Home > Explore South Devon > Dartmoor > Walking on Dartmoor

Listen using ReadSpeaker

Walking on Dartmoor

Walking on Dartmoor

For anyone who enjoys walking, one of the greatest pleasures of a holiday in South Devon is a day out in the wilds of Dartmoor. Footpaths and bridleways cross almost every part of the moor, and you can go with a guided party, or if you're properly equipped and feel confident of your map reading skills, you can head off under your own steam into the wide blue yonder (but always note the tips for walkers on Dartmoor, which covers safety and notices about military activity).

If you want a full day's walk, and can arrange return transport, crossing from east to west or vice versa is a terrific way of really getting to know the moor. The Abbots Way, for example, runs between Buckfastleigh and Tavistock - originally connecting two monasteries (hence the name) and is waymarked by medieval crosses. If archaeology takes your fancy, then map a route between Holne and Burrator Reservoir via Hexworthy along which you will find endless relics from Dartmoor's industrial past. Or, again, try the first leg of the Two Moors Way which runs from the mouth of the river Erme on the south coast up through Ivybridge and across the moor to Holne.

As well as the long routes, there are lots of shorter circular walks, and here the choice is endless. Best to get hold of some information from the local TIC and possibly equip yourself with Ordnance Survey Explorer Map OL28.

Dartmoor National Park also offer information for walkers - Dartmoor National Park has the details. You will not need reminding that walking is reckoned to be just about the best excercise you can get - so what are you waiting for?

Llama Walks are also available on Dartmoor. For more information, visit their website.