Venford Reservoir and Bench Tor Walk
![Venford Reservoir and Bench Tor Walk](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/UK-EN-Dartmoor-Venford-Reservoir-and-Bench-Tor-Walk-01-Venford-Falls-1709-633.jpg)
Table of contents
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.
Route Description for Venford Reservoir and Bench Tor Walk
Although the Venford Reservoir and Bench Tor Walk is a fairly quick excursion, it does feature two steep sections of trail and a variety of different terrain types. Make sure to wear good walking footwear and take your time through any physically difficult bits in order to safely traverse the trail. While this route doesn’t get overly busy, the car park is quite small, so you may want to arrive early in order to secure a space.
Setting out from the car park, make your way east along the road to traverse the dam wall of Venford Reservoir, enjoying the beautiful views stretching across the water to the south before climbing up the hillside to the northeast. Reaching the top of the hill, you will traverse the rocky summit of Bench Tor and enjoy some nice views of the surrounding woodland and moor landscapes. Continue following the trail to the north as it enters into the dense cover of the forest and exposes you to the serene woodland atmosphere of White Wood. After coming to the northernmost point of the route, the trail will turn to the south and pass through the gorge, following alongside the waters of Venford Brook until you come to the starting point of your walk at the car park.
Getting to the Venford Reservoir and Bench Tor Walk Trailhead
To reach the trailhead for the Venford Reservoir and Bench Tor Walk from Dartmeet, head west on B3357 for 1.0 km and turn left to continue on for 1.3 km. Turn left here and keep straight for 3.5 km, where you will find the car park on the left.
Route Information
When to do:
Year-Round
Backcountry Campsites:
No
Pets allowed:
Yes - On Leash
Family friendly:
Yes
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
Moderate
Route Type:
Circuit
Venford Reservoir and Bench Tor Walk Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
Let someone else do the hard work, book a custom tour in over 85 countries.
Chat with us on our contact page or fill out the form below!
Nearby Trails
![Ryder’s Hill, Snowdon, Pupers Hill, and Scorriton Down Walk](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-2-2560x633-1.jpg)
![Shipley Bridge and Avon Dam Reservoir Walk](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-5-2560x633-1.jpg)
Shipley Bridge and Avon Dam Reservoir Walk
Dartmoor National Park
![The Sherlock Holmes Track](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-4-2560x633-1.jpg)
The Sherlock Holmes Track
Dartmoor National Park
![Ryder’s Hill via Sandy Way Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-3-2560x633-1.jpg)
Ryder’s Hill via Sandy Way Trail
Dartmoor National Park
![Rippon Tor and Pil Tor Walk](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/UK-ENG-Dartmoor-Rippon-Tor-and-Pil-Tor-Walk-1709x633-Rippon-Tor-and-Pil-Tor-Walk.jpg)
Rippon Tor and Pil Tor Walk
Dartmoor National Park
![Longaford Tor and Wistman’s Wood Circular Walk](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/UK-ENG-Dartmoor-Longaford-Tor-and-Wistmans-Wood-Circular-Walk-1709x633-Longaford-Tor-and-Wistmans-Wood-Circular-Walk.jpg)
Longaford Tor and Wistman’s Wood Circular Walk
Dartmoor National Park
![Two Bridges, Bellever, and Dartmeet Circular Walk](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/UK-ENG-Dartmoor-Two-Bridges-Bellever-and-Dartmeet-Circular-Walk-1709x633-Two-Bridges-Bellever-and-Dartmeet-Circular-Walk.jpg)
Two Bridges, Bellever, and Dartmeet Circular Walk
Dartmoor National Park
![Two Moors Way Section 4: Holne to Hameldown](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-4-2560x633-1.jpg)
Two Moors Way Section 4: Holne to Hameldown
Dartmoor National Park
![Saddle Tor and Hound Tor Circular Walk](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/UK-EN-Dartmoor-Saddle-Tor-and-Hound-Tor-Circular-Walk-01-Saddle-Tor-1709-633.jpg)
Saddle Tor and Hound Tor Circular Walk
Dartmoor National Park
![Hembury Woods Walk](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/UK-EN-Dartmoor-Hembury-Woods-Walk-01-Hembury-Woods-1709-633.jpg)
Hembury Woods Walk
Dartmoor National Park
![Spitchwick Manor Circular Walk](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-1-2560x633-1.jpg)
Spitchwick Manor Circular Walk
Dartmoor National Park
![Wistman’s Wood Walk](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/UK-EN-Dartmoor-Wistmans-Wood-Walk-01-Wistmans-Wood-1709-633.jpg)
Wistman’s Wood Walk
Dartmoor National Park