Divine Dartmoor Walks

East Dartmoor: Hisley Woods

Take a walk in the woods, following ancient trackways Distance: 3 miles (moderate, with steep ascents and descents) Nearest refreshments: Parke / Bovey Tracey Parking: Trendlebere Down SX 772 797 While I enjoy planning routes sometimes it’s nice to walk ones created by other people, so I found the Hisley Heritage Walk leaflet and enjoyed the autumnal glory of the... Read more →

East Dartmoor: Smallacombe Rocks and Yarner Woods

A walk of two landscapes taking in glorious views from Smallacombe Rocks then descending into wonderful woodland. DISTANCE: 6.5 miles (moderate, with one steep descent) NEAREST REFRESHMENTS: Haytor, Bovey Tracey or Widecombe CAR PARKING: Haytor Down at SX 770 779 From the parking area take the path up the hill, which eventually levels out. From here you have lovely views... Read more →

NORTH DARTMOOR: Nine Maidens and Belstone Tor

An interesting village, an ancient legend and some of the best views on the moor. This is a moderate walk but can be extended for a longer and harder route. DISTANCE: 4.2 miles (moderate walking due to the amount of clitter on the plateau) NEAREST REFRESHMENTS: Belstone village or Okehampton CAR PARKING: At the road side at SX616934 Some of... Read more →

South Dartmoor: Shipley Tor and Black Tor

Walk up the valley and back along the ridge, enjoying stunning views DISTANCE: 5.5 miles or 4.5 miles if you omit Shipley Tor (moderate/difficult) NEAREST REFRESHMENTS: South Brent CAR PARKING: Shipley Bridge (SX 681629) Shipley Tor is an awkward tor to reach as the land to the south and east is private, so you have to double back on yourself... Read more →

South West Dartmoor: Dewerstone and Cadover Bridge

This picturesque walk gives you stunning views from the top of the Dewerstone, takes in an ancient cross, plus a tranquil section along the river. DISTANCE: 3.5 miles (moderate, with some steep sections) NEAREST REFRESHMENTS: Shaugh Prior, Clearbrook or Yelverton CAR PARKING: Shaugh Bridge car park (SX 531 630) Parking at Shaugh Bridge you are already immersed into history as... Read more →

West Dartmoor: Hart Tor and Cramber Tor

This walk over Walkhampton Common takes in three tors, a waterfall and a hidden pool DISTANCE: 5.1 miles or 4 if you miss out the waterfall (moderate) NEAREST REFRESHMENTS: Princetown CAR PARKING: The south west entrance to Princetown or the main car park From Princetown I’ve walked the old railway track many times, or along the popular path to South... Read more →

East Dartmoor: Buckland Beacon and Rippon Tor

First taking in the renowned ten commandments stone, the walk then takes in three tors which give marvellous views over Dartmoor's landscape DISTANCE: 6 miles (moderate) NEAREST REFRESHMENTS: Bovey Tracey or Widecombe-in-the-Moor CAR PARKING: Cold East Cross car park (SX 741743) Opposite the car park at Cold East Cross is the path, so cross the road and and take it.... Read more →

North West Dartmoor: Widgery Cross and Bleak House

Walking through the old mining landscape, there are distinctive landmarks and fine views DISTANCE: 7.5 miles (moderate walking, with one steep ascent at the beginning) NEAREST REFRESHMENTS: Dartmoor Inn or Lydford CAR PARKING: Turn immediate right up a small track after the Dartmoor Inn at Lydford, though a gate to park at SX526853 This walk borders the Dartmoor Firing Range... Read more →

East Dartmoor: Haytor and Rippon Tor

Taking in five tors this walk gives stunning views of the area and has some steep ascents and descents. DISTANCE: 5.6 miles (difficult with steep hills, but a shorter walk of 3.6 miles missing out Rippon Tor would be moderate) NEAREST REFRESHMENTS: Bovey Tracey or Widecombe-in-the-Moor CAR PARKING: The car park above the Haytor visitor information point at (SX763770). Haytor... Read more →

South Dartmoor: Shipley Bridge and Ball Gate

A moderate route visiting an ancient burial chamber and pretty lanes Distance: 6.5 miles (moderate with two hills, some road) Nearest refreshments: South Brent; toilets in car park Parking: Shipley Bridge SX 681629 While the traditional route from Shipley Bridge is to walk up to Avon Dam, there are other walks in this area. Turn right as you leave the... Read more →

West Dartmoor: Lydford Gorge

A moderate walk in a spectacular gorge, owned by the National Trust, taking in a 30m waterfall Distance: 3 miles (reasonably level, but slippery rocks in the gorge; a steep ascent/descent at each end.) Nearest refreshments: National Trust cafes at each end, or Lydford Parking: White Lady waterfall entrance SX 503833 You can park at either end of the the... Read more →

North-east Dartmoor: Scorhill stone circle and Kestor Rock

A moderate walk with one steep hill taking in woodland, ancient ruins and scenic views Distance: nearly 5 miles (over moorland and road, one steep hill) Nearest refreshments: Chagford Parking: Past Gidleigh, at the end of the small road at SX661877 When you’re not quite sure what type of walk you want to do, then this one seems to have... Read more →

WEST DARTMOOR: Princetown old railway track

The easy walk takes in an old railway track two former quarries, plus some lovely views DISTANCE: 5 miles (easy with some steep downhill bits) PARKING: Princetown. Also toilets and refreshments there. The moors are not a great place to venture during poor weather because the terrain is very boggy in certain areas and even when the rain clears the... Read more →

MID DARTMOOR: Beardown Tor and Devil's Tor

This walk takes in some stunning views and captures the wild emptiness of the moor taking in Beardown Tors, Rough Tor, Devil’s Tor and Beardown Man. DISTANCE: 6 miles NEAREST REFRESHMENTS: Princetown or Tavistock CAR PARKING: Parking for a few cars at Holming Beam (SX 591765) off the B3357 near Two Bridges It is within the Dartmoor Firing Range so... Read more →

WEST DARTMOOR: Tavy Cleave and Hare Tor

Walk deep through the heart of a magical cleave and then take in far reaching views from Hare Tor and Ger Tor. DISTANCE: 4.5 miles moderate/difficult walking (9 miles difficult) NEAREST REFRESHMENTS: Tavistock CAR PARKING: At Lanehead (SX 537824) Some of this walk is within the Dartmoor Firing Range so check times before heading out. Just when I think I’ve... Read more →

WEST DARTMOOR: Cox Tor and Stephen’s Grave

A handful of tors, an ancient grave and a standing stone are highlights of this walk which has stunning views over the moors and west Devon DISTANCE: 7 miles moderate walking (or 2.3 miles easy, about 10 miles difficult) NEAREST REFRESHMENTS: Tavistock or Princetown CAR PARKING: Large car park on Pork Hill at SX 531751. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Bus Services 98... Read more →

SOUTH DARTMOOR: Three Barrows and Spurrell’s Cross

An ancient burial ground, the Two Moors Way walking track and a unique waymarker cross, all with Dartmoor’s usual glorious views! DISTANCE: 6.5 miles (moderate walking) NEAREST REFRESHMENTS: Ivybridge or South Brent CAR PARKING: Peek Moor Gate (SX 677593) The day dawned bright and sunny and few friends joined me for this lovely jaunt on south Dartmoor. There’s room for... Read more →

South-West Dartmoor: Drizzlecombe and Shavercombe Brook waterfall

An ancient pre-historic complex including the largest standing stone on the moor, a beautiful waterfall, a peaceful river and Deadman’s Bottom. Now all you need is the sun for a gorgeous day out. DISTANCE: 5.5 miles (medium difficulty with a few adventurous river and stream crossings. This one is probably best for drier weather due to this as the water... Read more →

Mid Dartmoor: Postbridge waterfall walk

This medium difficulty walk takes in an old potato starch factory and a beautiful waterfall... DISTANCE: 6 miles (medium difficulty) NEAREST REFRESHMENTS: Postbridge or Princetown FACILITIES: Small information centre and toilets CAR PARKING: Dartmoor National Park Authority car park. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: The Transmoor link (service 82) in the summer on Sundays between Plymouth and Exeter I’d decided to put myself... Read more →

SOUTH DARTMOOR: Avon Dam and Zeal Tor Tramway

A pleasant seven miles around Avon Dam reservoir taking in an ancient trackway and two crosses DISTANCE: 7 miles medium difficulty (or 3 miles easy, to the dam and back) NEAREST REFRESHMENTS: South Brent FACILITIES: Toilets and information board CAR PARKING: Car park. Park at Shipley Bridge (SX 681629). It gets very busy here so if you want a parking... Read more →

MID DARTMOOR: Wistman’s Wood and Longaford Tor

In search of the Devil’s Wisht hounds in an ancient stunted oak forest, this walk also takes in 360-degree views from Longaford Tors. DISTANCE: 2.6 miles easy or 4.6 miles medium difficulty NEAREST REFRESHMENTS: Princetown, Two Bridges Hotel FACILITIES: Public toilets at Princetown CAR PARKING: Opposite Two Bridges Hotel is a small disused quarry which is a car parking area.... Read more →

East Dartmoor: Hameldown Tor and Grimspound

There might be giants! Or maybe it’s a 20ft sculpture called Giant’s Chair. This six mile Dartmoor walk takes in the modern masterpiece as well as a tragic legend, an ancient cross and the Bronze age settlement of Grimspound. IMPORTANT NOTE: In mid-July 2010 the Giant's Chair was removed - it will hopefully be relocated somewhere else - I'm keeping... Read more →

SOUTH-WEST DARTMOOR: Yellowmead circles and Cuckoo Rock

Find out where the piskies like to play, as well as a stunning stone circle. Most of this four-and-a-half-mile walk is on open moorland and sometimes the ‘track’ disappears and then re-appears again, but the landmarks are very prominent. DISTANCE: 4.5 miles (medium difficulty) NEAREST REFRESHMENTS: The Royal Oak at Meavy (excellent food), or to a cafe or pub at... Read more →

MID DARTMOOR: Northmore's Cross and Nun's Cross

From the smallest cross on the Dartmoor to one of the largest, this six mile medium difficulty walk is mainly on man-made paths and also takes in tors and disused tin mines. DISTANCE: 6 miles (easy/medium difficulty walk, mainly on man-made paths) NEAREST REFRESHMENTS: Princetown FACILITIES: As above. CAR PARKING: Small car parking area. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Bus services to Princetown... Read more →

SOUTH-WEST DARTMOOR: Crazywell Pool and Devonport Leat

You are rewarded with a beautiful view over Burrator Reservoir after a long and rocky hill up from Norsworthy Bridge - Dartmoor National Park at its best! Then you leave the main path and walk across moorland for the restored cross, again with great views, and Crazywell Pool. Then following Devonport Leat (with one steep downhill bit to the aqueduct)... Read more →

MID/NORTH DARTMOOR: Fernworthy circular

This 7 mile circular Dartmoor walk takes in a host of history Read more →