Dartmoor Guided Walking

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.  

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. 

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.  

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. 

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. 

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.  

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.  

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.