Walks you can reach from Portsmouth Arms by train

Flat, traffic-free estuary trail to a wildlife reserve with bird hides, passing a former quay and cafe.

Home Farm Marsh: A Gaia Trust wildlife reserve of grazing marsh and bird hides overlooking the Taw estuary.

Time: 5h30 (4h walking, 1h30 lunch)

Warnings: No dogs or bikes allowed at Home Farm Marsh.

Walk details: Great Scenic Railways of Devon & Cornwall (PDF).

Some stunning views. A walk through peaceful countryside on woodland footpaths, riverside walks and quiet lanes, with about a third on small country roads and after an initial stretch through Barnstaple. Some short muddy sections and an eroded lane where you walk along a shallow stream bed.

Time: 5h30 (4h walking, 1h30 lunch)

1 lunch spot: the Chichester Arms

Warnings: The eastern half of Cleave Lane is heavily eroded by a stream and best avoided after heavy rain — passable with waterproof boots and care. The footbridge over the stream at Hoe is in poor condition (a new boardwalk is being built). A stretch follows the A377 on a path, and some narrow lane walking.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Incredible views from Stoke Hill. A long, varied route alternating quiet country lanes with footpaths through the Devon countryside and with a stretch along the River Creedy and a high crossing over Stoke Hill. Some mud in wetter seasons; road sections are short and quiet. Several points intersect the Exeter-Crediton bus route (369 or 5) if the walk is too long. Starts through Shobrooke Park past ancient trees.

Time: 7h30 (5h30 walking, 1h30 lunch, 30m break)

1 lunch spot: the Beer Engine

Warnings: Crossing the A396 Tiverton Road is a fast road, so cross only when clear in both directions.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Field paths.

Time: 4h (2h30 walking, 1h30 lunch)

Warnings: Can be very muddy or boggy.

Walk details: Railwalks.

The views reward the effort. Hilly mid-Devon countryside on byways, bridleways and field paths, with a fair amount of quiet-lane walking. Steep gradients in places, several gates, steps and stiles. Byways can be muddy and prone to flooded sections in winter and though usually fine in drier months.

Time: 7h (5h30 walking, 1h30 lunch)

Lunch: Shops and pubs at Sandford and Morchard Bishop; the Morchard Bishop pub may be closed but the village shop is well stocked with hot food.

Warnings: Steep gradients, steps and stiles. Cattle graze several fields and can be territorial near Merchant's Corner; a couple of gates have to be climbed. Flooded sections possible on the byways between Moor Farm and Swannaton after rain. Can be muddy.

Walk details: Slow Ways.