Dartmoor is a winter wonderland. With its wide open expanses and areas of elevation, it tends to get a good helping of snow during most winters, creating some striking views over the rugged moors.
Because Dartmoor is filled with hills and tors, it also makes a great spot for sledding once the snow begins to settle. If you’re lucky enough to be enjoying a Christmas hotel break in Devon when the snow begins to fall, you’ll likely have a nearby spot you can visit to enjoy this classic winter pastime.
If you’re not sure where to start, why not check out some of these iconic sledding locations across Dartmoor?
Advice for Sledding in Dartmoor
While seeing blankets of snow across Dartmoor can be thrilling, the icy conditions can also be dangerous. Here are some pointers to make sure you and your friends or family can all enjoy winter on Dartmoor safely.
- Beware of Icy Conditions – Heavy snow can make walking across Dartmoor challenging; if you drive, note that quiet country roads may not be gritted.
- Wrap-Up Warm – Dartmoor is clear and elevated, which makes it considerably colder than towns and villages; be prepared.
- Park Legally – Many Dartmoor roads get dangerously clogged by people leaving their cars near popular spots; only park in designated car parks or spaces.
- Consider Right to Roam – The same rules for travelling across Dartmoor apply; stay on public land and don’t go into private land.
- Leave Farming Gates Alone – Farmers will be attentively caring for livestock during snow seasons; don’t obstruct gates with your car and leave them as you found them (open or closed).
The most important thing of all is to plan ahead. Check before heading out for any potential road closures or weather warnings, and take your time walking or driving so you get there safely. Pack extra food and clothes just in case you find yourself in trouble and need to wait for help.
Also, because snow on Dartmoor attracts a lot of visitors, the most popular spots – like those listed here – tend to fill up with visitors very quickly. If you’re staying with us at Mill End, speak to our team to find out the secret local spots that are perfect for a quieter afternoon with the family.
Belstone Tor
Belstone is a wonderful little village in Devon in the northern part of Dartmoor. It’s also very close to Belstone Tor, a perfect place to go if you’re looking for winter fun.
Belstone Tor is also known as Higher Tor, and is one of the highest points in Dartmoor, meaning it’s more likely to get a good deal of snow during cold snaps. As with many Tors, Belstone not only provides some great hills for sledding, but it also offers some of Dartmoor’s best views, sometimes stretching as far as the North Devon coastline on a clear day!
Image credit: Belstone Common by Jonathan Thacker. CC BY-SA 2.0
High Willhays and Yes Tor
Just down the road from Belstone is a string of tors that offer plenty of space for sledding. Yes Tor and High Willhays are two of the most popular Tors in North Devon and many people enjoy walking them in the same route, which gives you an idea of their closeness.
The nearby village of Meldon is a popular access point for people looking to reach Yes Tor. With it being a popular, well-trodden walking route, it should be a little easier to traverse when the snow starts falling, although be prepared for icy conditions and potential crowds.
Image credit: High Willhays by Derek Harper. CC BY-SA 2.0
Pork Hill
Another hugely popular spot for sledding and winter walking is Pork Hill and the surrounding Tors.
Pork Hill car park is located on the road east from Tavistock to Merrivale, on the western edge of Dartmoor. While the aforementioned hill can be great for sledding, many people also use it as a starting point to venture to nearby tors, from Pew Tor heading south to the Little and Great Mis Tors further out to the east.
There are also a lot of rivers around Pork Hill which make for fantastic winter snaps when the banks freeze over.
Image credit: Moorland stream by Chris Holifield. CC BY-SA 2.0
Hay Tor
One of Dartmoor’s most recognisable Tors also makes for a hugely popular sledding location.
Hay Tor (near the village of Haytor Vale) is located on the eastern edge of Dartmoor, just west of Bovey Tracey. Its striking granite mounds attract visitors all year round, and the mounds can make for some excellent sledding spaces if it’s blessed with snow.
Because Hay Tor is so popular, it is an easier place to access with plenty of parking and accessible roads nearby. On the other hand, it’s one of the first places locals and visitors will go if snow begins to fall in the area, so expect crowds.
No matter where you end up, we hope you get to enjoy a fun winter adventure through Dartmoor! If you’re looking for a place to stay, Mill End Hotel is just a 30-minute drive from Hay Tor, so check our availability now!