Dartmoor Guided Walking with Sightseeing
Step into the wild heart of Dartmoor National Park on this guided walking with sightseeing holiday. Enjoy short, guided walks (4-5 miles), combined with time spent discovering local highlights. Together we’ll explore the dramatic landscapes that inspired Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Hound of the Baskervilles, walk to granite tors and ancient clapper bridges, and dive into the region’s industrial past at Brimpts Tine Mine. We’ll also marvel at the architecture of Castle Drogo, admire the Benedictine Buckfast Abbey, and round off with a nostalgic ride on the South Devon Railway.
What you’ll love
- Discovering some of Dartmoor’s famous Tors
- Ride on the South Devon Railway
- Visiting Castle Drogo and Buckfast Abbey
- Exploring some of Dartmoor’s picturesque towns and villages
- Learning about Dartmoor’s tin mine heritage
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
- All entrance fees as stated in the itinerary (except National Trust or English Heritage properties)
- Guided walks with an experienced HF Holidays Leader
- All transport to and from walks where necessary
Trip Notes
Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date.
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.
Check in at the hotel is available from 3pm. Your leaders will be at reception at 18:30 to meet the group and to give you a quick introduction to the holiday before dinner.
Distance: 3 miles (5km)
Ascent: 800 feet (240m)
Today we explore some of Dartmoor’s famous Tors. We walk from the hotel up to Haytor and across the moors to Hound Tor, one of the most filmed locations on the moor and inspired Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to write The Hound of the Baskervilles, arguably the most famous case of fictional detective, Sherlock Holmes. We then head to the picturesque village of Widecome in the Moor to visit the historic St Pancras Church.
Distance: 4 miles (6km)
Ascent: 300 feet (100m)
We begin our day with a visit to Buckfast Abbey, home to a community of Roman Catholic Benedictine Monks. We have time to explore the Abbey church, gardens and Exhibition centre (admission included). It’s then on to the South Devon Railway Museum where we can explore the exhibits before boarding the train to Staverton (tickets included). A walk alongside the River Dart followed by free time in Dartington rounds off the day.
Distance: 4 miles (6.5km)
Ascent: 300 feet (100m)
Our first stop today is Post Bridge. Be sure to have cameras at the ready as we visit a clapper bridge built in the 13th century which is said to be one of Dartmoor’s best. We then have time to stop by the visitor centre before we begin our walk. Heading out of the village and up on to the Moors, we’ll pass Laughter Tor and descend towards Brimpts Tine Mine. Don’t miss the information boards at the mine – they offer a fascinating insight into the area’s industrial past. We then get the bus to Princetown where we visit the Prison Museum (admission included) and you have some free time to explore the village.
Distance: 3.5 miles (5.5km)
Ascent: 200 feet (60m)
Our final day sees us visiting Castle Drogo, famously the last castle built in England. The 20th century castle overlooks the Teign Gorge (admission not included as this is a National Trust property). Once we’ve explored the castle, we’ll walk together to the charming village of Chagford, the final stop of our tour.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
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 to The Moorland Hotel
Find out more about this location including travel details and room types.
More InformationEssential information
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
Recommended
- Several base layers (long-sleeve or short-sleeve)
- Cushioned walking socks to avoid blisters
- First aid kit, including plasters and insect repellent
- Sit mat
- Waterproof pouch for valuables
- Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace)
- Wallet/purse
- Camera
- Walking poles
Guest reviews
All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.
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Holiday prices
| Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Double / Twin Room | Single Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | ||||||||
|
26 Jul - 31 Jul 2026 5 nights |
Itinerary Single from £1,269 Double from £1,089 pp |
from £1,089 pp |
from £1,269 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
|
16 Aug - 21 Aug 2026 5 nights |
Itinerary Single from £1,269 Double from £1,089 pp |
from £1,089 pp |
from £1,269 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
|
27 Sep - 02 Oct 2026 5 nights |
Itinerary Single from £1,269 Double from £1,089 pp |
from £1,089 pp |
from £1,269 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
5 nights
from
£1,089pp
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