Dartmoor Way
Dartmoor Way: Complete Hiking Guide to Exploring Devon’s Scenic Loop Trail
Discover the enchanting beauty of the Dartmoor Way, a captivating loop trail that weaves through the heart of Devon’s legendary moorlands. This route invites adventurers to traverse a landscape defined by rolling granite tors, sweeping heaths, tranquil woodlands, and picturesque villages. Along the journey, hikers encounter the wild charm of Dartmoor National Park, where ancient stone bridges cross babbling rivers and ponies graze amidst lush, green valleys.
Whether you’re drawn by the trail’s stunning vistas, rich biodiversity, or the sense of timeless solitude, hiking the Dartmoor Way promises a truly immersive experience in the British countryside. The ever-changing weather adds an element of unpredictability, enveloping the moors in swirling mists or revealing dramatic, panoramic views under clear skies.
Route Overview
The Dartmoor Way is a 135-kilometer circular route that starts and ends at any point along the loop, with popular access points including Okehampton, Tavistock, and Ivybridge. Designed as a complete circuit, the trail can be hiked in either direction and is typically completed in about 7 days, depending on fitness, speed, and chosen daily segments.
The route links a network of towns and villages, passing through Okehampton, Chagford, Moretonhampstead, Bovey Tracey, Ashburton, Buckfastleigh, Princetown, Tavistock, and Lydford, as well as smaller hamlets and rural communities. Along the way, hikers traverse sections of open moorland, wooded valleys, farm landscapes, and riverside paths, providing significant variation in both scenery and trail surface.
Trail conditions range from dirt and rocky tracks to country lanes and gravel paths. There are occasional short road stretches, often on quiet rural lanes. Elevation gain is significant, estimated at around 3,000 meters for the full circuit, with several steep hills and descents throughout. Waymarking is generally reliable near major towns but can be intermittent on remote moorland. Regular accommodation is available in most villages, and there are campsites and wild camping options in accordance with Dartmoor National Park guidelines. Hikers should prepare for the potential of wet and muddy ground and carry adequate navigation aids for isolated stretches.
Historical Context of the Dartmoor Way
The Dartmoor Way is steeped in history, echoing the footsteps of people who have lived and worked on the moor for thousands of years. Dartmoor’s landscape is dotted with prehistoric monuments, including stone circles, burial mounds, and standing stones that date back to the Bronze Age. These ancient relics offer a tangible connection to the moor’s earliest inhabitants and make for fascinating stops along the route.
During the Middle Ages, Dartmoor became a vital area for tin mining, shaping the local economy and leaving behind remnants of old mine workings, leats, and engine houses that hikers can still encounter today. The region's rugged terrain provided a haven for outlaws and inspired tales of mystery, some of which found their way into legendary stories like Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Hound of the Baskervilles, set amidst the brooding moor.
The historic villages and market towns along the Dartmoor Way, such as Chagford, Ashburton, and Tavistock, have their own unique stories, often reflected in ancient churches, traditional pubs, and centuries-old architecture. Walking this trail offers not only a journey through spectacular landscapes but also a step back in time to experience the cultural and historical richness of Devon.
Notable highlights
Haytor Rocks: This iconic granite tor offers sweeping views across Dartmoor and is a popular spot for both hikers and rock climbers. The area is surrounded by heathland and provides a dramatic silhouette against the sky.
Postbridge Clapper Bridge: One of Dartmoor’s most famous ancient monuments, this medieval stone bridge dates back to the 13th century. Crossing the East Dart River, it serves as a picturesque reminder of the moor’s early settlements.
Widecombe-in-the-Moor: A charming village noted for its historic church, “The Cathedral of the Moors,” and traditional pubs. Widecombe’s scenic setting and local markets make it a perfect rest stop.
Fingle Bridge and Teign Gorge: The picturesque Fingle Bridge is an excellent starting point for exploring the lush woodlands and riverside paths of Teign Gorge, renowned for its biodiversity and tranquil beauty.
Princetown: Famous for its imposing Dartmoor Prison and the Dartmoor Prison Museum, Princetown offers a fascinating glimpse into the area’s social history along with panoramic moorland views.
Chagford: This inviting market town is known for its blend of historic buildings, arts culture, and independent shops. Surrounded by rolling hills, Chagford is a wonderful spot to experience local Devonshire life.
Lydford Gorge: Managed by the National Trust, Lydford Gorge boasts the dramatic Whitelady Waterfall and atmospheric woodland trails that wind through steep cliffs and natural pools.
Burrator Reservoir: Nestled among forests and open moorland, this reservoir attracts wildlife watchers and offers peaceful waterside paths with impressive vistas over the surrounding hills.
Ancient Bronze Age sites: Scattered along the path are many prehistoric remains, including cairns, stone rows, and circles, particularly on the moor’s higher ground, offering insight into Dartmoor’s ancient past.
Challenges to expect
Navigating the Dartmoor Way demands preparation due to its variable terrain. Hikers will encounter a mix of rocky paths, muddy tracks, and uneven surfaces, especially after rainfall. Some sections involve notable elevation changes, requiring good fitness levels and sturdy footwear to manage both ascents and descents.
Weather is a significant challenge on Dartmoor, with the possibility of rain occurring at any time, even during the optimal hiking seasons. The area is known for sudden mists and rapidly changing conditions, which can impact visibility and make navigation more difficult. Carrying appropriate waterproof gear and checking the forecast regularly are essential for a safe experience.
Although portions of the trail are well-signed, there are remote stretches where markers are sparse or can be obscured by overgrowth or fog. Reliable maps, a compass, or GPS navigation help prevent wrong turns, especially across open moorland where features are few and distances can be deceptive.
Finally, the limited availability of facilities or shops in some areas means hikers should plan carefully for long stretches without access to provisions or shelter. Carry enough food, water, and emergency supplies, and be aware that mobile signal may be weak or nonexistent across much of the route.
United Kingdom 
England - Mountainous
- Forest
- Dirt
- Rocky
- Gravel
- Hotels
- Campsites
- Hostels
- Wild camping spots
- Family Friendly
- Pet Friendly
- Restrooms
- Water Sources
- Campsites
- Picnic Areas
Start your journey in Okehampton and head southeast, following quiet country lanes and bridle paths up onto the open moor. Traverse through lush fields, passing through the historic village of Belstone before entering the heart of the moorland. The route continues across granite-studded high ground, descending towards the vibrant market town of Chagford, with its inviting pubs and historic architecture.
Depart Chagford and climb gently towards the open moor, skirting the wooded banks of the River Teign and enjoying panoramic views. The trail heads south, passes prehistoric monuments, and leads you through hamlets and rolling farmland. Finish the day with a descent into the charming town of Moretonhampstead, known for its heritage and hospitality.
Leave Moretonhampstead and follow quiet country lanes into the wooded valleys of the eastern moor. Journey past the striking Haytor Rocks and experience some of Dartmoor’s impressive granite tors. The route descends into Heather-draped heathland and continues to Bovey Tracey, a lively gateway town on Dartmoor’s edge.
Set out south from Bovey Tracey through peaceful woodlands, passing close to the scenic Becky Falls. The path winds through smaller villages and rural countryside, offering an authentic glimpse of Devon farmland. Arrive in Ashburton, a town with medieval roots and a welcoming local atmosphere.
Climb steadily west out of Ashburton, traversing hilly terrain and sweeping moorland vistas. Journey through Buckfastleigh and follow trails that gradually ascend towards the high point of Dartmoor Way near Princetown. Take in the expansive views rugged moor, and visit the renowned Dartmoor Prison and museum before resting for the night.
From the heights of Princetown, descend northwest through wild moorland and ancient tramway paths. Encounter unique Bronze Age remains and pass picturesque valleys as the trail leads towards Lydford. Complete your day in the historic stannary town of Tavistock, famous for its markets, stone buildings, and welcoming inns.
The final day circles north from Tavistock, first following tracks through peaceful farmland and then re-entering open moorland. Pass through Lydford Gorge, taking time to visit the Whitelady Waterfall, before continuing along bridleways and quiet lanes back to Okehampton, completing the Dartmoor Way loop.