Plym.
Devonport Heritage Trail
This 4.5-mile circular trail takes approximately 3.5 hours to complete and is of moderate difficulty. It links historic and cultural points of interest in Devonport, once an important town in its own right. The trail starts at Admiral’s Hard in Stonehouse and connects with the Plymouth Waterfront Walkway and the Cremyll Ferry linking Devon and Cornwall.
Royal William Yard
Royal William Yard is a vibrant hub for locals and tourists alike. Surrounded by water, it offers breathtaking views over Plymouth Sound and across to Cornwall. The area features a mix of bustling restaurants, bars, shops, and a lively artistic community, making it a must-visit destination.
South West Coast Path
The South West Coast Path is England's longest National Trail, stretching approximately 630 miles (1,014 km) from Minehead in Somerset to Poole Harbour in Dorset. This iconic path offers walkers a diverse array of coastal landscapes, including rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and charming fishing villages. In Plymouth, this section of the path offers panoramic views of the coastline, secluded beaches, and opportunities for wildlife spotting
Plymouth Walking Groups
Plymouth offers a variety of walking groups catering to different interests and fitness levels. The Plymouth Ramblers have regularly organised walks of Plymouth Trails and Plymouth paths and parks on Sundays, Wednesdays, some Saturdays, and on Thursday evenings during the summer.
Stay at Future Inn Plymouth
Future Inn Plymouth is a modern and comfortable hotel conveniently located near main access roads and public transportation. It is close to the popular family-friendly attractions. The hotel's spacious and airy bedrooms, accommodating up to four guests, are perfect for families. Each room has free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and a desk and workspace, providing entertainment and comfort for everyone. Added touches like a complimentary robe and slippers, and home-away-from-home services - such as a guest laundry room, ice buckets, and tea and coffee-making facilities to enhance the convenience of your stay. Families will particularly appreciate the free parking.
Book a Room
Family Friendly Restaurant
Fishbone Restaurant is a welcoming and contemporary dining venue. Known for serving locally sourced produce, the menu showcases a delightful range of British and seafood dishes,
ensuring that diners can enjoy an authentic taste of the region. From hearty breakfasts to leisurely lunches and indulgent dinners, it is ideal for both hotel guests and locals alike.
Additionally, the restaurant features an inviting bar area, perfect for enjoying a drink. In the summer months, take advantage of the outdoor terrace.
A large selection of drinks is also available, including popular local brands such as Atlantic IPA, Offshore, Tarquins Gin, and Plymouth Gin.
Naturally, there's a good choice of soft drinks, including refreshing fruit juices, tea, coffee, and mocktails.
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