Top 10 Salcombe Walks | Coast & Country Cottages
From easy trails to strenuous clifftops treks, the wealth of Salcombe walks available for all abilities is second-to-none! Whether...
Looking for a selection of the best Dartmoor walks? Boasting 368 square miles, Dartmoor National Park is home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in England. From open moorland to enchanted forests, winding rivers and craggy granite tors you are positively spoilt for choice when it comes to finding the perfect Dartmoor walk.
These top 10 Dartmoor walks showcase the best of Dartmoor’s magic, wilderness and beauty, so lace up your boots and start exploring. Use the quick links below to navigate the content, or read on for a selection of our favourite Dartmoor walks.
Wistman’s Wood presents a true fairy tale scene. One of Britain’s oldest oak woodlands, this Dartmoor walk navigates through a mystical landscape of tangled, moss-covered oak trees that have stood for centuries. The oaks grow no taller than five metres high amongst electric green moss and lichen covered boulders. In some places the bearded lichen grows up to half a metre long! This short but memorable trail offers a glimpse into Dartmoor’s prehistoric past, with myths and legends of old woven through the landscape.
Whilst it’s an easy walk that is suitable for most abilities, the uneven terrain does require sturdy footwear and good agility.
Full details of the walk can be found here.
Explore a diverse landscape at Bellever Forest, where the dense coniferous trees fringe open moorland. Easily accessible, with plentiful parking, a picnic area and toilets open all year, it’s a popular spot for those who want to explore Dartmoor at a gentler pace.
With various walking routes, Bellever Forest caters for every ability. Choose one of the waymarked trails or join the historic bridleway, The Lich. What’s more, there are plenty of archaeological sites to discover as you explore. If you’re up for the challenge, hike up Bellever Tor – you’ll feel exhilarated when you reach the peak which boasts amazing moorland views. And if you’re feeling brave, why not take a dip in the river on your return!
One of our favourite routes navigates from Bellever to Postbridge, otherwise known as the Postbridge Trail.
Haytor Rock and its surrounding area is one of the most iconic locations for a Dartmoor walk. Providing a striking backdrop for several walking routes, this granite tor is one of the most recognisable landmarks on Dartmoor. The surrounding area also navigates accessible and level paths that are perfect for less experienced hikers, including a former granite tramway.
The National Park Visitor Centre is well placed to start your walk and provides parking (there are additional parking fields staggered up the road adjacent to Haytor). From here, enjoy a short stroll up to Haytor, which is a popular spot amongst both rock climbers and walkers. If you’re able, scramble up the rock formation and enjoy views across both Dartmoor and the South Devon coast.
From Haytor, there are various paths leading onto moorland should you wish to extend your walk. This Haytor circular is one of our favourites.
A gentle walk around Venford Reservoir offers tranquil water views and the chance to explore the surrounding moorland. This easily accessible route is perfect for a peaceful stroll or as a starting point for longer hikes into the heart of Dartmoor. The reservoir provides a haven for wildlife, making it an excellent spot for birdwatching.
Venford Falls is one of Dartmoor’s most hidden gems. Located in a secluded spot near Venford Reservoir many people that visit the reservoir don’t know there are waterfalls nearby. To find Venford Falls, you’ll need to head off the beaten track…
You can find the full Venford Reservoir walking route here.
The deepest river gorge in the South West, the steep-sided Lydford Gorge is a spectacular chasm nestled within Dartmoor’s hills. Stretching over a mile, at one end you will find the impressive ‘Devil’s Cauldron’, while at the other, the 30m high White Lady waterfall. The wooded gorge on the western fringe of Dartmoor has inspired many myths and legends, all of which can be explored with a choice of circular walks, varying in distance, from one to three miles. As you would expect, there is an abundance of wildlife, with lookout points peppered throughout the woods.
Owned by the National Trust, you can expect great facilities at Lydford Gorge including car parks, tea-rooms, a children’s play area, orchard, and a well-stocked shop, making it one of the best Dartmoor walks for families.
Full Lydford Gorge walk details can be found here.
Starting from Castle Drogo, this Teign Gorge circular walk navigates the dramatic views of the steep-sided Teign Gorge. The trail follows the river, passing through ancient woodlands, and taking in stunning vistas of the surrounding landscape. Look out for Sharp Tor and the much-loved Fingle Bridge along the way.
The area around Burrator Reservoir is home to a network of trails that are suitable for a variety of abilities. Regardless of whether you choose to walk around the tranquil waters, explore the surrounding woodlands, or venture onto the open moor for a more challenging hike – you won’t be disappointed. The area is rich in industrial heritage, with remnants of granite quarries and leats to discover, making it perfect for those curious and keen to explore.
Burrator Reservoir and Princetown circular is a popular route with those who frequent Burrator.
Starting from the charming village of Belstone near Okehampton, this walk is a mellow adventure that navigates through a quiet riverside setting opening onto the open moor. Enjoy panoramic views, spot wild ponies, and experience the rugged beauty of Dartmoor’s highest tors. The Nine Maidens stone circle and the remains of Bronze Age settlements add historical interest to this invigorating moorland walk. What’s more, the Tors Inn is situated next to the trailhead and is perfect for a post-walk beverage.
Find the full Belstone River and River Taw Circular walking route here.
This walk combines natural beauty with significant historical interest, so be sure to explore the medieval village ruins near the base of Hound Tor that were abandoned in the 14th century. Afterwards, climb to the top of the granite outcrop for expansive views of the Dartmoor landscape. The tor’s distinctive shape has inspired many legends and was even said to have influenced Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Hound of the Baskervilles.
The Haytor Vale and Hound Tor Circular is a delightful 7.6km route that takes in everything this popular Dartmoor walk has to offer.
The Granite Way is one of the most popular Dartmoor walks and this is for good reason! Offering stunning views of the rugged moorland landscape, this 11-mile route follows a former railway line between Okehampton and Lydford, providing a relatively flat and accessible path suitable for walkers of various abilities. Along the way, hikers can admire impressive granite tors, sweeping vistas of the surrounding countryside, and the iconic Meldon Viaduct. The trail passes through chocolate box villages and is privy to a bounty of local wildlife, making it an ideal choice for those seeking to experience both the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Dartmoor National Park.
Whether you’re seeking a challenging hike or a leisurely ramble, these top 10 Dartmoor walks offer something for every outdoor enthusiast. So pack your map, grab your walking boots, and prepare to be awed by the natural wonders of Dartmoor National Park.
Book your Dartmoor walking holiday cottage now
For even more inspiration, browse our collection of walking holidays just a stone’s throw from the popular South West Coast Path in South Devon. Once you’ve found your perfect cottage, download our South Devon Walking Guide for a selection of our favourite rambles in South Devon.
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