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    Dartmoor National Park

    Dartmoor National Park Walks

    Covering 954km², Dartmoor National Park is the 11th largest national park in the UK and features a stunning landscape of open moors, craggy rock formations, and tranquil woodlands. Established as a national park in 1951, the area has become a popular destination for tourists looking to explore the rugged landscape; however, it has long been a hotbed for human activity, with remnants of early settlements that date back to the Neolithic period and Bronze Age.

    While the interior of the park is fairly remote and sparsely populated, the surrounding area is filled with larger cities and towns that serve as the perfect jumping-off point to explore the park. In addition to spectacular walking routes, there are a number of other activities to be experienced here, including cycling, rock climbing, horseback riding, fishing, and camping. Whether you are simply looking to explore the trails or get invested in some local history, a trip to Dartmoor National Park is sure to be an engaging and memorable experience.

    10 Amazing Walks In Dartmoor National Park

    If you find yourself yearning for a rugged walking adventure in the south of England that is filled with picturesque scenery and sprinkled with unique local history, then Dartmoor National Park is the perfect place to fill your needs. The landscape here is characterized by the barren landscape of the moorland terrain that is interrupted only by rocky tors, tranquil forests, and charming villages. With a wide range of walking trails that range from short strolls to multi-day excursions, you will be sure to find the perfect trail to suit your skill level. Why not take the next step in planning your Dartmoor walking adventure by checking out this list of amazing trails that we’ve put together below:

    • Castle Drogo and Cod Wood Circular Walk: Arguably one of the most popular walks in Dartmoor National Park, this route will take you through a scenic forest landscape and past several historic sites, including the 20th Century Castle Drogo and Fingle Bridge.
    • Wistman's Wood Walk: This fascinating walk will take you across the moor and along the West Dart River to visit an ancient wood that is filled with trees that are hundreds of years old. The atmosphere here is almost magical, just don’t get too close to the forest, as it is populated with hard to spot adders!
    • Fisherman's Path to Fingle Bridge: Another lovely walking route near Castle Drogo, the Fisherman’s Path to Fingle Bridge is a history-fuelled adventure that also features beautiful views of the surrounding woodland landscape.
    • Dewerstone Walk: This rugged walking route in Dartmoor will see you climb uphill through the forest along the River Plym to reach the craggy area surrounding Dewerstone Rock. A popular destination for rock climbing enthusiasts, Dewerstone Rock was historically believed to be the spot where the devil and his hounds chased local inhabitants over the precipice to their demise.
    • Haytor Quarry Loop: Offering a nice mix of local history and stunning views, the Haytor Quarry Loop will take you uphill to the rocky summit of Haytor, before descending to a quarry that was used in reconstructing the London Bridge.
    • Hound Tor Walk: This short uphill walking route will see you traverse the rugged terrain of the moor to reach the rocky summit of Hound Tor. Here, you will experience panoramic views that sweep across the undulating landscape of Dartmoor.
    • Meldon Reservoir and Black Tor Walk: A challenging route with a scenic reward, the Meldon Reservoir and Black Tor Walk is a fun adventure that will see you climb uphill alongside a river to reach several stunning vantage points overlooking the park.
    • Burrator Reservoir Circular Walk: This walking route is perfect for a fun family adventure, as the paths here are well-maintained and the terrain isn’t very difficult. Along the trail, you will walk around the edge of a scenic reservoir and cross over two dam walls that offer pleasant views across the water.
    • Burrator Reservoir and Princetown Walk: Another walk in the vicinity of the Burrator Reservoir, this trail is far longer and much more challenging, as it takes you across several rugged tors to the town of Princetown and back. Although it may be difficult, the trail offers an amazing chance to explore the beautifully scenic Dartmoor landscape.
    • Spitchwick Manor Circular Walk: This fun adventure in Dartmoor will lead you through the park along peaceful rivers and through historic estates for views overlooking the surrounding landscape of the park. There are a few short uphill climbs to the top of nearby tors; however, these are manageable and make for a fun journey that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

    When is the Best Time to Walk in Dartmoor National Park?

    As it is located relatively close to the coast, Dartmoor National Park sees favourable temperatures (℃) year-round, generally ranging from the low single digits in the winter to the high teens in the summer. Some higher elevation areas across the moor can be quite exposed to the elements, which means that inclement weather will often be a factor in determining when to set out on a walking trip here. In order to see the most favourable conditions, you will likely want to plan your adventure in Dartmoor National Park during the May-September window. This will ensure that the trails are at their driest and temperatures are at their warmest.

    Other Outdoor Activities in Dartmoor National Park

    While walking the breathtakingly scenic trails is probably the most popular activity in Dartmoor National Park, there are a number of other activities that can be sought out to maximize your time spent here. The undulating terrain of the region makes for fun and often challenging cycling routes, and the rocky crags found atop many tors offer the perfect setting for rock climbing. Horseback riding, fishing, camping, and stargazing are other fun activities in the park, offering a wealth of reasons why you should make Dartmoor the location of your next adventure.

    Adventure Holidays in Dartmoor National Park

    When it comes to planning a lengthy outdoor excursion in an unfamiliar place, sometimes it is best to leave the logistics and specifics of the trip to the professionals. If you find yourself wanting to experience the natural beauty of Dartmoor National Park and the surrounding area with a guide, why not explore these exceptional adventure tours in South West England.

    Frequently Asked Questions About Dartmoor National Park

    Is Dartmoor National Park Free?

    Yes. There is no admission fee to enter the park and there is a wide range of activities in the area that can be done for free.

    Where is Dartmoor National Park?

    Dartmoor National Park is an upland area that can be found in southern Devon County in the southwest of England.

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    Best Hikes in Dartmoor National Park

    Showing 21 to 40 of 67
      Open details for White Lady Waterfall and Lydford Gorge Walk

      White Lady Waterfall and Lydford Gorge Walk

      Easy
      5.6 km
      166 m
      1.5-2h

      The White Lady Waterfall and Lydford Gorge Walk is a fantastic excursion in Dartmoor National Park that will take you to several natural and historic points of interest. While out walking the trail, you will take in views of the plunging White Lady Waterfall and visit the churning waters of the Devil’s Cauldron, before climbing uphill to the 13th Century remains of Lydford Castle. With a wealth of amazing highlights, there is no reason to put off exploring the terrain around Lydford Gorge.

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      Open details for The Templer Way

      The Templer Way

      Moderate
      30.7 km
      304 m
      6.5-9h

      Walking the Templer Way is a scenic but lengthy adventure that will lead you from Dartmoor National Park to Teignmouth to a position overlooking the English Channel. This one-way route will see you traverse points of interest like the Haytor Rocks, the Great Plantation, and Stover Park; as you work your way along the River Teign towards the ferry that will take you across the water to Teignmouth. What a fantastic way to see the eastern part of Dartmoor and the surrounding Devon landscape - just be sure to arrange a pick up at the end-point of your walk.

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      Open details for Grimspound Walk

      Grimspound Walk

      Moderate
      6.7 km
      189 m
      1.5-2.5h

      The Grimspound Walk is a fantastic adventure for nature and history lovers alike, as you will explore the beautiful scenery and local history that can be found within the boundaries of Dartmoor National Park. While out on the trail, you will traverse the undulating terrain of the moor and gaze out at the barren, yet beautiful hills before visiting the site of a Bronze Age settlement surrounded by a stone wall. This is a great walk that can be enjoyed by walkers of most skill levels.

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      Open details for Brent Tor Walk

      Brent Tor Walk

      Easy
      1.8 km
      41 m
      0.5h

      Located on the western edge of Dartmoor National Park, the Brent Tor Walk is a lovely experience that will provide stunning views overlooking the surrounding landscape. While out on the trail, you will climb uphill along the rugged and rocky terrain of Brent Tor to visit the hilltop Church of Saint Michael. With a short overall distance and beautiful views, this is an easy walk to tack onto another route in the area if you have some spare time.

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      Open details for Venford Reservoir and Bench Tor Walk

      Venford Reservoir and Bench Tor Walk

      Easy
      2.8 km
      125 m
      1h

      The Venford Reservoir and Bench Tor Walk is a short but scenic adventure that will see you experience a variety of terrain that includes a forested gorge and rugged tor with views overlooking the reservoir. While out on the trail, you will make your way past the scenic waters of Venford Reservoir and climb uphill across Bench Tor, at which point you will make a descent through the peaceful woodland terrain of White Wood along Venford Brook. This is a lovely walk if you are looking to experience several different landscapes packed into one quick adventure.

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      Open details for White Tor Walk

      White Tor Walk

      Moderate
      10.3 km
      267 m
      2.5-3.5h

      The walk to White Tor is a spectacular adventure across the rugged terrain of Dartmoor National Park that will take you over several tors and past numerous historical sites. While out walking the trail, you will experience the beautiful moorland terrain that makes this barren area so beautiful, all while experiencing a blast from the past, as you witness the remains of Bronze and Iron Age huts, monuments, and hillforts that can be found scattered throughout the region. This is a fantastic walk for those with an interest in ancient history and beautifully scenic views.

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      Open details for High Willhayes and Yes Tor Circular Walk

      High Willhayes and Yes Tor Circular Walk

      Hard
      9.8 km
      401 m
      3-4h

      The High Willhayes and Yes Tor Circular Walk is a fantastic journey in Devon that will see you traverse some challenging terrain to reach the two highest peaks in Dartmoor National Park. While out walking the trail, you will climb up the rugged moor across several smaller hills and make your way up to the summits of Yes Tor and High Willhayes before descending along the waters of the Meldon Reservoir. This is an amazing route with spectacular views - if you are up to the challenge!

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      Open details for Little Mis Tor and Great Mis Tor Walk

      Little Mis Tor and Great Mis Tor Walk

      Moderate
      5.1 km
      181 m
      1.5-2h

      Walking the Little Mis Tor and Great Mis Tor Trail is an awesome out-and-back route in Dartmoor National Park that will take you uphill for some scenic views. Along the trail, you will be able to take in the natural beauty of the surrounding moorland terrain, as you climb uphill to the rocky summit of each hill. The path along this route is made up of stone, making it a quick and relatively easy way to explore the charming Devon countryside.

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      Open details for Lee Moor and Quarry Walk

      Lee Moor and Quarry Walk

      Moderate
      9.2 km
      274 m
      2.5-3.5h

      Walking the Lee Moor and Quarry Trail is a fun adventure that will see you climb above the quarry for views over several human- made lakes within the quarry. Located along the southern edge of Dartmoor National Park, this route will expose you to some of the undulating terrain found on the moor, as well as scenic views across the quarry. Upper portions of the trail can be a bit tricky to navigate, so make sure to bring a GPS or pay close attention to the route.

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      Open details for Lakehead Hill and Bellever Tor Circular Walk

      Lakehead Hill and Bellever Tor Circular Walk

      Easy
      8.2 km
      274 m
      2-3h

      The Lakehead Hill and Bellever Tor Circular Walk is a great day-walk in Dartmoor National Park that is filled with interesting history and beautiful views. While out walking the trail, you will make your way uphill along these two summits for a commanding sightline across the surrounding landscape, while walking amongst the Bronze Age settlements that can be found throughout the area. This is a fantastic adventure for nature and history lovers alike.

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      Open details for Lustleigh Cleave Walk

      Lustleigh Cleave Walk

      Moderate
      9.2 km
      421 m
      3-4h

      Walking the Lustleigh Cleave Trail is a great experience in Dartmoor National Park, as it takes you across some truly beautiful terrain for a fun adventure through the Devon countryside. While out on the trail, you will depart the village of Lustleigh and cross over the River Bovey to the southwest before looping through a scenic stretch of undulating forest terrain. This is a fantastic walk with some good elevation changes that can easily be enjoyed by casual and seasoned walkers alike.

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      Open details for Gutter Tor Walk

      Gutter Tor Walk

      Moderate
      6.4 km
      193 m
      1.5-2.5h

      The Gutter Tor Walk is a lovely excursion in Dartmoor National Park that will produce exceptional views of the surrounding area. While out on the trail, you will climb uphill across the rugged landscape of the moor and walk past the remains of medieval structures. What an excellent way to experience the natural and historical beauty of Dartmoor.

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      Open details for Teign Gorge Walk

      Teign Gorge Walk

      Moderate
      17.2 km
      639 m
      5-6.5h

      The Teign Gorge Walk is a fantastic experience in Dartmoor National Park that will expose you to some truly beautiful settings and interesting historical sites. While out walking this trail, you will navigate through the wooded expanse of the gorge along the River Teign, passing by historic bridges, ancient hillforts, and the iconic Castle Drogo in the process. This is an amazing adventure whether you enjoy local history, stunning natural settings, or both!

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      Open details for Ten Tors Circular Walk

      Ten Tors Circular Walk

      Moderate
      11.9 km
      485 m
      3.5-5h

      The Ten Tors Circular Walk makes for a perfect day on the trails if you are interested in traversing a number of hilltops in one relatively easy adventure. The trail loops around ten different tors in one go, allowing you to fully experience the rugged beauty of the landscape within Dartmoor National Park. Make sure to wear comfortable walking boots with good support, as there will definitely be a few ups and downs on this trail!

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      Open details for Pew Tor and Heckwood Tor Circular Walk

      Pew Tor and Heckwood Tor Circular Walk

      Easy
      5.1 km
      150 m
      1.5-2h

      The Pew Tor and Heckwood Tor Circular Walk is a fairly quick adventure near the western edge of Dartmoor National Park that will take you uphill across several tors for sweeping views of the surrounding area. Along the undulating trail, you will traverse the Feather, Heckwood, Pew, and Sampford tors, all of which offer a good sightline across the surrounding hills. This route does feature a small amount of uphill trekking; however, it is more than suitable for a fun family outing.

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      Open details for Widgery Cross Circuit

      Widgery Cross Circuit

      Moderate
      10.8 km
      395 m
      3-4h

      The Widgery Cross Circuit is a fun walking route with a few elevation gains that will provide lovely views of the surrounding Dartmoor landscape. While out on the trail, you will climb up the hillside to traverse the summits of Brat Tor and Great Links Tor, before crossing over the River Lyd and following it back to the trailhead. This is an excellent route for beginner walkers to experience the terrain of Dartmoor and test out longer distances.

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      Open details for Oke Tor Circular Walk from Belstone

      Oke Tor Circular Walk from Belstone

      Moderate
      9.2 km
      306 m
      2.5-3.5h

      Walking the Oke Tor Circular from Belstone is a great activity that will expose you to some rugged terrain, but also beautifully scenic views of the surrounding moorland terrain. Located in the northern part of Dartmoor National Park, this trail will lead you along the East Okement River and see you climb uphill to the the summit of Oke Tor before making your return along the banks of the River Taw. This trail can be a bit tricky to navigate at times, so be sure to bring a GPS in order to stay on course.

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      Open details for Saddle Tor and Hound Tor Circular Walk

      Saddle Tor and Hound Tor Circular Walk

      Moderate
      8.9 km
      279 m
      2.5-3.5h

      The Saddle Tor and Hound Tor Circular Walk is a fun adventure in Dartmoor National Park that is filled with beautiful views and historic sites. While out on the trail, you will traverse several rocky tors but also visit the site of a 19th Century quarry at Haytor, as well as an abandoned Medieval village. What a fantastic way to experience the beauty of the region, as well as the footprints that humans have left here over hundreds of years

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      Open details for Two Moors Way Section 4: Holne to Hameldown

      Two Moors Way Section 4: Holne to Hameldown

      Moderate
      10.6 km
      472 m
      3-4.5h

      Walking the Two Moors Way Section 4: Holne to Hameldown is only a short snippet of a much longer journey across Dartmoor and Exmoor national parks; however, it offers a good amount of picturesque scenery that can be enjoyed along the way. Along the walk, you will make your way across an undulating stretch of terrain within Dartmoor, travelling along the River Dart and climbing uphill across several tors, before finishing the day off with a stroll along the West Webburn River and a final climb uphill. This is a one-way trail, so make sure to pre-arrange a pick-up at the endpoint of the walk unless you want to double the overall distance.

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      Open details for Saddle Tor Walk

      Saddle Tor Walk

      Easy
      1.0 km
      42 m
      0.5h

      The Saddle Tor Walk is a great adventure in Dartmoor National Park that offers beautiful views across the moor and is suitable for walkers of nearly every skill level. While out on the trail, you will work your way up the hillside to a prominent rock formation with a commanding sightline of the surrounding area. There is a short amount of uphill walking to reach the viewpoint at the summit, so be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes.

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