Burrator Reservoir to Leather Tor Walk

Route Description for Burrator Reservoir to Leather Tor Walk

The Burrator Reservoir to Leather Tor Walk is a great trail that features plenty of variation in terrain, although some of these areas can be a bit challenging to navigate. As there are a few portions of off-trail walking on the approach to the summit of the tor, you should bring a GPS to ensure that you stay on the correct route. Additionally, sturdy walking boots will come in handy, as much of the terrain along these parts of the walk will be uneven under foot.

Even considering the basic route finding skills that you will need for this walk, it is still a fantastic adventure that will get you off the beaten path and away from the crowds that will inevitably congregate around Burrator Reservoir. Beautiful panoramic views of the Devon countryside await on this lovely walk across the moors of Dartmoor National Park.

Setting out from the Burrator Reservoir, head south along the road for 0.4 km and turn right to enter into a small car park, picking up the footpath at the opposite end to work your way up the hillside. Follow this trail to the north, as it climbs uphill across the Devonport Leat to skirt along the edge of a small wood. Upon reaching another small car park at the edge of the road, pass through it and cross over to the other side, picking the trail back up as it gently descends the hillside towards B3212. Turn right along this road and follow it for a short distance of 0.2 km. Make a right here onto the wide track and follow it to the southeast.

After approximately 0.19mi, you will need to turn left off of the path to cut through the forest to the east. A GPS will come in handy for this part of the walk, although it is only a brief stretch of off-trail adventuring. Eventually, you will meet up with a trail that climbs up the slopes of Peak Hill to the north. Turn left onto this path and once again keep your eye on the GPS, as you will need to traverse the rugged terrain of the moor along a relatively faint footpath. Reaching the summit of Leather Tor, you will enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding Dartmoor landscape, with the waters of Burrator Reservoir to the south and a number of rugged tors encircling it.

From here, head east to make your descent of the hillside into a stretch of forest, crossing over the Devonport Leat to pick up the trail leading south. Keep right along this path for the next 0.7 km, where you will arrive at a junction. Pass straight through to meet up with the road, continuing straight along it to the west to begin the return leg of the walk along Burrator Reservoir. After 1.0 km, turn left onto the footpath and follow along the waters of the Devonport Leat as they flow to the southwest, eventually meeting up with the road. Turn left here and follow the road down the hillside to return to the car park where you began the Burrator Reservoir to Leather Tor Walk.