Bellever Forest, Bellever, Dartmoor National Park

Dartmoor’s moors and tors are world famous. Less well known are the extraordinarily beautiful wooded valleys that fringe the high ground. There are a number of stunning forests as well. The largest, between Chagford and Postbridge, is Fernworthy Forest. By Postbridge, in the heart of Dartmoor National Park, is another called Bellever Forest. Bellever is a very popular Dartmoor attraction and there’s plenty to do and see in the local area.

Recommended route to Bellever Forest for the first time

To visit, follow the B3212 to Postbridge and Postbridge Clapper Bridge. Near the car park and Postbridge National Park Visitor Centre is a turning. Follow that road along the edge of Bellever Forest to the hamlet Bellever. There, you'll see signs to a car park in the trees. There are information boards, public toilets and plenty of parking. In recent years, a parking fee has been introduced.

From this car park, you can walk, bike, climb tors, explore amazing prehistoric sites, follow a section of the Lichway/Lych Way, picnic and wild swim. In places, the views are remarkable. There are also quirky attractions such as Bellever Clapper Bridge.

The East River Dart flows along the eastern border of the village. The wide, grass areas along its banks by the car park are great for picnics. In warmer months, you'll see people having a paddle or swim. It's by this picnic area that you'll find the ruined Bellever Clapper Bridge. Note that it's a relatively short and very pretty walk from here to Postbridge Clapper Bridge.

Walking

Most people come to Bellever to walk. Whilst there are plenty of paths and tracks in the forest and on the surrounding moors, we'd recommend heading up to the trig point on Bellever Tor. The views are huge.

Prehistoric attractions around Bellever Forest

If prehistory appeals then you're in for a treat. Bellever Forest is packed with prehistoric sites including Bellever Stone Rows (Lakehead Hill Stone Rows) and Bellever Cairn Circles and Cists.

Lichway/Lych Way

If history is of interest then walk a stretch of the Lichway/Lych Way.

Postbridge Stores

For those not picnicing, pop into Postbridge Stores after you visit. There's a pub just up the road as well.

Other forests in Dartmoor National Park

Other forests we'd suggest you visit include Fernworthy and those around Burrator.

Extraordinary woods in Dartmoor National Park

Dartmoor is blessed with some amazing woods. Explore Wistman's Wood National Nature Reserve and Black-a-Tor Copse National Nature Reserve.

Wooded valleys in Dartmoor National Park

The heavily wooded valleys of the Teign Gorge (National Trust), Lustleigh Cleave and Dart Gorge are exceptional.