Best Dartmoor Walks, Dartmoor, Dartmoor National Park

Best Dartmoor Walks, Dartmoor, Dartmoor National Park

We start with our top ten/best Dartmoor walks. These are aimed at keen walkers.

We then move on to our best Dartmoor easy walks. These are aimed at those looking to experience Dartmoor National Park but who don't walk regularly/have young kids etc.

We then list walks by theme and geography.

 

Our top ten/best Dartmoor walks

Dartmoor's Highest Points Circular Walk (High Willhays/Yes Tor). High Willhays is the highest point on Dartmoor. Yes Tor is the second. They are located on the same broad ridge in the north west section of the National Park above Okehampton. If you've walked to the top of Pen y Fan, Snowdon, Kinder Scout, Scafell Pike, Ben More, Ben Macdui etc then you need to bag High Willhays.

Teign Gorge Circular Walk (Fingle Bridge to Castle Drogo). Dartmoor is known for its high moor and tors. Arguably more impressive are the National Park's many gorges and valleys cut by rivers that flow fast from the high ground. The Teign Gorge is one of the best. It's also where you'll find the National Trust's Castle Drogo and the beauty spot Fingle Bridge with its pub Fingle Bridge Inn. This is a classic Dartmoor walk in the north east section of the National Park near Chagford.

Lydford Gorge Circular Walk. The National Trust's Lydford Gorge gets plenty of TV coverage. It's an amazing place. Waterfalls and vertical gorge walls make for a top walk. After a spell of heavy rain, the noise of the water in the upper section is remarkable. Lydford is on the west border of the National Park.

Tavy Cleave to Ger Tor Circular Walk. Extraordinary walk following a leat and then the River Tavy to the top of the stunning Tavy Cleave. The walk is in the west section of the National Park near Mary Tavy.

Dart Gorge Circular Walk. The most challenging and rewarding valley and gorge walk on Dartmoor. Located in the eastern section of the National Park. Perfect for experienced walkers.

Haytor Rocks to Hound Tor Circular Walk. Haytor Rocks and Hound Tor are Dartmoor's most famous tors. They are situated in the east section of the National Park and are very easily accessible via the B3387 that climbs from Bovey Tracey and South Devon. This circular walk takes in both sets of rocky outcrops.

Cox, Roos and the Staple Tors Circular Walk. Many people think Great Staple Tor is Dartmoor's most impressive outcrop. Located on the west side of Dartmoor, it provides awesome views of Dartmoor, South Devon, the Tamar Valley AONB and Cornwall.

Great Links Tor Circular Walk. Great Links Tor is one of the National Park's most imposing tors positioned high up on the western flank of Dartmoor. Again, awesome views of Dartmoor, the Tamar Valley AONB and Cornwall.

Belstone and Oke Tor Circular Walk. Cracking walk from the pretty moorland village Belstone in the north section of Dartmoor. We love this walk but it's particularly impressive in snow. Huge views of Dartmoor's highest ground and north moor.

Fernworthy Reservoir Circular Walk. Dartmoor is home to a number of large and beautiful reservoirs. Fernworthy Reservoir and Fernworthy Forest are reminiscent of Canadian landscapes. They are situated near Chagford.

 

Our best Dartmoor easy walks

Haytor Rocks. Park at Haytor National Park Visitor Centre and follow one of the wide grass tracks up to the rocky outcrops.

Hound Tor (East Dartmoor). Start from the car parking area below Hound Tor and wander up to the tor.

Sharp Tor (Teign Gorge/North East Dartmoor). Visit Castle Drogo and then wander down to Sharp Tor overlooking the Teign Gorge. Enjoy some of the finest views in the national park.

Belstone Tor (Belstone Tors and Tors End). Head to the pretty moorland village Belstone. Wander up to Watchet Hill and then Belstone Tor.

Rowtor. Drive to Okehampton and follow the signs to Okehampton Camp. Follow the army ring road to the car parking area below Rowtor. It's a short walk to the top.

Meldon Reservoir. Walk from the car park at Meldon Reservoir across the dam wall to the picnic area on the far side of the reservoir.

Sourton Tors. Park at Prewley Moor or Sourton village and wander up to Sourton Tors with its immense views into Cornwall.

Ger Tor. Drive to Lane End car park and wander up to Ger Tor overlooking Tavy Cleave.

Brentor. Head for the car park below this famous Dartmoor beauty spot. It's a short walk to the church topping the tor. The western side of Dartmoor is in front of you.

Cox Tor. Start from the big car parking area at Barn Hill/Pork Hill on the B3357 above Tavistock. Follow one of the wide grass tracks up to Cox Tor. 

Sharpitor (Princetown/West Dartmoor). Drive the B3212 between Princetown and Yelverton. Park by the side of the road below Sharpitor. Wander up to the rocky outcrops for big 360 views including Burrator Reservoir.

Bench Tor. Head to the car parking areas on either side of Venford Reservoir. Walk to Bench Tor that juts out into the Dart Gorge for sublime views.

Bellever Tor. Start from one of the car parking areas in Postbridge/Bellever Forest. Walk up to the Dartmoor beauty spot Bellever Tor.

Merrivale (English Heritage). Drive the B3357 between Princetown and Tavistock. Park at Four Winds south of Little Mis Tor/Great Mis Tor. Wander across to see some of Dartmoor's best prehistoric sites. Great Mis Tor is a top easy-ish walk as well.

 

Walking the highest ground on Dartmoor

Dartmoor's Highest Points Circular Walk (High Willhays/Yes Tor). High Willhays is the highest point on Dartmoor. Yes Tor is the second. They are located on the same broad ridge in the north west section of the National Park above Okehampton. If you've walked to the top of Pen y Fan, Snowdon, Kinder Scout, Scafell Pike, Ben More, Ben Macdui etc then you need to bag High Willhays.

(Other routes are described in our High Willhays and Yes Tor listings.)

 

Walking to the most remote area on Dartmoor

Fur Tor from Postbridge Circular Walk. Dartmoor is split into two sections of high moorland. These are called the north moor and the south moor. The north moor is a bigger, wilder area. Fur Tor is situated in the heart of the north moor. The easiest route to Fur Tor is from Postbridge.

(Other routes are described in our Fur Tor listing.)

 

Walking Dartmoor's magnificent gorges and valleys

Teign Gorge Circular Walk (Fingle Bridge to Castle Drogo). Dartmoor is known for its high moor and tors. Arguably more impressive are the National Park's many gorges and valleys cut by rivers that flow fast from the high ground. The Teign Gorge is one of the best. It's also where you'll find the National Trust's Castle Drogo and the beauty spot Fingle Bridge with its pub Fingle Bridge Inn. This is a classic Dartmoor walk in the north east section of the National Park near Chagford.

Dewerstone Valley Circular Walk. Located by the south west border of Dartmoor near Plymouth, the Dewerstone Valley is spectacular.

Bovey Valley Woodlands, Lustleigh Cleave and Hunter's Tor Circular Walk. Lustleigh is a village in the east section of the National Park. Lustleigh Cleave is the upper section of a remarkable valley overlooking South Devon and the coast.

Tavy Cleave to Ger Tor Circular Walk. Extraordinary walk following a leat and then the River Tavy to the top of the stunning Tavy Cleave. The walk is in the west section of the National Park near Mary Tavy.

Dart Gorge Circular Walk. The most challenging and rewarding valley and gorge walk on Dartmoor. Located in the eastern section of the National Park. Perfect for experienced walkers.

Dr Blackall's Drive Walk. If you want to experience the Dart Gorge but are looking for a gentle walk, try this one.

Lydford Gorge Circular Walk. The National Trust's Lydford Gorge gets plenty of TV coverage. It's an amazing place. Waterfalls and vertical gorge walls make for a top walk. After a spell of heavy rain, the noise of the water in the upper section is remarkable. Lydford is on the west border of the National Park.

 

Walking to some of Dartmoor's best tors

Haytor Rocks to Hound Tor Circular Walk. Haytor Rocks and Hound Tor are Dartmoor's most famous tors. They are situated in the east section of the National Park and are very easily accessible via the B3387 that climbs from Bovey Tracey and South Devon. This circular walk takes in both sets of rocky outcrops.

(Other routes are described in our Haytor Rocks and Hound Tor (East Dartmoor) listings.)

Cox, Roos and the Staple Tors Circular Walk. Many people think Great Staple Tor is Dartmoor's most impressive outcrop. Located on the west side of Dartmoor, it provides awesome views of Dartmoor, South Devon, the Tamar Valley AONB and Cornwall.

Great Links Tor Circular Walk. Great Links Tor is one of the National Park's most imposing tors positioned high up on the western flank of Dartmoor. Again, awesome views of Dartmoor, the Tamar Valley AONB and Cornwall.

(Other routes are described in our Great Links Tor listing.)

Belstone and Oke Tor Circular Walk. Cracking walk from the pretty moorland village Belstone in the north section of Dartmoor. We love this walk but it's particularly impressive in snow. Huge views of Dartmoor's highest ground and north moor.

(Other routes are described in our Oke Tor listing.)

 

Long distance walks on Dartmoor

Dartmoor North To South Walk In A Day. Walk from Belstone near the north border of Dartmoor to Ivybridge by the south. Big walk. Top experience.

Templer Way. The Templer Way runs between the east flank of Dartmoor near Haytor Rocks down to the South Devon coast at Shaldon/Teignmouth. Most people walk it west to east descending from moor to coast in a day.

Abbot's Way. Walk from Buckfast Abbey near the east border of Dartmoor to the ruins of Tavistock Abbey by the west. A long walk across Dartmoor's south moor that can be completed in a day.

Buckfast to Tavistock Monastic Route. A different version of the above that climbs over remote moorland and follows a line of ancient crosses. Superb walk that can be completed in a day.

Two Moors Way on Dartmoor. A long distance classic. It's a long way so plan accommodation in advance.

 

Reservoir walks on Dartmoor

Fernworthy Reservoir Circular Walk. Dartmoor is home to a number of large and beautiful reservoirs. Fernworthy Reservoir and Fernworthy Forest are reminiscent of Canadian landscapes. They are situated near Chagford.

Burrator and Sheepstor Circular Walk. Magnificent place in the south west section of the National Park. Gets very busy in the holidays.

 

Walks taking in some of Dartmoor's best prehistoric sites

Six Stone Circles Circular Walk. Dartmoor has some of the finest prehistoric sites in Europe. This big walk on the north moor takes in six stone circles. The views are special from the high ground.

Three Stone Circles Circular Walk. A shorter version of the above.

Shilstone Tor, Cosdon Beacon and Cosdon (The Cemetery) Stone Row Circular Walk. Brilliant walk that runs past one of Dartmoor' best stone rows. The walk is located in the north section of the National Park.

 

Seasonal walks on Dartmoor

Bluebell Walks.

Dunsford Wood Wild Daffodil Circular Walk.

 

Family/kids walks on Dartmoor

Dartmoor is a great starter National Park for kids and families. We began walking on Dartmoor with kids aged six and four. Over the years, they've walked all but the longest routes on this site. In general, walking on Dartmoor isn't demanding. For introductory walks, try:

Haytor Rocks to Hound Tor Circular Walk.

Buckland Beacon Walk.

 

Easy walks on Dartmoor

Buckland Beacon Walk.

Dunsford Wood Wild Daffodil Circular Walk.

Dr Blackall's Drive Walk.

 

Moderate walks on Dartmoor

Haytor Rocks to Hound Tor Circular Walk.

Dartmoor's Highest Points Circular Walk (High Willhays/Yes Tor).

Teign Gorge Circular Walk (Fingle Bridge to Castle Drogo).

Dewerstone Valley Circular Walk.

Bovey Valley Woodlands, Lustleigh Cleave and Hunter's Tor Circular Walk.

Tavy Cleave to Ger Tor Circular Walk.

Lydford Gorge Circular Walk.

Three Stone Circles Circular Walk.

Shilstone Tor, Cosdon Beacon and Cosdon (The Cemetery) Stone Row Circular Walk.

Fernworthy Reservoir Circular Walk.

Burrator and Sheepstor Circular Walk.

Fur Tor from Postbridge Circular Walk.

Cox, Roos and the Staple Tors Circular Walk.

Great Links Tor Circular Walk.

Belstone and Oke Tor Circular Walk.

 

Hard walks on Dartmoor

Dart Gorge Circular Walk.

Dartmoor North To South Walk In A Day.

Templer Way.

Abbot's Way.

Two Moors Way on Dartmoor.

Buckfast to Tavistock Monastic Route.

Six Stone Circles Circular Walk.