Kestor Inn, Manaton, Dartmoor National Park

Kestor Inn, Manaton, Dartmoor National Park

Pub by one of the most beautiful valleys in Dartmoor National Park

Wonderful location. Situated above one of the most beautiful valleys in Dartmoor National Park, the Kestor Inn is a stroll away from England's first National Nature Reserve, one of Dartmoor's most popular family visitor attractions and close to the National Park's high moorland including the famous Bowerman's Nose. Local walkers, horse riders and mountain bikers love this area. Less well known to holidaymakers, it's a perfect base from which to explore the different landscapes and activities Dartmoor offers.

 

Things to do around the Kestor Inn

'Holiday in Dartmoor' helps visitors discover things to do and places to visit when exploring Dartmoor National Park. It's not a review site. This listing will help those looking to discover the area around the Kestor Inn in addition to the pub's great food and drink.

 

Walking

First, walk in Lustleigh Cleave. This is a steep, heavily wooded section of the Bovey Valley and is one of the most beautiful valleys in Dartmoor National Park. The views from the broad ridge between Harton Chest (Lustleigh Cleave) and Hunter's Tor (Lustleigh Cleave/East Dartmoor) are stunning. The path from the Kestor Inn down to Clam Bridge on the River Bovey and then up to Lustleigh Cleave and its broad ridge is clearly marked on the Ordnance Survey Explorer OL28 'Dartmoor' map.

Alternatively, explore the lower section of the valley. From the Kestor Inn, follow the skinny lane past Beckhams that turns into a track that descends through Houndtor Wood to the much photographed Hisley Bridge. Follow the path that rises through Hisley Wood towards Lustleigh Cleave. Drop down to the River Bovey at Clam Bridge and then it's a very steep ascent to the pub.

The Kestor Inn is located in the village Manaton which is divided into three areas. Water and Freeland are at the bottom of the village. Manaton itself is at the top by the church and cricket pitch. A pretty path runs from Water and Freeland to Manaton via Horsham. Explore. 

When the River Bovey is low (it's usually low in summer), you can cross the River Bovey on Horsham Steps at Horsham Cleave. There's a nice circular walk from the Kestor Inn to Horsham, Horsham Steps and then Lustleigh Cleave. Again, you drop down to Clam Bridge and yomp up the very steep valley wall to return to the pub.

 

Other outdoor activities

You'll often see groups of mountain bikers enjoying the network of paths in the valley. The Kestor Inn is a great place to begin and end your day.

Houndtor Wood and Hisley Wood are popular with horse riders.

 

Bowerman's Nose

From the Kestor Inn, wander past Deal Cottage to Hayne Cross and then up to Hayne Down to see Bowerman's Nose. The views across to Hound Tor (East Dartmoor) and Haytor Rocks are exceptional.

 

Tors

If tors and walking appeal then make sure you wander to the top of Easdon Tor.

 

English Heritage

From Hayne Down, continue to Hound Tor and Hound Tor Abandoned Medieval Settlement (English Heritage).

 

Visitor attractions

Visit Becky Falls Ancient Woodland Park. One of Dartmoor's most popular family visitor attractions, the falls are special after a period of rain.

 

East Dartmoor National Nature Reserve

Continue down the road from Becky Falls and you'll come to Yarner Wood in the East Dartmoor National Nature Reserve. It's particularly impressive in autumn when the colours turn.

 

Bovey Tracey

From Yarner Wood, the road descends to Parke Estate (National Trust) and then Bovey Tracey. Visit the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust Education and Visitor Centre in Parke and the House of Marbles and Teign Valley Glass in Bovey Tracey. Try also MAKE Southwest.