Moorlander Best of 2025: The new way to walk in the South Hams proves a hit

As the New Year approaches and we settle into our Boxing Day chocolates, here at The Moorlander we are once again looking back on the stories that captured imaginations across our patch in 2025, with this one standing out for inspiring people to lace up their boots and explore.

This summer, readers flocked to news of the South Hams Way, a brand-new 100-mile circular walking route that links coast, countryside, moorland and market towns in one ambitious trail. 

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It quickly became one of the Moorlander’s most talked-about outdoor stories of the year, shared widely by walkers, community groups and visitors planning future adventures.

With winter walks now shorter and festive plans taking centre stage, it’s the perfect moment to revisit a route that promises so much for the years ahead.

A landmark route for South Devon

Launched officially in September, the South Hams Way offers a 101-mile circular trail through some of Devon’s most varied landscapes, from the rugged edges of Dartmoor National Park to the sweeping coastline of the South West Coast Path.

Divided into 10 manageable sections, the route was designed to be flexible, whether tackled in stages over weekends or as a longer walking holiday. 

Along the way, walkers pass through quiet lanes, established footpaths and well-known trails, weaving together existing routes into one coherent journey.

Towns, villages and estuaries along the way

The trail links a remarkable range of South Devon communities, including Totnes, Ivybridge, Kingsbridge, Salcombe and Dartmouth.

Five estuaries (the Yealm, Erme, Avon, Kingsbridge and Salcombe, and the Dart) add constant variety, while villages such as Noss Mayo, Bantham and Hope Cove provide stopping points for food, accommodation and a well-earned rest.

One of the route’s strengths, readers noted, is how closely it connects walking with local life, directing people towards cafés, pubs, heritage sites and community hubs rather than bypassing them.

A community-led idea

The idea for the South Hams Way grew out of local ramblers’ groups, inspired by long-distance routes elsewhere in Devon. 

Landowners were consulted throughout the planning process, and the finished trail highlights attractions such as Buckfast Abbey while encouraging responsible access to the countryside.

When the route opened with a ceremony in Totnes, it was hailed as a major boost for sustainable tourism, something that continues to resonate as communities look for ways to welcome visitors while protecting the landscapes they love.

Looking ahead to the new year

At a time of year when many of us reflect on fresh starts and future plans, it’s easy to see why this story struck a chord. 

The South Hams Way isn’t just a new line on a map, it’s an invitation to slow down, explore on foot and reconnect with the places that make South Devon special.

As one of the Moorlander’s Best of 2025 stories, it’s a reminder that some of the most exciting developments aren’t about building something new, but about rediscovering what’s already on our doorstep.