7 of our favourite Dartmoor walks

With its incredible landscapes, Dartmoor National Park is hard to beat when it comes to exceptional walks. The park can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages and fitness levels thanks to a number of walks that cater to different levels of experience. Below you’ll discover a selection of Dartmoor walks that will satisfy everyone, from keen outdoor hikers to families with young children.

Templar Way

Templar Way is an 18-mile long route that travels between Haytor and Teignmouth at the coast. If you’re keen for a longer walk you can complete the whole route but alternatively just walking part of it is an excellent way to take in beautiful scenery. Granite used to be exported along part of this route via the Haytor Granite Tramway. The walk is easy if travelling downhill from Haytor to Teignmouth but the reverse uphill route is quite difficult.

Hound Tor

Offering superb views without strenuous activity to access them, Hound Tor is a laidback half-mile stroll. From the top you will be able to spot the likes of Bowerman’s Nose as well as the village of Widecombe-in-the-Moor. One of the highlights of this visit are the ruins of a deserted medieval village just at the back of the tor. Mysterious and imposing, Hound Tor is also thought to have inspired Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Hound of the Baskervilles.

Grimspound

Keen to get a glimpse into the lives of Britain’s prehistoric inhabitants? A walk to Grimspound will take you to the most famous prehistoric settlement in Dartmoor. Here you will be able to see what remains of 24 stone houses that date from the late Bronze Age and which are surrounded by a large wall. It’s a stunning spot from which to consider how different the lives of the prehistoric people were to those we live today.

Jay’s Grave

Jay’s Grave, a mysterious Dartmoor landmark, is the subject of a famous legend. It is supposedly the grave of Mary Jay (or later Kitty Jay) who committed suicide after she fell pregnant and was forbidden to have anything to do with the baby’s father. Since suicides were not allowed to be buried in consecrated ground, her body was buried at a crossroads. Strange things are known to occur near the grave. There are always fresh flowers on the grave but no one knows who puts them there. People often report seeing a cloaked figure kneeling by the grave with its head down and its hands covering its face. Suggestions are that this may be the spirit of the baby’s father or of someone who forbade Mary Jay from associating with him. The grave is around a mile north west of Hound Tor, making it a suitable option for combining both landmarks in a beautiful country walk.

Castle Drogo to Teign Gorge

Beginning at Castle Drogo which is considered the last great castle to be constructed in England, this walk will take about two hours to complete as a round trip. There is a choice of routes to follow, both of which are signposted, that will provide either spectacular valley views or which will take you along the bank of the River Teign. At the bottom of Teign Gorge you will come across the pretty Fingle Bridge and there is an inn next to the bridge which is a good stopping point if you fancy some refreshments.

High Willhays and Yes Tor

The walk to High Willhays  will take you to the highest point in Dartmoor. This landmark is about 621 metres above sea level and provides superb views. The nearby Yes Tor is also a great vantage point from which to survey the landscape. The walk is around 6.5 miles or 10.6 kilometres and is moderate in terms of accessibility.

Potter’s Walk

Potter’s Walk is ideal for a fun family escapade or if you feel like a leisurely wander without strenuous exertion. The route is only 0.75 miles and for the most part flat, offering lovely views of Fernworthy Reservoir as well as a picnic spot to enjoy a snack surrounded by Dartmoor’s delightful scenery. If you have the kids with you, stop by the Miniature Pony Centre at Wormhill Farm, which is around a 10-minute drive away and is sure to enchant adults as well as children.

Plan your route for a safe and superb walking adventure

It’s advisable to plan your route before setting off so that you can focus on the sights and having fun rather than backtracking because you took a wrong turn. Depending on the time of year it may get cold so make sure you have suitable warm clothing and don’t forget to wear a good pair of walking boots because nothing will detract from a pleasing walk quicker than sore feet! It’s also a good idea to pack some snacks to keep energy levels up. However, as long as you adequately prepare for your walk and choose a route that suits the fitness levels of everyone in your party, you’re bound to have a wonderful wander whatever walk you choose.