With over 368 square miles of natural wonderland, Dartmoor is a true rambler’s paradise. There are an untold number of routes you could explore, with everything from easy trails to challenging hikes for experienced walkers.
If you’re not sure where to start with all the walking Dartmoor has to offer, here are some of our favourite hikes to explore.
Note that many hiking routes include uneven ground and inclines, and as a result won’t be suitable for everyone, including young children. If you’re looking for more comfortable and inclusive adventures, read our blog on the best walks for families in Dartmoor.
Also, some of these hikes pass through Ministry of Defence training zones where live firing takes place; notes have been added to those specific routes. The UK Government posts Dartmoor firing times on its website, but these can change at short notice, so it’s important to check just before heading out.
Dartmeet Walk
Start/End: Dartmeet Car Park
Distance (and approximate duration): 3.5 miles (3 hours)
Difficulty: Moderate – well-defined tracks with rocky terrain and some gentle climbs.
Dartmeet is a wonderful spot to visit in the centre of Dartmoor. It is the place where the East and West Dart rivers join, and when the rivers are low, is full of stepping stones for you to traverse.
A popular walk around the local area encompasses the East Dart River valley, tin mining history at Brimpts Farm, and St Raphael’s Church. This walk is particularly good for anyone with an interest in Dartmoor’s industrial history and heritage, with plenty of eye-catching landmarks.
Yes Tor and High Willhays
Start/End: Meldon Dam
Distance (and approximate duration): 8.7 miles (3.5 hours)
Difficulty: Challenging – Wild, rough and boggy in places, with some areas lacking signage.
Note: Part of this walk includes Ministry of Defence training zones.
Meldon Dam and Reservoir is one of the best places to visit in Dartmoor. However, while a circular route around the reservoir is popular, this walk encompassing two of Dartmoor’s peaks can be incredibly sparse, perfect for a quiet afternoon getting (safely) lost in Dartmoor’s wilderness.
Yes Tor and High Willhays are two of the highest peaks across the whole of Dartmoor. This walk also encompasses nearby Black-a-Tor copse, one of the UK’s only high-altitude oak woodlands (similar to Wistman’s Wood) which makes for some beautiful picturesque photos.
Oke Tor and Cosdon Hill
Start/End: Belstone
Distance (and approximate duration): 11 miles (7.5 hours)
Difficulty: Moderate – Rough Dartmoor terrain but predominantly pathed with significant ascents.
Note: Part of this walk includes Ministry of Defence training zones.
Slightly to the east of the previous entry, this hike is great for people who love ascents. This circular route passes ancient monuments and includes climbing to the summit of some granite tors, providing stunning views over North-East Dartmoor.
The high, shallow dome of Cosdon Hill is one of Dartmoor’s most recognisable features and something most visitors will see on their drive down into the area. Oke Tor, meanwhile, has striking granite features that encapsulate the ruggedness of Northern Dartmoor.
Image: Track with Oke Tor in distance by David Smith. CC BY-SA 2.0
Tavy Cleave and Hare Tor
Start/End: Lane End
Distance (and approximate duration): 5 miles (3.5 hours)
Difficulty: Challenging – Largely unpathed with uneven and boggy terrain.
Note: Part of this walk includes Ministry of Defence training zones.
Lose yourself in the wild of Dartmoor with this wonderful hike around the Tavy River. This area of Dartmoor is popular for all manner of activities, from mountain biking to open-water swimming in beautiful Tavy Cleave.
Tavy Cleave is surrounded by spectacular tors, including the Hare Tor to the north and Ger Tor, which you’ll pass on the way back to Lanehead car park, just outside of Lane End.
Image: Tavy Cleave by Guy Wareham. CC BY-SA 2.0
Teign and Turrets
Start/End: Chagford
Distance (and approximate duration): 7.5 miles (4 hours)
Difficulty: Moderate – Well-pathed but with steep and rocky areas.
One of the most popular walking spots in the whole of Dartmoor is Teign Gorge, offering stunning countryside views and exciting wildlife. It’s also just a short stroll from Mill End Hotel, making it the perfect hub for your walking break.
There are both easy and more challenging routes that encompass Teign Gorge, with this hiking trail favouring the latter.
This route sees you leave Chagford and walk north along the river towards Castle Drogo, which you could stop to visit if you wish. After that, it’s off towards Fingle Bridge before turning around and following the Fisherman’s Path back along the river.
It’s worth mentioning that this list barely scratches the surface of what walks you can discover across Dartmoor, and many of these walks can be extended or shortened. No matter how much time or fitness you have, or where in Dartmoor you are, you’ll always find the perfect walk.
Our dog-friendly hotel in Dartmoor is a great hub from which to explore this region. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay, why not take a look at our rooms today?
If you wish to attempt one of these walks, more details on each are available below: