After enjoying several breaks in Devon over the years I am already a fan of the county with its wide ranging countryside and history. Clearly the authors are enthusiastic about the area and that has fired my desire to go back and visit places I have yet to see.

This pocket-sized (12cm by 18cm) book will provide a useful companion to any trip to Devon by a fit walker. It starts with an informative section on the area and with general advice for walkers.

The twenty walks are arranged by area. Each one commences with a summary page highlighting the features of the walk. There then follows one or two double pages with a map of the walk. Next we have detailed directions which as far as I could tell were clear and accurate.

Since receiving my copy earlier this year I had hoped to visit Devon to test out the directions but it has not been possible. However I can witness that several, if not all, of the chosen walks are worth doing because they are in areas where I have previously walked. In particular the three walks on the north coast, some of those on the southern coast and the walk along the wooded valleys around Castle Drogo.

The walks are not short and many are hilly. The authors describe them as Day Walks and those of us who like to take their time and explore along the way will find their days very full. However, as they are all circular walks most of them have options to cut sections out provided you can read a map. Indeed, one walk is a figure of eight which could be broken in two.

Day Walks in Devon is a useful accompaniment for any trip to Devon and I am looking forward to using my copy during my next trip to the West Country. I have awarded four stars.

About the Authors

Jen & Sim Benson are writers, photographers, endurance athletes and family adventurers. They are passionate about wild places and inspiring people to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors.

Jen & Sim are Ordnance Survey GetOutside Champions, routes editors for Trail Running magazine, columnists for Outdoor Fitness magazine and contributors to Runner’s World, Trail and Country Walking magazines. They also work with the National Trust, the Wildlife Trusts and the Forestry Commission designing beautiful, inspiring guides to outdoor adventures.

Happiest outside they spent 2015 living under canvas with their two young children, exploring Britain’s National Parks and wild places.