Dartmoor National Park Walks

The Castle Drogo and Cod Wood Circular Walk is one of the most amazing routes in all of Dartmoor National Park, due in part to its wealth of historic sites, but also because of its breathtaking scenery. While out on the trail, you will pass by the extravagant 20th Century grounds of Castle Drogo before making your way through a steep-sloped valley along the River Teign. There may be a few ups and downs along the trail, but the scenic highlights are well worth the small amount of required effort

If you enjoy lovely riverside walks that just so happen to pass through a swathe of ancient forest featuring trees that are hundreds of years old, then the Wistman’s Wood Walk is the perfect route for you. While out exploring this trail, you will walk along the banks of the West Dart River and take in views of the surrounding moorland terrain before traversing the moss-covered expanse of Wistman’s Wood to make the return leg of the journey on the opposite side of the river. An afternoon on this route is a great way to reconnect with nature in the beautiful, rugged, and sometimes spooky landscapes of Dartmoor National Park.

The Haytor Quarry Loop is a great walking route in Dartmoor National Park that will lead you uphill across some rugged terrain for amazing views across the park. While out walking the trail, you will climb up to the rocky summit of Haytor before making your way through a historic quarry that was mined for gritstone in the early 19th Century. This is a fun walk for those who enjoy scenic views and local history.

Walking the Burrator Reservoir Circular is a lovely adventure in the southwest corner of Dartmoor National Park that will take you on a laidback route for some wonderfully scenic views. While out on the trail, you will walk across two separate dams and traverse the edge of the reservoir, enjoying scenic views across the water and surrounding hills. The relatively flat and well-maintained pathways here make this a great adventure for the entire family.

The Burrator Reservoir and Princetown Walk is a difficult adventure in Dartmoor National park that will see you traverse a lengthy stretch of trail across several rugged tors. Covering an area that stretches north from the Burrator Reservoir to King’s Tor and east across the moor to Princetown, you will have a fair amount of ground to cover on this beautifully scenic walk through the Devon countryside. Don’t forget to bring some pocket change, as there just might be an ice cream truck near the end of the walk at Norsworthy bridge to reward you for your hard efforts.

Walking the Fisherman’s Path to Fingle Bridge is a beautifully scenic adventure in Dartmoor National Park that is filled with picturesque scenery and local history. While out on the trail, you will traverse the countryside and take in stunning views of Castle Drogo, the last castle to be built in England, before continuing along the winding banks of the River Teign to visit the 17th Century Fingle Bridge. This wonderful walking route will appeal to anyone with a love for the outdoors or an interest in history.

The Meldon Reservoir and Black Tor Walk is a spectacular adventure in Dartmoor National Park that will expose you to some breathtaking views of the rugged landscape that can be found here. The trail sets out from the car park and travels along the edge of the charming reservoir before climbing uphill through some rugged terrain along the West Okement River to traverse Black Tor and Longstone Hill. This is an arduous journey, but the epic views are more than worth the trouble.

The Hound Tor Walk is a quick and easy adventure in Dartmoor National Park that will lead you uphill for stunning views of the surrounding countryside. While out on the trail, you will climb up the grassy and rock-covered hillside in relatively short order to eventually be subjected to some lovely views that sweep across the undulating terrain of the park. Whether you are a beginner walker or seasoned outdoor enthusiast looking for a short adventure, the Hound Tor Walk is a great option that provides a quick rush.

Walking the Spitchwick Manor Circular is a fun journey through the Devon countryside that will consistently expose you to some of the beautiful locales that can be found within Dartmoor National Park. While out on the trail, you will walk along winding rivers, traverse historic estate grounds, and climb up the rugged tors that characterize the landscape here. This is a fun walk to do when your main aim is to simply get out on the trails and enjoy nature.

The Cadover Bridge to Shaugh Bridge Circular Walk is a great family-friendly adventure in Dartmoor National Park that will see you traverse some rugged terrain and experience some breathtaking views. While out on the trail, you will climb uphill to reach the rugged viewpoint atop Dewerstone Rock before heading through the forest to meander along the banks of the River Plym. This is a wonderfully scenic journey that will truly allow you to get lost in the beauty of nature.

The Dewerstone Walk is a quick and rugged adventure in Dartmoor National Park that will see you climb uphill along overgrown paths for spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. While out on the trail, you will walk along the banks of the River Plym and pass by imposing slabs of rock set in a beautifully atmospheric stretch of forest on the way to the summit of the hill. If you are interested in rock climbing, the rocky, craggy terrain that can be found here offers over 100 different routes that service all skill levels.

Walking along the Two Moors Way Section 6: Chagford to Drewsteignton is a lovely experience that will allow you to take in the natural beauty of the Devon countryside. Along the trail, you will enjoy a picturesque riverside setting, as you follow the meandering banks of the River Teign, before climbing uphill past the extravagant grounds of Castle Drogo. Keep in mind that this is a one-way route, so you will need to either backtrack along the trail or arrange a pick up at the end point.

Walking the Burrator Reservoir to Leather Tor Trail is a fun experience that will see you traverse the rugged terrain along the slopes of several tors for views overlooking the water. While out on the trail, you will pass through lovely forests and make your way into the open countryside before climbing your way uphill along to the scenic viewpoint atop Leather Tor that overlooks Burrator Reservoir. This is a fantastic adventure that will get you away from the crowds around the reservoir to explore the beautiful terrain of the surrounding area.

Walking along Drake’s Trail is a lengthy but laid back experience that will see you traverse the western edge of Dartmoor National Park to experience lovely views of the city and countryside. A popular route with walkers and cyclists alike, the terrain here isn’t overly challenging, making it perfectly suitable for walkers of most ages and skill levels. Take note that this is a one-way walk, meaning that you will need to arrange a way back to the trailhead following your adventure.

If you enjoy peaceful woodland landscapes, winding rivers, and dramatic waterfall views, then the Lydford Gorge Walk is a perfect way to spend a weekend afternoon. Located just north of Tavistock in the western part of Dartmoor National Park, this route will take you through a serene gorge along the River Lyd to view the White Lady Waterfall and Devil’s Cauldron. This is a great walking route for anyone interested in exploring a beautiful stretch of riverside terrain.

The Bovey Tracey and Parke Estate Circular Walk is a fantastic excursion that will lead you through a good variety of terrain that borders the town of Bovey Tracey on the eastern edge of Dartmoor National Park. While out walking the trail, you will navigate through peaceful woodlands that run alongside the River Bovey before climbing uphill to loop back through the fields and meadows of the Parke Estate. This is a great route if you want a fairly relaxed walk that features a number of different terrain types.

The walk up Sheeps Tor is a great adventure that will get you away from the crowds surrounding the Burrator Reservoir for some lovely views overlooking the rugged expanse of Dartmoor National Park. While out walking the trail, you will make your way around the contours of a small hill south of the reservoir before a brief push up to the summit of Sheeps Tor, where you will enjoy some lovely views. This quick walk is perfect for an afternoon stroll to explore the Devon countryside.

The Hunter’s and Fisherman’s Path to Castle Drogo is a fantastic walking route that will allow you to take in the local history and natural beauty of Dartmoor National Park. While out walking the trail, you will wind your way through the Teign Gorge and visit the historic Fingle Bridge before returning along the riverside to climb uphill on the return to Castle Drogo. This is definitely a route geared towards history lovers.

The Tavy Cleave and Hare Tor Circular Walk is a perfect route if you enjoy relaxing strolls in picturesque riverside settings. While out on the trail, you will make your way upstream along the winding banks of the River Tavy before climbing uphill to traverse several tors with charming views of Dartmoor national Park. There is a bit of an elevation gain on this route, but the spectacular views and peaceful settings are well worth the minimal effort.

Walking the Hembury Woods Trail is a fantastic adventure in Dartmoor National Park that will lead you through a lovely stretch of forest along the River Dart. While out on the trail, you will traverse the serene woodland terrain along the water’s edge before climbing uphill around the Iron Age hillfort site of Hemsbury Castle. This is a great route if you appreciate beautiful natural settings and ancient history.