Dartmoor Guided Walking

2027 dates available Early Booking Offer

5 nights accommodation

Availability Sep 2026, Jun-Sep 2027

One itinerary available

Full Board

Grades 2 & 3 details

107kg CO2 details

Non-members From

£1,049

pp

Members From

£1,019

pp

For group booking of 10 or more please click here
With its windswept moorland, striking granite tors, and ever-present herds of wild ponies, it’s easy to see why walkers find Dartmoor’s myth-steeped landscapes so appealing. Discover this much-loved national park’s most wow-worthy points and fascinating prehistoric sites with the help of our experienced HF Holidays Leaders.

Accommodation

A range of handpicked hotels...
The Moorland Hotel is set in the wild landscapes of Dartmoor National Park, just a stone’s throw from the iconic granite tor of Haytor with a wealth of walks in close vicinity. It offers comfortable ensuite rooms, all with TV, coffee and tea making facilities, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel is dog-friendly, too, so you may meet four-legged friends in some of the communal areas.
Moorlands Hotel dining room.png

Walking grades and options

This Guided Walking/Hiking Trail has walks graded levels 2 & 3.

Your fitness

Having a solid base of fitness before your holiday will ensure you've the best chance of completing the holiday and enjoying it to boot. Here's a few simple tips to help you get fit and ready for your challenge:

  • Get out walking - whether the weather, get out there, and start building your fitness months before your holiday
  • Build your distance gradually and get a number of 6-8hr hill days in
  • Ideally, try and do two consecutive days training if possible
  • Take the stairs every time
  • Train on different terrain
  • Train with your day pack and your walking boots too, to ensure they're well worn in before your holiday
  • Other sports help improve your walking fitness too. The best ones are jogging, cycling, swimming, which will build your stamina, and yoga which will help strengthen your core and improve balance
  • Time training will help ensure you enjoy your holiday to the max.

What You’ll Love

  • Discovering the best of Dartmoor’s wild beauty 
  • Uncovering the area’s myths and legends at prehistoric sites 
  • Spotting wild ponies on the open moorland 
  • Walking through wildlife havens like Haytor Quarry  
  • Admiring Lustleigh Cleave, a temperate rain forest
  • Having the choice of two walks a day – one easier and one more challenging 

What's Included

  • Comfortable en-suite rooms in our partner accommodation(s)  
  • Cooked or continental breakfast every morning  
  • Daily packed lunches
  • Three-course evening meals, plus tea & coffee   
  • Guided walks with experienced HF Holidays Leaders  
  • All transport to and from walks where necessary 

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Itinerary

All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.

Itinerary

You’re welcome to check in at the hotel from 3pm. Your HF Holidays Leaders will be in reception at 6:30pm to meet the group and give a quick introduction before dinner.

Option 1 - Haytor Circular

Distance: 6.5 miles (10.5 km) 

Ascent: 800ft (240m) 

We walk straight from our door and out onto the moors, descending through Haytor Vale to pick up the route and remains of a granite tramway once used to transport rock towards the coast. Crossing the moor, we’ll pass by ancient cairns, a Bronze Age settlement, tors, and quarries, including Haytor Quarry, once a noisy industrial site, now a peaceful haven for wildlife.  

Option 2 - Tramway, Bowerman's Nose, and Haytor Rocks

Distance: 9.5 miles (15.5 km) 

Ascent: 1,500ft (460m) 

From our hotel, we head out across Dartmoor following the granite tramway past a Bronze Age settlement. We then head for Bowerman’s Nose, a distinctive tor said to resemble a local huntsman. We’ll visit an abandoned medieval village before crossing Becka Brook, as well as Holwell and Saddle Tors. Then it’s back to the hotel via Haytor Rocks and the serene ponds in Haytor Quarry. 

Option 1 - Lustleigh and Dartmoor Way

Distance: 7 miles (11.5km)  

Ascent: 950ft (280m)  

Descent: 1,700ft (520m) 

We’ll set off on a walk that’s often voted one of the best in Devon today. From the hamlet of Water, we’ll wind our way through the woods of East Dartmoor National Nature Reserve to the River Bovey and the impressive Lustleigh Cleave, a globally rare example of a temperate rain forest. Explore one of Dartmoor’s prettiest villages, Lustleigh, before following the Dartmoor Way to Bovey Tracey.  

Option 2 - Manaton, Lustleigh Cleave, and Bovey Tracey

Distance: 11 miles (17.5km)  

Ascent: 1,200ft (360m)  

Descent: 2,000ft (600m) 

We’ll begin in the picturesque village of Manaton before climbing Manaton Rocks to venture into the woodland in Lustleigh Cleave and the hamlet of Water. We’ll walk through the woods above Becky Falls towards Lustleigh. From there we’ll head back to the river, which we’ll follow into Bovey Tracey. 

Option 1 - Tin Mine, Grimspound, and Widecombe

Distance: 5.5 miles (9km)  

Ascent: 800ft (250m) 

From the Bennett's Cross, we’ll head through the site of a once busy tin mine and make our way to the best-known prehistoric settlement on Dartmoor – Grimspound. Explore the remains of the 3,500-year-old village before we take the Two Moors Way up onto Hamel Down, passing historic boundary stones. Then we’ll descend into Widecombe-in-the-Moor, whose church is known as the Cathedral of the Moor. 

Option 2 - Ancient Stones and the Two Moors Way to Widecombe

Distance: 10 miles (16 km)  

Ascent: 1,300ft (400 m) 

From Leapra Cross the Two Moors Way guides us along ancient trackways and through pretty hamlets. Along the way, we’ll spot the remains of ancient hut circles, cairns, standing stones, and a stone row, before reaching Bennetts Cross. From here, we’ll follow the route of the option one walk, joining the group at Widecombe for a café/pub stop before heading back to our hotel.  

Option 1 - Teign Gorge: Fingle Bridge, Castle Drogo, and Chagford

Distance: 7.5 miles (12km)  

Ascent: 800ft (250m)  

Fields and riverside paths along Teign Gorge lead us to Fingle Bridge. We’ll gradually climb above the gorge to reach Castle Drogo, a 20th century castle. Gentle riverside trails then take us to Chagford, known for its local produce, especially cider and cheese. You’ll have time to explore or relax at one of the cafés here.  

Option 2 - Contrasting Castles across the Gorge

Distance: 10 miles (16.5km)  

Ascent: 1,550ft (480m)  

From Moretonhampstead we’ll cross fields to reach the ancient hillfort of Cranbrook Castle. A steep at times descent then leads us to the River Teign at Fingle Bridge where we follow the route of the option one walk and head for Castle Drogo. This walk also continues to Chagford, but by a different, slightly longer river trail. 

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.

Daily Walk Options

Grade 2

Easier Walks

Good paths but walks are a bit longer. Some walks, particularly in mountain areas, may have sections over rough or steeper terrain.

Grade 3

Medium Walks

Walks follow well-defined paths, though often in hilly or upland areas, or along rugged coastal footpaths. These may be rough or steep in sections and will require reasonable fitness.

Accommodation

The Moorland Hotel

The Moorland Hotel is set in the wild landscapes of Dartmoor National Park, just a stone’s throw from the iconic granite tor of Haytor with a wealth of walks in close vicinity. It offers comfortable ensuite rooms, all with TV, coffee and tea making facilities, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel is dog-friendly, too, so you may meet four-legged friends in some of the communal areas.

Food & drink

Your stay is full-board. This includes daily breakfasts, packed lunch options, and evening meals. Vegetarian choices and dietary requirements can be catered for (please give advance notice when booking). 

Packed lunches 

Our packed lunches will be too much food for some and not enough for others; if you feel you might need more food during the walk, please bring a supply of snacks to supplement this – it won’t always be possible to buy these on the route. Your packed lunches will include: a bread sandwich or roll with a choice of filling; some fresh fruit; fruit cake/flapjack or similar, crisps and/or biscuits. For those of you tackling a level 4 or above holiday, we would highly recommend bringing some trail mix or something similar to ensure you've some fuel in reserve should you need it. 

Dietary requirements 

Our partner hotels can cater for most dietary requirements, but it is important you advise us of any allergies and dietary restrictions you have at the time of booking. 

Getting here

Address

The Moorland Hotel
Haytor
Newton Abbot
TQ13 9XT

The easiest journey is by car. If you wish to travel by public transport, please see below.

By bus/train

The nearest train station is at Newton Abbot, about 9 miles from Haytor. You would need to get a local taxi from Newton Abbot to the hotel, which we recommend pre-booking. There are a number of firms to choose from. Journey time: approximately 20 minutes. Price: approximately £25.

More Information

Walking safety

Walks may be changed for safety reasons and are subject to a maximum and minimum number of guests.

Leaders always consider the safety of the group as a whole, and may need to alter or curtail the walk if the conditions dictate. Your leader may refuse to accept a guest where clothing, equipment or behaviour is unsuitable. In the event of a problem all leaders carry a mobile phone, first aid kit, group shelter, spare maps and a compass.

Please note: If you choose to leave the group your leader is no longer responsible for you.

If you have a particular health condition or disability please put this on your guest registration form. This information will be confidential to your leaders and the house manager, but leaders do need to take account of any issues when planning walks. Please carry a copy of these trip notes with you, or note down the contact phone number for your accommodation (details in the travel section) should you need them in case of emergency.

Packing list - UK Guided Walking

The UK has a famously unpredictable climate so it's best to be prepared for weather that’s sunny one minute and raining the next.  To make it easier, here’s a list of items you should consider packing.   

Essentials  

  • Suitable footwear such as waterproof walking boots that provide ankle support and good grip  
  • Waterproof and windproof jacket 
  • Comfortable clothing (jeans & waterproof capes are not suitable)  
  • Mid-layer(s) to keep you warm. Fleeces make a good choice
  • Waterproof overtrousers  
  • Gloves and a warm hat  
  • Rucksack with waterproof liner 
  • Flask for hot drinks   
  • Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity)  
  • Sunscreen  
  • UV sunglasses  

For holidays operating October through to the end of March, please also bring the following on your walks:

  • spare warm clothing
  • spare high energy food
  • head torch and spare batteries
  • please note for the October to March season your waterproof jacket needs to offer a high level of waterproofing and wind resistance, and a hood. Look for a waterproof jacket with sealed/taped seams and a minimum HH (hyrodstatic head - this is the rating given on waterproof jackets) of 10,000mm+

Recommended  

  • Several base layers (long-sleeve or short-sleeve)  
  • Cushioned walking socks to avoid blisters  
  • First aid kit, including plasters and insect repellent and tick remover tool
  • Sit mat   
  • Waterproof pouch for valuables  
  • Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace)  
  • Wallet/purse  
  • Camera
  • Walking poles

Carbon Footprint - 107kg CO2

We see it as our responsibility to minimise our emissions, not just for this year but every year to come. Our work with sustainability experts, ecollective, has enabled us to measure our carbon footprint and create a strategy to reduce the carbon intensity of our product by 5% each year. Our ambition is to be net zero by 2040 – earlier if we can.

Learn more

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Code: DBC05-BTB11

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Dates & availability

Dartmoor Guided Walking

Members save an additional £30 on this booking and get a range of other exclusive benefits. You can join during booking process. Read more about membership

2026

2027

Early Booking Offer Save £50 Per Person

13 Jun - 18 Jun 2027

5 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,099 £1,049

pp

Members

£1,069 £1,019

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

£1,309 £1,259

pp

£1,279 £1,229

pp

Early Booking Offer Save £50 Per Person

26 Sep - 1 Oct 2027

5 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,099 £1,049

pp

Members

£1,069 £1,019

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

£1,309 £1,259

pp

£1,279 £1,229

pp
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Trusted British co-operative

We are proud to be Britain’s only walking holiday co-operative. Led by almost 40,000 members, offering hundreds of holidays across the UK and overseas, with all surplus being reinvested back into our Society.

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Flexible choice of guided walks

Experienced volunteer HF Leaders guide every walk at our UK country houses, offering up to three daily options. Making it easy to find a holiday to suit your ability, and with the flexibility to switch grades each walking day.

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Book early with confidence

Become an HF Member to benefit from our Price Pledge. Secure your first choice of holiday early, and if the cost drops after you book, we will automatically refund the difference (exc. travel agent & group bookings).

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Book with confidence

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

If we cancel your holiday, we honour all refund requests 

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Travel with confidence

We know that peace of mind is priceless, so we’ll always go above and beyond to meet – and exceed – expectations

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

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HF Holidays

A British heritage brand with 111 years of experience

Offering a choice of over 260 itineraries in nearly 40 countries

Run as a co-operative with 40,000-plus members

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