Located in the heart of Dartmoor, the small village of Postbridge captures everything we love about our National Park. A charming rural village filled with history, nature and stunning walks, it’s the perfect place to visit when staying at our dog-friendly hotel in Devon.
Discover what makes this small village such a popular location when visiting Dartmoor, as well as how to make the most of your visit.
Where is Postbridge?
Almost right in the centre of Dartmoor National Park, Postbridge is a small village that sits on the main road between Moretonhampstead and Two Bridges, less than 25 minutes by car from our hotel in Chagford.
If travelling by car, follow signs for the National Park Visitor Centre in Postbridge, postcode PL20 6TH.
The History of Postbridge’s Famous Clapper Bridge
Postbridge’s most famous attraction is the clapper bridge, one of the oldest and finest examples of this ancient style of river crossing anywhere in the country.
The clapper bridge (derived from cleaca, an Anglo-Saxon word meaning ‘bridging the stepping stones’) likely dates to medieval times. It was built as an upgrade on stepping stones to allow packhorses carrying products like tin to cross the river.
Remarkably, the bridge still stands strong today, a testament to the skill and engineering that helped shape much of Dartmoor’s early history.
Image Credit: Postbridge – Clapper Bridge by Colin Smith, CC BY-SA 2.0
Things to See & Do at Postbridge
- Cross the famous clapper bridge.
- Learn about the history of Dartmoor at the Visitor Centre.
- Enjoy a leisurely walk or cycle through Bellever Forest.
- Hike to nearby Tors such as Sittaford.
Facilities at Postbridge
Part of what makes Postbridge a great point from which to explore Dartmoor is that there are plenty of facilities on site, thanks in most part to the newly renovated visitor centre.
Renovated in 2020, the Postbridge Visitor Centre is a great place to visit, with information on the history of the area, local walks, and a gift shop. There are also toilets and ample parking outside, so you can be confident in finding a spot to spend the day exploring the area.
How Accessible is Postbridge?
Postbridge Visitor Centre is very accessible, having been recently renovated. There are lots of facilities catering to different accessibility needs, including step-free level access throughout and disabled toilets.
Much of Dartmoor is rough moorland, which isn’t always very accessible. However, at Postbridge, there is a popular 2.5-mile circuit through Bellever Forest that is mainly gravel tracks and occasional rough grass paths, which is recommended for those with suitable mobility scooters. More information is available at the Visitor Centre, where Trampers (all-terrain mobility scooters) are also available for hire.
Popular Walks Around Postbridge
Being at the centre of Dartmoor, pretty much every style of walk is available from Postbridge. Whether you want a peaceful afternoon amble or a day-long adventure through the wilderness, here are some of our favourite Postbridge walks.
- Bellever Forest – Probably the most popular Postbridge walk, this easy and peaceful 3-mile forest stroll usually takes 1.5 hours but can be extended by hiking up Bellever Tor.
- East Dart River Waterfall – A 5-mile trek following the East Dart River towards a beautiful waterfall, particularly striking during rainy periods.
- Sittaford Tor & Grey Wethers – A challenging 5-hour day hike across the moor towards a wonderful tor with plenty of historical sites along the way.
- Wistman’s Wood – It’s a long (but not impossible) 10-mile walk from Postbridge to another of Dartmoor’s most famous sights, usually via Two Bridges.
Cycling Around Postbridge
Located on Dartmoor’s main through-road, Postbridge is one of the most accessible locations for cyclists, whether you’re passing through on a larger exploration of Dartmoor or wanting to visit for the day.
The 2.5-mile circuit from Postbridge through Bellever Forest is good for leisurely cycling, while mountain bikers can enjoy longer trips to places like Challacombe Downs (around 20 miles circular).
With so many different routes to discover, both popular and off the beaten track, Postbridge is a great starting point for any Dartmoor adventure. To make the most out of your stay, make sure to read our guide on the best family walks on Dartmoor.
Header Image Credit: Postbridge – Clapper Bridge by Colin Smith, CC BY-SA 2.0