Discover these lovely New Year’s Day walks and Boxing Day walks to blow away the cobwebs!
Here at Helpful Holidays, we get to trek across many beautiful places. We’ve created a handy guide of our favourite go-to Boxing Day walks and New Year’s Day walks to enjoy with loved ones in Devon and Somerset.
Fend off the ever-growing sense of ‘cabin fever’ of the Christmas period with a crisp winter walk.
Read on to find our favourite Boxing Day walks and New Year’s Day walks across the West Country…
Boxing Day and New Year’s Day Walks in Devon
Wistmans Woods, Dartmoor
Wistmans Woods is a magical place full of beautiful and twisted old oak trees. The woods are home to many different varieties of creepy moss with lichen growing from the branches and granite rocks.
Because of this, Wistmans is one of the oldest dwarf woods in England and is considered to be a place of magic, attracting many tourists including druids. It’s an enchanting spot to enjoy a New Year’s Day walk in Devon.
Park at the Two Bridges Hotel (making sure to pay any parking charges) and walk across the road. Be careful to follow the footpath with the stone wall and later the West River Dart on your left.
You will see the woods from a distance. The route is a gentle ¼ mile walk from the car park to the woods. From here, you can wander around the 3.5 hectares of woods or as an additional part of a further route. Beware, during and after a period of rain, areas around the woods may become boggy, so do take care.
Our Helpful Hint: Head to the woods first thing in the morning and get some amazing photographs of the mist wrapping around the trees.
Avon Dam, Dartmoor
Located on South Dartmoor, Avon Dam gives walkers the opportunity to see some of the dramatic wilderness Dartmoor has to offer.
This walk is 3.5km and is considered an easy route which is suitable for people of all walking abilities with much of the route tracked. This makes it ideal for a Boxing Day walk in Devon when you might still be feeling the food coma effects of Christmas dinner!
Park at Shipley Bridge and follow the River Avon upstream.
Along the route you will walk past the remains of Brent Moor House which was demolished in 1962 before witnessing the wild Dartmoor scenery.
To finish the walk, you will come across the picture-perfect vantage point for Avon Dam before following the signs heading back.
Our Helpful Hint: This is a great walk for kids!
Fingle Bridge, Dartmoor
Located near Castle Drogo, Fingle Bridge is a stunning scenic walk along the River Dart.
The route can be quite steep in parts and the terrain is rocky and sometimes slippy. This walk requires individuals of a moderate walking ability and good quality walking shoes.
This walk is a great New Year’s Day walk in Devon as you can start your year off strong with a challenge!
There are two main routes available to explore at your leisure. Arrive and park at Fingle Bridge car park.
With limited space available, at busy or peak times, the car park might be full. Walk over the bridge and here you will see a map highlighting the main routes available.
Our Helpful Hint: This walk is unforgettable any time of year. Perhaps visit again during the autumnal months as the leaves are changing colour.
Ten Commandments, Dartmoor
Sitting at the base of the Buckland Beacons is Ten Commandment Stones, carved in 1928. These unusual stones offer a picture-perfect opportunity with striking wilderness behind them.
Park at Cold East Cross Car park, a walk out to the stones is a gentle walk that is suitable to everyone. This walk comprises a two-mile round trip, making it a perfect pick for a Boxing Day walk in Devon.
Our Helpful Hint: If you have time, visit Buckland Abbey, and see the stunning stain glass window- you will not regret it!
Beer to Branscombe
Following along the coastal path in East Devon, this route offers completely different scenery to that of Dartmoor.
This walk is about 6.44Km long and is very steep, offering another New Year’s Day walk in Devon to challenge yourself with!
There are many car parks available to start your walk from (please beware of any parking charges).
The walking route offers some fantastic coastal scenery along parts of the Jurassic Coast.
Our Helpful Hint: The route can be walked in either directions as well as being extended for those who want to push themselves.
Boxing Day and New Year’s Day Walks in Somerset
Tarr Steps near Dulverton
Enjoy this route as a refreshing Boxing Day walk in Somerset. Amble along the ancient bridge and discover wildlife in the scenic nature reserve.
Many footpaths will take you to a whole host of different areas to explore. The plant life and animals will amaze you, especially on a crisp winter day.
Beware; the paths may be slippery when wet and muddy.
Our Helpful Hint: If you have time, wonder around Dulverton as there are some lovely shops and tearooms to explore which might be open.
Dunkery Hill, near Wheddon
Made up of a 13km route, taking an average of 5 hours, this walk suits those of a moderate walking ability.
This walk will incorporate the highest point on Exmoor, Dunkery Hill as well as plenty of moorland and woodlands. It’s ideal for enthusiastic walkers looking for a challenging New Year’s Day walk in Somerset.
Park at Wheddon Car Park. To start the walk, leave the car park turning left toward the war memorial.
Once at the memorial, turn right, and follow this route for 250 meters. Turn left after the quill waymark, which has a sign posted on Dunkery Hill. From here, follow the path along the stream.
Our Helpful Hint: If you are lucky, you will catch sight of the famous Exmoor ponies.
Cheddar Gorge
Consider visiting one of England’s largest gorges, reaching almost a whopping 122m in depth and 4.8km in length!
Adventure around one of the 11 available walking routes and witness a cave, crags and pinnacles. Cheddar Gorge really does have something for everyone! It’s a great family walk for Boxing Day in Somerset.
We recommend starting at Cliff Street Car Park for a loop that will include a cheesehole and some unforgettable views, both along the walk and at the top of the lookout tower.
This route is a 3.9km loop and is accessible for walkers of all abilities.
Our Helpful Hint: If you have time, visit the Yeo Valley Farm Shop to enjoy a delicious lunch or purchase some local produce.
Glastonbury Tor
Walk up this iconic hill to enjoy the 360 panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. There are a few different walks to include Glastonbury Tor, all varying in lengths. Including ones starting at Cheddar Gorge and Tarr Steps.
There is no parking available at Glastonbury Tor. We recommend parking near the Abbey, to create your own ‘spiritual’ journey to the top of the tor.
This route is roughly 4.2km long and is a stunning amble suitable for walkers of all abilities.
Our Helpful Hint: Why not observe a sunrise or sunset for an unforgettable Somerset New Year’s Day walk.
Quantock Hills, Kilve and the South West Coast Path
A 5.1km loop, this unforgettable route will offer breath-taking views of the Bristol Channel, beaches and moorland. This walk is suitable for people of all experience levels with easy paths to follow.
The walk starts and finishes in the small village of Kilve, making this a good area to leave your car. Please follow any local parking restrictions.
Our Helpful Hint: If you have time, spend some time wandering across the beach.
We are so lucky to have many fantastic walks across Devon and Somerset to enjoy.
Ahead of setting off on your adventures, we advise seeking further advice from Adventure Smart if you’re not experience walkers.
We also suggest looking at local routes so you have a clear idea on where you are going.
The myths and legends of Dartmoor and the magical atmosphere it holds makes a wonderful place for a winter walk.
After the many busy Christmas events in Somerset, these walks are sure to be a welcome and refreshing outing.
Book yourself and your loved ones a Christmas cottage or a New Year’s break this year with Helpful Holidays!
