Walking in Plymouth

Walking is a great way to see the city, and is also the healthiest, most cost effective way to get around. Whether you are walking for work, school or just going for a stroll in your free time, these pages will provide you with some information to help you get around.

Walking facts and figures

• 13 per cent of people living in Plymouth choose to travel to work on foot, compared to 11 per cent nationally.
• 57 per cent of children in Plymouth walk to school, compared to 50 per cent nationally.
• Two national footpaths pass through Plymouth, the South West Coast Path between Admiral's Hard and Jennycliffe, and a link to the Two Moors Way, which connect Dartmoor and Exmoor.

Walking Routes

Have a look at the walks in Plymouth page for route maps and information about various local walks.

Places to Walk

Parks - we manage a wide range of attractive places for walks, picnics, exploring nature and enjoying the countryside.

Local Nature Reserves - Local Nature Reserves (LNR) offer the chance to study, to learn, or to simply enjoy nature. There are eight LNR in Plymouth.

County Wildlife Sites - There are many County Wildlife Sites (CWS) in Plymouth. Some of these are privately owned with no public access but most of them are available to the public to visit. Have a look at the site descriptions for access details.

Sites of Special Scientific Interest - There are three ecological Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and six geological Sites of Special Scientific Interest in Plymouth.

Other spaces for nature - Aside from those listed above there are a number of other spaces for nature in Plymouth that are equally as enticing.

Dartmoor National Park - Everyone can enjoy this beautiful and spectacular area which surrounds the city on two sides. Dartmoor National Park was one of the first National Parks established in 1951, and is easily accessible from Plymouth.

South West Coast Path - The South West Coast Path is Britain's longest National Trail, running from Minehead in Somerset to South Haven Point near Poole in Dorset.

Walking to work

Have a look at this page for information on the benefits of walking to work, and links to useful websites to help you on your way.

Walking events in 2012

May

Walk to Work Week 2012 will take place from 14 to 18 May as part of the Great British Walking Challenge. Why not persuade your colleagues to sign up with you and give it a go? You can sign up and submit your miles on the Living Streets website. For more information about the event have a look at the Living Streets website.

July

For all women interested in a challenge and some fund raising, the St Luke's Midnight Walk 2012 will take place in July. This year, to celebrate three decades of the Hospice being in operation, they are offering a brand new 30 mile option as well as the usual 7 and 13 miles. For more information have a look at the St Luke's Midnight Walk website.

On 21 July you can take part in the Midnight Madness walk with Dartmoor Search and Rescue. For more information have a look on the Dartmoor Search and Rescue website.

September

On 16 September why not have a go at the Lych Way Walk from Bellever to Lydford? This is hosted by the Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team.

October

Walk the Abbots Way with the Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team.

Advice for Walkers

• Ramblers Association
• National Farmers' Union advice
• Health & Safety Executive Cattle and public access - information and advice

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