January is often dismissed as the dull hangover of Christmas – grey, cold, something to just get through. But in Colyton and across East Devon, it is one of the most quietly beautiful months of the year. If you enjoy empty footpaths, roaring seas and cosy pubs, this is a wonderful time of year to book a break.

In fact, January strips the region back to its simple beauty. No crowds and no queues, just wide skies, ancient landscapes and villages that feel like they belong to you alone. And a stay at The Old Bakehouse is the perfect base to experience it!

Here are our our favourite walks, varying from easy to challenging for more experienced hikers, with some tips on great refreshment stops.

1. Colyton to Seaton Tramway Trail

Distance: 6 miles (3 miles each way)
Difficulty: Easy – flat, accessible
Winter Notes: Well-surfaced path, but can be muddy after heavy rain; exposed in places so bring layers.

Follow the old Seaton Tramway line through the Axe Valley. This traffic-free route offers gentle walking with valley views and fantastic birdwatching opportunities.

Start: Colyton car park (five minutes from the tramway station)
Route: Follow the clearly marked path/former tramway south to Seaton
Highlights: Axe Estuary wetlands, level terrain good for shorter winter days

Cafés & Pubs en route:

Kingfisher pub (Colyton, start/end) – Cosy spot for coffee and homemade cakes on Queen Street
The Hideaway Café (Seaton) – Seafront café perfect for a hot chocolate before turning back

2. River Coly Circular via Colyford

Distance: 4.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate – some gentle hills, field paths
Winter Notes: Can be very muddy in fields; sturdy boots essential.

A circular exploring the River Coly valley and neighbouring Colyford village.

Start: Colyton town centre
Route: Head south along Church Street, pick up the footpath to Colyford following the river, then loop back via minor lanes
Highlights: Riverside paths, medieval packhorse bridge in Colyford, rolling Devon countryside

Cafés & Pubs en route:

Colyton Garden Centre Café (Colyton) – Good for a pre-walk breakfast
The White Hart (Colyford) – Village pub serving local ales and food (check winter opening hours)
Colcombe Castle Hotel (Colyton) - for coffee or beer

3. Axmouth to Lyme Regis Coast Path (Jurassic Coast)

Distance: 5 miles (one way, arrange transport) or 7 miles circular from Axmouth
Difficulty: Challenging – steep climbs, uneven terrain
Winter Notes: Dramatic but exposed; avoid in high winds or storms. Path can be slippery.

Proper Jurassic Coast walking with spectacular winter seascapes.

Start: Axmouth village (3 miles from Colyton)
Route: Follow South West Coast Path west towards Lyme Regis, or create a circular via Undercliff

Highlights: Axmouth Harbour, layered cliffs, fossils, winter birdlife

Cafés & Pubs en route:

Tide cafe, Seaton - Coffee and lunches
Frydays, Seaton - Traditional Fish and Chips

The Harbour, Lyme Regis - If walking the full route to Lyme (check seasonal hours)

4. Musbury & Axe Valley Circular

Distance: 5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate – steady climbs, quiet lanes
Winter Notes: Higher ground can be windy; good views on clear winter days.

An inland loop into the rolling hills north of Colyton.

Start: Colyton centre
Route: Take lanes north to Musbury, loop through the village and return via Axe Valley views
Highlights: Musbury's thatched cottages, panoramic valley views from higher ground

Cafés & Pubs en route:

The Hind (Musbury) – Village pub, dog-friendly, lunches book ahead)
Merchant’s Tea Rooms (Colyton) – Best option for lunches, coffee at start/end

5. Colyton to Beer Village & Coast

Distance: 8 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate – some hills, but tramway section is easy
Winter Notes: Beer Hill can be slippery when wet; Beer is sheltered and scenic.

Combine inland paths with the stunning fishing village of Beer.

Start: Colyton
Route: Take tramway trail towards Seaton, then branch off on lanes to Beer; return via Hill Road or circular route
Highlights: Beer Quarry Caves (check winter opening), working fishing village, shingle beach, white cliffs

Cafés & Pubs en route:

The Dolphin Inn (Beer) – Food and local beer, right in the village heart
Anchor Inn (Beer) – Traditional pub with sea views
Beer Beach Café (seasonal, may close early in winter) – For takeaway hot drinks on the beach