Walks on Dartmoor have inspired artists of all stripes. Take Arthur Conan Doyle, the mind behind Sherlock Holmes. ‘The longer one stays here’, he wrote in The Hound of the Baskervilles, ‘the more does the spirit of the moor sink into one’s soul.’
We couldn’t agree more, Arthur. Dartmoor doesn’t just leave its mark on your boots – it has a way of working itself into your very being. To explore this blustery, beautiful landscape on foot is to set yourself up to fall in love.
With that in mind, we thought we’d share some of our favourite Dartmoor walking routes. There are many paths to choose from – nearly 449 miles of them, says the National Park Authority. But we’ve chosen these trails based on their difficulty (nothing too taxing) and proximity to our hotel.
What to bring
Dartmoor is a joy to explore – but it’s important to practice common sense and make sure you’re properly equipped for the ramble ahead. Pack these essentials and you’ll stay safe and happy from start to finish.
- Walking boots: improper footwear will hurt your feet and leave you at risk of slipping. Invest in some good, sturdy walking boots if you haven’t already.
- Waterproofs: wear a waterproof top and trousers and you’ll beat the British weather at its own game. Remember, staying dry means staying warm and comfortable.
- Warm layers: pack a warm, insulating fleece, a hat and some gloves. If it’s too warm, you can always remove layers – but you can’t add them if you don’t have them.
- Mobile phone: it’s handy for wayfinding – but it’s also a lifeline if you get into trouble.
- Map and compass: reading maps the old-fashioned way is fun. And if your mobile runs out of battery or signal, it’s essential.
- Safety essentials: a whistle (to grab attention), a torch (in case it gets dark) and a first aid kit (you never know). Sunscreen is crucial, too – even in winter.
- Food and drink: a packed lunch will keep hunger at bay. However, hydration is critical and fill-up spots are scarce, so make sure you pack enough water to last the whole walk.
Walk one: Haytor Vale and Hound Tor Circular
Distance: 4½ miles
Time: around 3 hours
Difficulty: moderate
Parking: at Haytor’s National Park Visitor Centre
This trail is likely one of the most popular walks on Dartmoor – and for good reason. Over four-and-a-half glorious miles, you’ll see some of the best and most varied scenery Dartmoor can muster. That includes an ancient forest, a towering tor and some vivaciously verdant moorland.
It’s not the easiest walk in the world. However, with some good boots and a decent sense of direction, you should have no trouble conquering it.
Walk two: Bellever Trail
Distance: 2½ miles
Time: around 1 hour and 30 minutes
Difficulty: easy
Parking: at the Forestry Commission car park in Bellever
Bellever Forest is one of Dartmoor’s most tranquil beauty spots – so what better way to explore it than an equally peaceful walking trail?
This gentle traipse is ideal for beginners and a real treat for nature lovers. If you’re lucky, you might see grazing Dartmoor ponies – or even a deer or two among the trees. Oh, and dogs are welcome. Just be sure to keep them on a lead when you’re near the picnic areas.
Walk three: Miles Without Stiles Nun’s Cross (accessible route)
Distance: 5 miles there and back
Disabled Ramblers Category: 2/3 (suitable for most)
Parking: at Princetown’s National Park Visitor Centre
You’ll find a good selection of accessible walks on Dartmoor. This wildlife-rich trail is one of the best. Guided by flat gravel paths, you’ll traverse the open moorland between Princetown and Nun’s Cross, stopping to appreciate some stunning views along the way. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Plymouth Sound.
Don’t fancy the full five miles? You can shorten the route by heading back when you reach South Hessary Tor.
Walk four: Cosdon and the River Taw
Distance: 4½ miles
Time: around 2 hours
Difficulty: easy
Parking: free car park at Belstone
You’ll start this walk at Belstone, a small, friendly village that straddles the park’s northern edge. From there, you’ll head up Cosdon Hill, passing medieval pillow mounds (manmade rabbit warrens) and rocky streams as you go. Finally, you’ll join the path of the River Taw, which winds you gently back to the village. It’s a beautiful trail with plenty to see, including the remains of a 19th-century copper mine. One for nature lovers and history fans alike.
Walk five: The Meldon Viaduct Circuit
Distance: 4½ miles
Difficulty: moderate
Parking: at the Meldon Reservoir car park
Dartmoor was once a mining powerhouse, and you can spot traces of this once-proud industry throughout the park. One of the proudest – and grandest – is Meldon Viaduct, a 19th-century wrought iron railway bridge that today enjoys protection as a scheduled monument.
The viaduct takes top billing on this trail – but it’s far from the only treat. You’ll also pass an old lime kiln, cross a medieval highway and follow the path of the former South Western Railway main line. History lovers, take note.
The best base for walks on Dartmoor
Walking on Dartmoor is always better when you’ve had a good night’s rest and a hearty, tasty breakfast.
So, why not make it a hiking holiday? Stay here at the White Hart Hotel and you’ll be all set to tackle these walks on Dartmoor with the gusto they deserve.
We truly believe our hotel is the best base for exploring this awe-inspiring landscape. Our home, Moretonhampstead, is located in the heart of Dartmoor and right in the centre of Devon. This means you’ll have miles of trails and some of our county’s most soul-stirring scenery on your doorstep.
And if Moretonhampstead is a historical jewellery box, the White Hart Hotel is its finest Georgian gem. A former posting inn, it retains many of its original features and all its charm.
We’d love to show you some real Dartmoor hospitality. Discover our latest offers to get started.
