If you’re taking a trip to Dartmoor National Park, it’s more than likely that a walk across the majestic moors will be on the agenda. With sweeping views, the famous Tors and stunning moorland landscapes, there are plenty of Dartmoor walks with kids to enjoy along the many trails and routes found across Dartmoor.
Making the Most of Your Dartmoor Family Walks
Dartmoor is a great walking spot for families and kids as the terrain is pretty easy to navigate, and many of the trails aren’t too far from pit stops, where you can rest up and recharge. Even if you do venture to some of the Tors, the walks aren’t too challenging and there’s loads of fun to be had along the way.
Add some of these Dartmoor family walks to your itinerary to see the National Park at its best.
Haytor
An iconic Dartmoor sight, Haytor is a must for anyone looking for a rewarding, scenic walk. As a popular spot, especially during the summer, the path is well-trodden and you’ll likely come across lots of fellow walkers. Once you get to the Tor, the kids will have loads of fun climbing over boulders and admiring the sights. A short walk down the back of Haytor leads to a granite quarry filled with water and surrounded by nature. The terrain is varied but not difficult, and there’s a visitor centre nearby.
Bellever Forest
Bellever Forest offers well-maintained paths and the chance to explore a mix of woodland and moorland. It’s great for little ones to run around freely and safe enough for off-lead dogs. You can extend the walk to Bellever Tor for some easy tor climbing and panoramic views. There are picnic tables, a nearby river for paddling, and even Dartmoor ponies grazing in the area.
Fingle Bridge
This riverside walk starts at the picturesque Fingle Bridge and follows the River Teign through ancient woodland. There’s an out-and-back path to Castle Drogo (a National Trust property), or you can do a circular route through the gorge. The riverside trail is magical, with dappled light, birdsong and shallow spots for paddling. The pub at the bridge makes a good family lunch stop too.
Hound Tor
If you’re after another quintessential Dartmoor experience, Hound Tor should be on your list. The trek up to the rocky summit leads to some spectacular views across the moor, giving you an amazing vantage point of the sweeping sights below. Just below the Tor, there is a deserted mediaeval village to explore, where you can get up close and personal with the past. If you want to stretch out your amble into a longer trek, you can head along the circular walk that also takes you through Haytor.
Avon Dam
If you want a slightly longer walk, you can take the circular route starting from the car park at Shipley Bridge, circling past the dam and back. However, for little legs, a walk to the dam and back the same way will be equally rewarding and offer more than plenty of excitement and intrigue. Much of the path to the dam is wheelchair-friendly and is surrounded by some stunning views across the reservoir to capture everyone’s imaginations. The routes along here are ancient and steeped in history – if you take the longer route, there are a couple of historic markers to spot. Image Credit: The Avon Dam by Adrian Platt. CC BY-SA 2.0
Lydford Gorge
Managed by the National Trust, this gorge offers an adventurous walk with the bonus of the 30-metre-high White Lady Waterfall. It’s the deepest river gorge in the South West and, as such, boasts some unbeatable views. After a short trek down to the bottom of the gorge, you’ll be rewarded with the impressive Whitelady Waterfall that flows from the cliff into the River Lyd. The circular walk then heads back through ancient woodland and temperate rainforest. The trails involve some steps and narrow paths, but are thrilling for older children. There’s a shorter Waterfall Trail suitable for younger families, and the whole place feels like a fairytale forest. Facilities include a tea room and toilets.
Potter’s Walk
This tranquil stroll around Fernworthy Reservoir is ideal for younger children. As the route is almost entirely flat with no stiles or gates to tackle, you’ll have no trouble traversing the path and admiring the water and woodland scenes. Just 0.75 miles long, this walk is suitable for even the littlest adventurers, and they’re sure to have a blast spotting ducks and geese on the water and wondering what else lurks beneath its depths! You’ll also find a picnic spot with benches so you can set up for rest while relishing the peaceful surroundings. Image Credit: Fernworthy Reservoir by Kate Jewell. CC BY-SA 2.0
Castle Drogo
Another National Trust location, Castle Drogo, is an interesting example of dramatic 20th-century architecture. After you’ve explored the castle and its hidden treasures, take to the estate grounds and walk amongst the gardens and ancient gorge. Whether you’re just taking a stroll around the grounds or want to embark on the Teign Gorge classic circuit route, there are a few trails to take where you’ll encounter some unmissable Dartmoor scenes.
Postbridge
Postbridge is home to one of Dartmoor’s most famous landmarks, a 13th-century clapper bridge that’s great for photos and exploring. You can take a short and easy loop from the village through moorland and along the riverbank, with chances to spot Dartmoor ponies. There’s also a visitor centre with exhibitions that explain more about the area’s Bronze Age history, which adds an educational twist.
Wistman’s Wood
This eerie, moss-covered ancient woodland is the stuff of legends and perfect for young imaginations. The walk from Two Bridges is about 2 miles each way on a relatively flat but stony track, with the payoff being a magical tangle of twisted oak trees. Kids will love hearing about the myths and folklore surrounding the area, and it’s a great setting for storytelling and nature spotting.
The walks we’ve covered here are suitable for a range of ability levels, so the whole family is sure to have a memorable time in the great outdoors!
Need a place to stay on your grand Dartmoor adventure? Our hotel in Chagford is ideally located to ensure you can make the most of the local surroundings and attractions.