There’s something particularly special about walking beside a river on Dartmoor. The landscape here is shaped by water – from gentle streams weaving through woodland to fast-flowing rivers cutting through wild moorland valleys.
Following a riverside path often means discovering some of the most peaceful and scenic corners of the National Park, with birdsong echoing through the trees and plenty of places to pause and watch the waters rushing by.
If you want to explore some of the best riverside walks on Dartmoor, we’ve put together some of our favourite routes, from easier accessible paths to more adventurous routes.
Dartmeet and East Dart River Walk
Few places on Dartmoor feel as instantly picturesque as Dartmeet. Here, the East and West Dart rivers meet in a wide valley, crossed by an ancient stone clapper bridge and surrounded by rolling hills and woodland. It’s a beautiful starting point for a riverside walk, particularly if you want a route that feels classic Dartmoor.
From Dartmeet, you can follow the path upstream along the East Dart, where the river winds through a wooded valley dotted with boulders and shallow pools. The path hugs the riverbank in places, giving plenty of chances to stop and watch the water rushing over rocks or spot wildlife such as dippers and kingfishers. In spring and summer, the valley becomes lush and green, while autumn brings golden colours to the surrounding trees.
The walk is roughly 3.5 miles if you follow the riverside path and loop back, and is considered moderate in difficulty. There are uneven sections, tree roots and rocky patches, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
Dogs are welcome, and it’s a lovely walk for them, though they should be kept under control as livestock graze nearby. Parking is available at the main Dartmeet car park, where you’ll also find seasonal toilets.
Fingle Bridge and the River Teign
The walk along the River Teign from Fingle Bridge is one of the most enchanting riverside routes on Dartmoor. The river flows through a deep wooded valley here, creating a sheltered landscape of ancient oak woodland, moss-covered rocks, and gently flowing water.
Starting at the historic stone bridge, the path follows the river upstream through the Teign Gorge. It’s a wonderfully atmospheric route, especially in the early morning when mist hangs over the water, and birds are active in the trees. Along the way, you’ll pass quiet picnic spots beside the river and occasional glimpses of the dramatic valley sides rising above the woodland.
Many walkers combine this riverside stretch with a climb up to Castle Drogo before looping back down to the bridge. The full circular route is around 4 miles and moderate in difficulty, with some uphill sections but well-maintained paths.
Dogs are welcome, and the shaded woodland makes this an excellent walk on warmer days. Parking is limited near the bridge, though there are small roadside spaces nearby.
Mill End Hotel is very close by, so guests and restaurant visitors can park here and enjoy a stroll in this area before relaxing with some tasty treats in our lounge.
Image Credit: jeff collins / Shipley Bridge / CC BY-SA 2.0
Shipley Bridge to Avon Dam
If you’re looking for a gentler and more accessible riverside walk, the route from Shipley Bridge to Avon Dam is a great option.
This out-and-back trail follows the River Avon through peaceful woodland and open moorland. The river runs beside the track for much of the route, forming shallow pools and small cascades that make lovely stopping points along the way. It’s an especially pleasant walk in summer, when the trees provide shade, and the riverbanks are alive with insects and birds.
The route is mostly flat and well surfaced, making it one of the easier walks on Dartmoor. Because of this, it’s often suitable for pushchairs and some wheelchairs, though conditions can vary depending on the weather.
Dogs are very welcome here, and it’s a popular walk for them, thanks to the open spaces and easy access to the water. Parking is available at the Shipley Bridge car park, and there are plenty of grassy areas nearby that make good picnic spots.
Guy Wareham / River Taw footbridge, Belstone / CC BY-SA 2.0
Belstone and the River Taw
On the northern edge of Dartmoor, the village of Belstone offers access to a quieter and less-visited river walk along the River Taw. This route combines riverside scenery with sweeping views across the moor, making it a particularly varied walk.
The path drops down from the village into a wooded valley where the River Taw flows between mossy rocks and small waterfalls. In spring, the surrounding woodland is filled with wildflowers, while in autumn the valley becomes rich with colour as the leaves change.
After following the river for a while, the route climbs back up onto open moorland slopes beneath Cosdon Hill, offering spectacular views across North Dartmoor. The combination of river valley and open moorland gives the walk a real sense of adventure.
The circular route is roughly 4 miles and moderate in difficulty, mainly due to uneven ground and the uphill climb back toward the village. Dogs are welcome, but as with much of Dartmoor, they should be kept under control around grazing animals. There is a small car park in Belstone village, along with a pub where you can stop for refreshments after the walk.
Image Credit: Paul Daly under CC BY-SA 3.0
Lydford Gorge River Walk
For dramatic riverside scenery, few places rival Lydford Gorge. This deep, wooded gorge follows the River Lyd as it cuts through steep rock walls, creating one of the most atmospheric landscapes on Dartmoor’s western edge.
The walking routes here take you along narrow woodland paths above the rushing river, passing waterfalls, whirlpools and moss-covered cliffs. One of the highlights is the powerful White Lady Waterfall, which plunges dramatically into the gorge below. Another is the swirling Devil’s Cauldron, where the river funnels through a narrow rock channel.
There are a couple of circular routes available, usually between 1 and 3 miles, and the terrain ranges from easy woodland paths to steeper sections with steps. Dogs are allowed but must remain on leads due to the steep drops and narrow trails.
The site is managed by the National Trust, so there is a proper visitor car park along with toilets and a café, making it one of the most well-equipped walking spots in the area.
Enjoying Riverside Walks on Dartmoor
Riverside walks are one of the best ways to experience Dartmoor’s quieter landscapes. While the tors and open moorland often steal the spotlight, the river valleys reveal another side of the National Park; shaded woodland paths, wildlife-rich habitats and peaceful places where you can simply listen to the water flowing by.
Many of these walks are dog-friendly, though it’s important to remember that Dartmoor is working farmland with free-roaming livestock. Keeping dogs under close control, especially during spring and early summer when ground-nesting birds are present, helps protect the wildlife that makes these valleys so special.
Whether you’re looking for a gentle stroll beside a sparkling stream or a more adventurous riverside hike, Dartmoor’s network of river walks offers something for every kind of walker. Stay with us at Mill End Hotel in Chagford to enjoy riverside walks right from our front door and a peaceful place to rest and recover after an exciting day of exploring.