“The Best of Dartmoor”: An EPIC Long Weekend Travel Itinerary!

Guest Blog Post - The Flains Travel*

Dartmoor National Park, nestled in Devon, offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, charming villages, and breath-taking rugged landscapes. Take the opportunity to spend a long weekend enveloped in magic of this enchanting moorland. Make the most of your time here by following our step-by-step travel itinerary below:

DAY 1

LATE MORNING: VISIT LUSTLEIGH VILLAGE

After arriving at Dartmoor and settling into your accommodation, get your first fix of Dartmoor’s immense beauty with a stroll into Lustleigh village via the Wreyland Path. This quintessential English village is adorned with thatched cottages, meandering lanes and is arguably one of the prettiest villages in Dartmoor. Grab a drink at The Cleave Inn or enjoy an afternoon tea at the Primrose Tea Rooms.

AFTERNOON: CLIMB UP TO HAYTOR ROCKS

Afterwards, drive into open moorland towards Haytor Rocks, a dramatic geological rock formation iconic to Dartmoor. Park up before embarking on a moderate climb to the summit to relish the panoramic views that stretch as far as the eye can see!

LATE AFTERNOON: DINNER IN WIDECOMBE & SUNSET

As the day winds down, make your way to the historic Old Inn in nearby Widecombe-in-the-Moor to savour a delightful hearty pub dinner. This traditional pub offers a cosy atmosphere and delectable dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients.

The ‘cherry on top’ of your first day in Dartmoor is witnessing the sunset from a hidden gem of a sunset spot, which we include the exact location of in our official Dartmoor Travel Guide! 

DAY 2

MORNING: ADMIRE THE CLAPPER BRIDGE’S

This morning, head West along Dartmoor’s scenic roads towards Postbridge village. On route, stop off to marvel at two ancient stone Clapper Bridges at Dartmeet and Postbridge. These fascinating relics of embody a piece of Dartmoor’s intriguing history, some structures dating back as early as the 12^th century!

EARLY AFTERNOON: BELLEVER FOREST

While in Postbridge, head to the idyllic Bellever Forest, the entrance of which is in the village. Whether it be a hike to Bellever Tor, a leisurely meander on its many woodland trails or a picnic spot along the river you’re after, Bellever Forest is a beautiful place to spend an afternoon. Keep an eye out for the legendary Dartmoor ponies, usually spotted grazing on the woodland outskirts.

LATE AFTERNOON: VIEWS AT WARREN HOUSE INN

End your day by driving 5 minutes from Postbridge to The Warren House Inn, a historic pub stood proudly alone along the open moors. Grab a picnic bench outside to relish an ice-cold drink and some well-earned pub grub with the most breath-taking views stretching across the rolling moors. Arrive as the warming hues of dusk begin to appear, and you’re in for an absolute treat!

DAY 3

MORNING: EXPLORE BURRATOR RESERVOIR

Spend your third day immersing yourself in the natural beauty of Burrator Reservoir. Walk or cycle along the reservoir's scenic trails, taking in the tranquil waters and surrounding landscapes and quaint villages on route. The peaceful ambiance and serene vistas create an ideal setting for a soul rejuvenation back in nature today!

AFTERNOON: HEAD TO WINDY POST CROSS IN PORK HILL

In the afternoon, embark on the short cross-country walk to the iconic Windy Post Cross at Pork Hill. This ancient granite cross, dating to the 16^th century, stands as another testament to Dartmoor's rich history. If luck is on your side, you may witness a herd of wild Dartmoor ponies drinking from the nearby leat, adding a touch of magic to your experience!

CONCLUSION

And there you have it! We hope you have the best time following this long weekend in Dartmoor National Park travel itinerary. For full information and details on each location, head to our official Dartmoor Travel Guide! 

Or, extend your time in this glorious part of the country even longer by following our 11 day self-drive Devon to Cornwall road trip itinerary!

*Sponsored