Best trails in Dartmoor National Park
Dartmoor National Park is located in the County of Devon and encompasses about 368 square miles of upland area consisting of expansive moorland dotted with granite outcrops, enchanting valleys, ancient woodlands, glistening reservoirs, and winding rivers. Additionally, prehistoric remnants such as ancient hill forts, stone circles, and tumuli adorn this landscape. The area boasts impressive and unique wildlife, and you’ll undoubtedly encounter the iconic Dartmoor ponies on your adventures. There are several long-distance trails that traverse Dartmoor National Park, including the Dartmoor Way, Templer Way, Two Moors Way, and Drake’s Trail. Dartmoor’s rugged landscape of untamed wilderness and heather-clad moorlands, with the granite tors rising impressively and serenely, offer unique walks of varied lengths and levels of difficulty, whether you’re looking for walks with opportunities for birdwatching or a more challenging adventure, visiting the iconic tors and discover the remnants of a prehistoric landscape.
Top trails
1
(981)
•Moderate
•4.4 mi
•Est. 2h 23m
This is a beautiful shaded trail through the woodland Teign Gorge in Dartmoor National Park, taking you along Hunter’s Path and Fisherman’s Path before visiting Castle Drogo towards the end.
The trail starts from the car park by Castle Drogo, where there is also a small cafe and toilet facilities available. Head down the valley slope to join the Hunter’s Path, which takes you along Sharp Tor.
You’ll have an excellent view overlooking the woodland valley and the Dartmoor countryside beyond...
2
(646)
•Moderate
•4.5 mi
•Est. 2h 20m
Up ahead is Hound Tor. Follow the route to the top, past the ruins of the mediaeval town of Hundatora, which was abandoned about 1350, perhaps owing to weather changes or a bubonic plague epidemic. Hound Tor is a well-known Dartmoor landmark. It was formed when a great hunter named Bowerman stopped a witch coven with his hounds. In response, the witches turned the hunter and his dogs to stone. A mile distant, towards Manaton village, is Bowerman's Nose, a granite formation. Arthur Conan Doyle...
3
(629)
•Moderate
•4.7 mi
This is a beautiful trail exploring the West Dart Valley between Beardwon Tors and Longaford Tors and taking you through Wistman’s Wood in Dartmoor National Park.
Begin this route at the small car park located just off B3357 in Two Bridges. From the car park, follow the path with the stone wall on your left, pass the cottage and continue straight on with the river in sight on your left. There might be cows and sheep along this route, so keep dogs on leads if needed.
Walk towards the...
4
(474)
•Moderate
•6.0 mi
•Est. 2h 58m
This is a moderately challenging circular trail, taking you to Haytor Rocks, Holwell Tor, Hound Tor, and the abandoned medieval village before returning via Black Hill, Smallacombe Rocks, and part of the Haytor Granite Tramway.
Start this trail from the Summer Parking car park along the B3337 and follow the path up to Haytor Rocks, which is one of the most iconic and well-known tors in Dartmoor.
Pass Haytor Quarry, which was quarried for granite and tin. The Templar Way starts here, a...
5
(538)
•Moderate
•4.5 mi
•Est. 2h 9m
This is a circular and challenging trail through a typical Dartmoor landscape in Devon. The walk begins with a crossing over the Meldon Reservoir dam and then follows the path alongside the reservoir to meet the West Okement River. The return leg climbs high onto Dartmoor to Sharp Tor and then follows the track along and around Longstone Hill to return to the start.
As with any walking on Dartmoor, the area is very exposed, so make sure you are well prepared. The paths are rocky underfoot,...
6
(364)
•Moderate
•7.3 mi
•Est. 3h 44m
Enjoy this beautiful trail that takes you through the Teign Gorge in Dartmoor National Park.
The trail starts from Castle Drogo, which is managed by the National Trust, and leads you along Hunter’s Path down to Fingle Bridge along the River Teign.
The trail starts from the car park by Castle Drogo, where there is also a small cafe and toilet facilities available. Head down the valley slope to join the Hunter’s Path, which takes you along Sharp Tor.
You’ll have an excellent view...
7
(327)
•Moderate
•4.3 mi
•Est. 2h 20m
This is a scenic circular route in Dartmoor National Park that begins at the historic Castle Drogo. You will explore a mix of woodland and riverbanks including Sharp Tor, Fingle Bridge, River Teign, the Valley Viewpoint, and Hunters Tor. Dogs are also welcome on this route. Make sure to stop and explore the historic sites along the way. Castle Drogo is an imposing 20th-century building that is managed by the National Trust. See their official website for more details including opening times...
8
(459)
•Moderate
•5.6 mi
•Est. 2h 32m
This is a lovely, picturesque riverside trail at the edge of Dartmoor National Park, taking in wonderful scenery along the River Walkham.
The trail starts between the villages of Buckland Monachorum and Horrabridge, and leads you on a descent across the moorland and into the woodland to reach the River Walkham.
From here, follow the path along the river until you reach Grenofen Bridge, which you cross to continue with the river and to your left.
At the confluence of the Walkham with the...
9
(378)
•Hard
•6.1 mi
•Est. 3h 8m
NOTE: this trail passes into and through Ministry of Defence training zones where live firing occurs. Please check firing schedules before heading out, adhere to any closure and safety notices, and be on the look out for red flags and lights.
Explore High Willhayes and Yes Tor on this trail in Dartmoor National Park taking in great views over the moor and surrounding area.
The highest point is High Willhays at 621 metres (2,039 feet) above sea level, which just a few meters higher than...
10
(231)
•Moderate
•3.4 mi
•Est. 1h 37m
This is a beautiful trail taking you through the enchanting woodland of Teign Gorge in Dartmoor National Park.
The trail starts from the car park by Fingle Bridge, a 13th-century packhorse bridge, which you’ll cross the make your way along the southern banks of the River Teign as it winds its way through the stunning woodland.
This path hugs the riverside and offers wonderful riverside scenery and plenty of spots for a dip in the water.
The trail leads you all the way to Drogo Weir,...
Showing results 1–10 of 310
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Passes & fees
Fee required
Lydford Gorge charges a fee to enter.
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Trail reviews for Dartmoor National Park
Clearly defined circular route around Southern Dartmoor. Clear & cool with light breeze.
Demanding walk up a number of Tors. First hike on Dartmoor, unexpectedly found trail quite boggy in places and a bit vague to follow, but soon back on track. Advice from previous reviewer about the firing range website excellent as yesterday a large part of the trail would of been closed. £3.40 for four hours parking not long enough for me.
Difficulty: Hard
Black Tor, High Willhays, Rowtor, and Black Down Circular
Great for Dartmoor pony spotting and cow spotting, very steep but really accessible and can be done gently if needed! Worth the view at the top and the pint and a roast after
Difficulty: Moderate
Nice route with stunning vistas all the way around. A decent choice if you want to experience Dartmoor views.
Difficulty: Easy
Belstone Tor Circular
A great trail in Dartmoor for letting dogs off leads. It's an easy-to-follow route that is very well maintained!
Conditions: Well maintained
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to hike in Dartmoor National Park?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Dartmoor National Park is Hunter's and Fisherman's Path to Castle Drogo, which has a 4.8 star rating from 981 reviews. This trail is 4.4 mi long with an elevation gain of 1,079 ft.
What is the longest trail in Dartmoor National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Dartmoor National Park is Two Moors Way. This trail is estimated to be 103.4 mi long.
How many trails are in Dartmoor National Park?
There are 310 trails in Dartmoor National Park. These trails have an average 4.4-star rating from 19,896 AllTrails community reviews.
Which trail has the most elevation gain in Dartmoor National Park?
If you're looking for elevation gain, Dartmoor National Park has you covered. Two Moors Way boasts the most elevation gain with 16,145 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Camel Teign Ivor's Dream 100, which will get you 14,701 ft of elevation gain.
Are there camping trails available in Dartmoor National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 31 camping trails in Dartmoor National Park and the most popular is Haytor Vale and Hound Tor Circular with an average 4.7 star rating from 646 community reviews.
Are there running trails available in Dartmoor National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 209 running trails in Dartmoor National Park and the most popular is Haytor Vale and Hound Tor Circular with an average 4.7 star rating from 646 community reviews.
Are there biking trails available in Dartmoor National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 45 biking trails in Dartmoor National Park and the most popular is Pullabrook Woods Circular with an average 4.6 star rating from 332 community reviews.
Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Dartmoor National Park?
Yes, there are 223 trails with scenic mountain peak views in Dartmoor National Park, including Hunter's and Fisherman's Path to Castle Drogo, Haytor Vale and Hound Tor Circular, Wistman's Wood Circular, Haytor Circular, and Meldon Reservoir and Black Tor Circular.
Are there any trails with waterfalls in Dartmoor National Park?
Yes, there are 14 trails with waterfalls in Dartmoor National Park, including White Lady Waterfall, Lydford Gorge, and Tuckers Pool, East Dart Waterfalls, Bench Tor and Venford Waterfall Circular, Lydford Gorge Walk, White Lady Waterfall, and Lydford Castle Circular, and Granite Way: Okehampton to Lydford.
Are there any trails with historical ruins in Dartmoor National Park?
Yes, there are 75 trails with historical ruins in Dartmoor National Park, including Castle Drogo and Cod Wood Circular, High Willhays and Yes Tor Circular, Pullabrook Woods Circular, Dartmeet, Babeny, Laughter Tor and Hexworthy Circluar, and Burrator Reservoir Circular.
Are there any trails with archaeological sites in Dartmoor National Park?
Yes, there are 134 trails with archaeological sites in Dartmoor National Park, including Haytor Vale and Hound Tor Circular, Haytor Circular, Dartmeet, Babeny, Laughter Tor and Hexworthy Circluar, Cadover Bridge to Shaugh Bridge Circular, and Burrator Reservoir Circular.
Are there any trails with lakes in Dartmoor National Park?
Yes, there are 7 trails with lakes in Dartmoor National Park, including Crazywell Pool and Devonport Leat Circular, Crazy Well Pool, Burrator Reservoir and Crazywell Pool Circular, Two Moors Way Section 3: Ivybridge to Holne, and The Templer Way.
Are there any trails with huts in Dartmoor National Park?
Yes, there are 29 trails with huts in Dartmoor National Park, including High Willhays and Yes Tor Circular, Black Tor, High Willhays, Rowtor, and Black Down Circular, Trenchford and Tottiford Reservoirs Circular, Belstone, Knattaborough Tor, and Oke Tor Circular, and Okehampton, Meldon Reservoir, and Yes Tor Circular.
Are there any trails with caves in Dartmoor National Park?
Yes, there are 3 trails with caves in Dartmoor National Park, including Buckfastleigh: the Sherlock Holmes Track, Buckfastleigh Walk, and Buckfastleigh Short Circular.
Are there any trails with rivers in Dartmoor National Park?
Yes, there are 83 trails with rivers in Dartmoor National Park, including Meldon Reservoir and Black Tor Circular, Buckland Monachorum and River Walkham Circular, Pullabrook Woods Circular, Dartmeet, Babeny, Laughter Tor and Hexworthy Circluar, and Bench Tor and Holne via Sharrah Pool.
Are there any trails with dams in Dartmoor National Park?
Yes, there are 33 trails with dams in Dartmoor National Park, including Meldon Reservoir and Black Tor Circular, Burrator Reservoir Circular, Black Tor, High Willhays, Rowtor, and Black Down Circular, Shipley Bridge to Avon Dam, and Meldon Reservoir - West Okement River.
Are there any trails with castles in Dartmoor National Park?
Yes, there are 14 trails with castles in Dartmoor National Park, including Hunter's and Fisherman's Path to Castle Drogo, Castle Drogo and Cod Wood Circular, Cod Wood to View of the Valley, Fisherman's Path Circular, and Teign Gorge Circular.
Are there any trails with historical monuments in Dartmoor National Park?
Yes, there are 11 trails with historical monuments in Dartmoor National Park, including Great Staple Tor and White Tor Circular, Lustleigh - Pullabrook Woods Circular, Lustleigh Circular, White Tor, Roos Tor, Cox Tor Circular, and Peter Tavy Circular.
Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Dartmoor National Park?
Yes, there are 8 trails with scenic viewpoints in Dartmoor National Park, including Castle Drogo and Cod Wood Circular, White Lady Waterfall, Lydford Gorge, and Tuckers Pool, Teign Gorge Circular, Fingle Woods Circular, and Lydford Gorge Walk, White Lady Waterfall, and Lydford Castle Circular.
Are there any trails with cliffs in Dartmoor National Park?
Yes, there are 5 trails with cliffs in Dartmoor National Park, including High Willhays and Yes Tor Circular, Black Tor, High Willhays, Rowtor, and Black Down Circular, Meldon Reservoir, High Willhays Tor, and Yes Tor, Black Down, High Willhays, and Oke Tor Circular, and Meldon Reservoir and Hangingstone Hill Circular.
Are there any trails with ponds in Dartmoor National Park?
Yes, there are 8 trails with ponds in Dartmoor National Park, including White Lady Waterfall, Lydford Gorge, and Tuckers Pool, Western Beacon Circular, Hart Tor, Burrator Reservoir and South Hessary Tor Circular, Ivy Bridge, River Erme, Harford, and Western Beacon Circular, and Harford Moor Circular.
Are there any trails with picnic areas in Dartmoor National Park?
Yes, there are 4 trails with picnic areas in Dartmoor National Park, including Trenchford, Kennick and Tottiford Reservoir Circular, Trenchford and Tottiford Reservoirs Circular, Trenchford and Tottiford Reservoirs, and Tottiford Reservoir and Kennick Reservoir Circular.