Category: Things to do

Dartmoor is the perfect place to lace up your walking boots and explore the great outdoors, with dramatic tors, open moorland, peaceful woodland, historic sites, and far-reaching views around every corner. With routes ranging from shorter walks to longer day-out adventures, these five walks offer plenty of opportunities to discover Dartmoor's distinctive landscapes and landmarks.

Cadover Bridge and Dewerstone Rock circular walk 

Distance: Approximately 3.4 miles | Difficulty: Moderate to difficult  

For a walk through woodland, open moorland, and along the River Plym, this circular route from Cadover Bridge offers plenty of varied scenery. The trail begins alongside the river before heading through the peaceful willow plantation and into the oak woodland of North Wood. 

As the route climbs towards West Down, the landscape opens up, with views across the valley towards the dramatic crags of Dewerstone Rock. The path continues through woodland towards Shaugh Bridge, passing the old china clayworks settling tanks along the way. 

Cross the River Plym at Shaugh Bridge before beginning the route's main uphill section towards Dewerstone Rock. The rocky track climbs steeply through the woods before emerging onto open moorland, where you'll reach the top of the rock and be rewarded with sweeping views across the surrounding landscape. 

From Dewerstone Rock, the route follows the ridge across Oxen Tor and Wigford Down, with Cadworthy Wood and the Plym Valley stretching out below. Continue towards Lower Cadworthy before heading downhill past Cadover Cross and back towards Cadover Bridge. 

Please note that some sections can be rocky, muddy, steep, or slippery, particularly around the woodland and Dewerstone Rock. 

Gutter Tor 

Distance: Approximately 4 miles | Difficulty: Moderate 

This route starts in Sheepstor at the car park before heading south towards Gutter Tor. From the top, you'll be rewarded with sweeping views across Dartmoor National Park and the surrounding tors. 

The route then heads downhill towards Gutter Mire, passing several medieval structures and historic tin-working sites along the way. Continuing south-east, you'll reach Ditsworthy Warren House before heading north-east towards Higher Hartor, where there are more great views across the landscape. 

From here, the route continues north-west towards Eylesbarrow Tin Mine before turning south-west and heading back towards the car park. 

Crazywell Poll & Devonport Leat Circular 

Distance: Approximately 4 miles | Difficulty: Easy to Moderate 

For those looking to explore the rugged landscape of Dartmoor, this circular route offers a fantastic mix of natural beauty, historic landmarks and far-reaching views. Beginning at Crazywell Pool, one of Dartmoor's most mysterious beauty spots, the walk heads towards Crazywell Cross before joining the historic Devonport Leat. 

The route follows the leat across the open moorland towards Raddick Hill, with Dartmoor's distinctive landscape stretching out around you. You'll then continue towards Leathertor Farm before reaching Leather Tor Bridge and Norsworthy Bridge, two picturesque landmarks along the route. 

In summer, purple heather and golden grasses bring colour to the moorland, while Dartmoor's famous ponies can often be spotted grazing nearby. Keep some time to explore Crazywell Pool at the start or end of your walk, and if you're planning to swim, remember to take care and swim responsibly. 

Foggintor, Merrivale Settlement & Ingra Tor circular 

Distance: Approximately 8 miles | Difficulty: Moderate 

For those looking to discover some of Dartmoor's fascinating history alongside its rugged landscapes, this circular route offers a great mix of ancient settlements, dramatic tors and former quarry workings. Starting at Four Winds Car Park, the walk takes you back in time as you explore the Ancient Merrivale Settlement, a fascinating collection of prehistoric remains on the moor. 

Continuing through the landscape, you'll pass an honesty bake box at one of the nearby farms, offering a handy spot to pick up some walking treats or essentials along the way. The route then becomes more challenging as you make the steep ascent towards Ingra Tor, before continuing around Kings Tor. 

The walk then heads towards Foggintor Quarry, where you can take a well-earned break and explore the impressive remains of Dartmoor's quarrying past. From here, the route continues back towards Four Winds Car Park, completing the circular walk. 

Sheepstor  

Distance: Approximately 4.6 miles | Difficulty: Moderate 

For those looking to explore one of Dartmoor’s distinctive tors, this circular route offers a mix of woodland, open moorland, historic remains and impressive views across the landscape. Starting from a quieter point near Burrator Reservoir, the route winds through the surrounding countryside before gradually making its way towards Sheeps Tor. 

The walk is mostly gentle to begin with, with plenty of opportunities to take in the scenery and enjoy views across Dartmoor. As the route continues, you’ll pass Burrator Reservoir and the remains of old buildings before reaching the final and most challenging section of the walk. 

The route saves the steepest climb until the end, as you make your way up Sheeps Tor. Once at the summit, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views across Dartmoor before descending and completing the circular route back to the starting point.

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In partnership with GWR, Destination Plymouth’s lead travel partner 

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