Arrive in London and meet your fellow travelers and tour leaders before departing by private coach for the elegant seaside town of Sidmouth on Devon’s beautiful Jurassic Coast. Upon arrival, check in to our welcoming coastal hotel, ideally situated for the days ahead of walking and exploration. This evening, gather for a relaxed group dinner, an excellent opportunity to get acquainted and begin our journey together beside the sea.

Four nights at Harbor Hotel, Sidmouth

Today we begin our exploration of the spectacular Jurassic Coast with naturalist and ornithologist Andy Bunten. Our guided walk will follow a scenic stretch of the South West Coast Path, where dramatic red sandstone cliffs, rolling farmland, and sweeping sea views set the stage for an unforgettable introduction to Devon’s coastline. Along the way, Andy will interpret the region’s rich natural history, from seabird colonies and coastal raptors to wildflowers and the unique geology that reveals millions of years of Earth’s history. Expect a rewarding mix of invigorating coastal walking, wildlife observation, and breathtaking viewpoints over the English Channel.

Today offers a more relaxed yet richly rewarding exploration of East Devon’s diverse coastal habitats. We begin at the Seaton Wetlands, a peaceful mosaic of reedbeds, lagoons, and marshes that provides excellent opportunities for birdwatching under the expert guidance of Andy Bunten. Here, we may encounter waders, herons, and a variety of migratory species depending on the season.

From there, we continue toward the Axmouth Estuary and nearby coastal paths, where the landscape shifts between river, farmland, and dramatic shoreline. This area provides a fascinating contrast to yesterday’s cliff walks, with gentler terrain and ever-changing views across the estuary toward the Jurassic Coast cliffs. Throughout the day, Andy will bring the landscape to life with insights into local ecology, bird migration, and the unique interplay between land and sea in this dynamic environment.

Today we focus on one of East Devon’s most beautiful and geologically significant stretches of coastline, exploring the dramatic cliffs and rolling headlands around Sidmouth and Salcombe Hill. From the hotel, we step directly into the landscape, following coastal paths that rise quickly above the town to reveal sweeping views of the red sandstone cliffs, the Curving Jurassic shoreline, and the open expanse of the English Channel.

Expect a rewarding mix of cliff-top walking, quiet inland trails, and elevated viewpoints where skylarks, seabirds, and raptors may all be observed depending on conditions. The afternoon returns us to Sidmouth with time to relax along the promenade or enjoy the town at leisure before dinner.

After breakfast, we depart for our next hotel, making a stop in the historic city of Exeter along the way. Exeter is one of England’s oldest cities and offers a fascinating blend of Roman, medieval, and Georgian history.

During our visit, we will explore the ancient Cloisters and enjoy time to stroll through the city's historic center. We will then make our way to Exeter Quay, a picturesque waterfront district lined with cafés, restaurants, and centuries-old buildings, where we will enjoy lunch before continuing our journey into the heart of Dartmoor.

Following our time in Exeter, we continue to our new hotel, arriving in the late afternoon with time to settle in before dinner.

The remainder of the day is at leisure, offering time to rest, explore the immediate surroundings, or simply take in the expansive views that define this remarkable landscape.

Four nights at Dartmoor Lodge

Today we begin our exploration of Dartmoor National Park with one of its most iconic landscapes. We venture onto the open moor among the great granite tors of Haytor and Hound Tor, where sweeping views stretch across Devon and the rugged spirit of Dartmoor comes fully into view. Along the way, Andy interprets the moor’s distinctive birdlife, heathland ecology, and the enduring relationship between people and this ancient landscape. Expect heather-clad hills, free-roaming ponies, timeworn stone features, and some of the most memorable scenery in southwest England.

Today we explore the timeless heart of Dartmoor National Park, where granite tors, green valleys, and centuries-old villages create one of England’s most evocative landscapes. We travel deeper into the moor for a guided day of walking centered around the picturesque village of Widecombe-in-the-Moor, long regarded as one of Dartmoor’s most iconic settlements.

Our walk will take us along classic moorland paths with expansive views across heather-clad hills, stone-walled lanes, grazing ponies, and the ever-changing skies for which Dartmoor is famous. Along the route, Andy will interpret the region’s birdlife, upland habitats, and the ecological rhythms of this distinctive landscape. Depending on conditions, there may also be opportunities to see ancient stone features, medieval field systems, and traces of Dartmoor’s long human history woven into the countryside.

After time in Widecombe to enjoy its historic church, village shops, and tea rooms, we return to the hotel in the late afternoon. This evening is free to relax and reflect on another memorable day in Devon’s wild interior.

On our final full day, we experience one of Dartmoor’s most legendary and atmospheric landscapes: Wistman’s Wood, a rare high-altitude oak woodland draped in moss and lichen, long associated with local folklore and mystery. Today’s outing offers a fitting finale to our time on the moor—an exploration of one of Britain’s most evocative natural settings.

Our walk combines open moorland scenery with views across the West Dart valley before reaching the ancient woodland, where twisted trees and boulder-strewn ground create a landscape unlike anywhere else in England. Along the way, Andy will share insights into Dartmoor’s specialized habitats, upland birdlife, and the ecological significance of this surviving fragment of temperate rainforest.

Following the walk, there may be time to visit the nearby village of Princetown, browse local shops, or simply enjoy one final scenic drive across the moor. We return to the hotel for a celebratory farewell dinner, marking the close of a memorable journey through Devon, the Jurassic Coast, and Dartmoor National Park.

This morning we depart Dartmoor and travel by private coach back toward London Heathrow Airport, crossing the Devon countryside for the final leg of our journey. As we leave the moor behind, there is time to reflect on the remarkable landscapes we have experienced together—from the dramatic cliffs of the Jurassic Coast to the wild beauty of Dartmoor National Park.

Important: We strongly recommend that guests do not schedule flights before late afternoon or evening, as travel times can vary depending on traffic conditions en route to Heathrow.

Upon arrival at the airport, we bid farewell to fellow travelers and guides, concluding our journey. Safe onward travels to all, and we hope the memories of Devon remain with you long after your return home.

Please note: Hotel selection, itinerary sequence, and daily walking routes are subject to adjustment based on local conditions, weather, and group dynamics. Flexibility is an essential part of this journey, and walks are always tailored to ensure the best possible experience for the group, balancing safety, comfort, and enjoyment of the landscapes we are exploring.