5 of the best hikes in Dartmoor National Park
Dartmoor is often described as a rambler’s paradise. Its wild and rugged landscape offers many different walks for different kinds of walkers. Below are just 5 of the best hikes in Dartmoor. None of these are particularly strenuous but a basic level of fitness and some proper hiking boots are a good idea. The moors are a wet and muddy place, so bring your waterproofs!
LYDFORD GORGE TRAIL
On the western side of the national park you will find the National Trust owned Lydford Gorge. It’s the deepest river gorge in the South West, with a picturesque 30m waterfall. There are a number of trails to choose from, depending on your fitness level and the amount of time you’d like to spend here. The most popular is the White Lady Waterfalls trail. This starts in the southern entrance to the gorge and is great for families, but if you have the time (around 2.5 hours) and the sense of adventure, I suggest the Full Lydford Gorge trail. It’s a beautiful walk through some dramatic landscape, including the aptly named Devil’s Cauldron. Take care on the slippery and narrow paths overlooking the rushing river below. Entrance is free for National Trust members or you can check current ticket prices here.
CASTLE DROGO TO FINGLE BRIDGE INN
Do you know what’s better than a scenic hike? A scenic hike with a pub stop at the half way point. Starting at the National Trust car park for Castle Drogo, take in the views from Sharp Tor. Then head across the top of the valley, through the woodland and descend into Fingle Bridge, where you are greeted by the welcome sight of the Fingle Bridge Inn. This is one of my favourite pubs in Dartmoor. A picturesque spot for a pint, or maybe even some lunch. I recommend sitting outside by the river if the weather allows it. Once you’re well rested, you can cross the bridge and head back through the Teign Gorge, following the river back to Castle Drogo. If you want to visit the castle itself, see here for opening times and prices.
2 BRIDGES TO WISTMAN’S WOOD
Possibly one of the most magical places I’ve ever been to in the UK. Wistman’s Wood is a must visit when in Dartmoor. One of the few temperate rainforests left in the UK, the moss covered rocks and gnarled trees give it a sense of otherworldliness. If you’re a Lord of the Rings fan like me then this is probably the closest you’ll get to Fangorn Forest! Starting from the 2 Bridges Hotel, follow the marked path to the woods. I highly recommend visiting this spot early in the morning to have it all to yourself. And I actually prefer it in the rain as it adds to the mystique. You can extend the walk by continuing on to Longaford Tor. Or just head back to the 2 Bridges Hotel for a well earned pint!
HAYTOR TO HOUND TOR
There’s a lot of history within this one walk. Starting at the car park on the B3387, you can head up to Haytor Rocks. It’s fun to clamber up the stacks at the top if you are able. And keep an eye out for the ponies that often visit! Your next stop is to the northeast; Haytor Quarry. This disused 19th century quarry once supplied granite for London Bridge. Nowadays it’s a serene spot with lily-covered waters and greenery bursting through the rocks.
It takes just under an hour to reach the next location. You’ll come across the extensive, atmospheric remains of Hound Tor medieval village. The settlement consists of a cluster of 13th-century stone longhouses – in which the family lived at one end and the animals at the other – on land that was originally farmed in the Bronze Age. There isn’t much here nowadays aside from the building foundations but you can still imagine what it must have been like to live so remotely! Onwards and upwards to the final stop which is Hound Tor. Apparently it inspired Arthur Conan Doyle to write ‘The Hound of the Baskervilles’. Enjoy the terrific views from the top, before retracing your steps back to the car park.
MELDON RESERVOIR TO BLACK-A-TOR COPSE
A really great varied walk. Starting at Meldon reservoir car park, follow the path along the Eastern side of the reservoir. It’s a fairly steady trail, so suitable for pretty much anyone. After that you’ll be walking alongside the river on to Black-a-tor copse. The path is well maintained until the last 500m or so, when you will either have to brave the bogs or clamber over a few boulders. This little woodland is another temperate rainforest like Wistman’s Wood. But Black-a-tor is less well known, so you’ll likely have it all to yourself. It’s full of the same fairytale-like trees and mosses and is gorgeous. If you want to extend the walk you can head up to Black Tor for some lovely views before retracing your steps to Meldon.
There you have 5 of the best hikes in Dartmoor National Park. There are many, many others, suitable for all abilities. We spend a lot of time in Dartmoor so give me a shout if you are heading that way. I’m always happy to recommend places to go and things to see! Alternatively keep an eye on my UK travel page for more posts on this area of Devon.
