Walking On Dartmoor

Walking on Dartmoor

If you're up early enough on a clear morning you'll catch the sunrise from The Cottage or the Old Barn, giving you your first glimpse of Dartmoor's dramatic outline as seen from the west. This beautiful, wild and often remote landscape is a wonderful resource within easy reach of Higher Kellacott, with several ways to access this historic National Park within a 30 minute drive. It is a favourite destination for us and below you'll find a number of suggested walks, drives, places to eat, explore or swim.  

Although summer is clearly the most favourable time of year to enjoying the outdoors on Dartmoor, there are still plenty of walks and ways to enjoy this wonderful resource through the cooler months. Warm clothes, a good coat, hat and a strong pair of walking boots, plus a flask of something hot, will keep you warm; after which a good meal in front of a hearty fire will set you up for the rest of the day.

There are a vast number of ways to explore this National Park, which was founded in 1951 and spans 954 square km; whether it's on foot, bike or by car. The best road to take to get right across the moor is the B3357, which is just off the A386 as you drive in to Tavistock. This road will give you access a great number of walks along the way, whether circular walks or short walks up to various Tors, many of which can be seen along your route. You'll find Wistman's Wood can be accessed along this route and also Sharp Tor, both pictured above.

If you plan to enjoy some walking whilst staying at the Cottage, some of our favourite walks are featured here. Always go prepared and take a good map with you, or consider downloading the Ordinance Survey app to help plan your route. We're always happy to help with this if you'd like to check in advance. 

If you'd like to venture further afield, Visit Dartmoor is an excellent online resource.
Belstone Tors and Moor
The postcode for the main car park is TQ13 8DP. It is approximately 35 minutes' drive when accessed via the A30.
Belstone is an ancient Dartmoor village on the north western edge of the Dartmoor National Park and as it is relatively close to Higher Kellacott, is a great place from which to explore the moor. There is a car park by the cricket pitch, from where you can access the village, pub and the moor, with several directions or walks to choose from. 

A walk to the Nine Maidens Stones - pictured above and left, has stunning views to Dartmoor and the East Okement Valley. Scary Tor can also be seen from along this route, with access to the East Okement and Taw Rivers, Belstone Tors or head on up to Higher Tor for a longer walk. 

On a hot summer's day you might like to make your way to Cullover Steps, pictured left, a very popular wild swimming pool, which can be accessed from both sides of the valley. It's a great place for a picnic too! 

Needless to say, the Tors pub in the village is very popular with walkers! They serve hot meals daily from 11am till 3pm. For further details view here
Meldon Reservoir and Quarry
Enjoy a waterside walk around this lovely Dartmoor reservoir. Parking is available at the eastern end of the reservoir, following signs from the A30 exit; from there you can take several paths up on to the surrounding hills including a walk to Black-a-Tor and Black-a-Tor Copse, or a walk up to two of the highest Dartmoor tors; Yes Tor and High Willhays. Alternatively, take a stroll along a lovely valley walk to the old Quarry, where there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy a picnic.

The quarry dates back to 1874, when it was used to provide ballast for local railway requirements, due to the opening of the railway extension from Okehampton to Lydford, on which the quarry lies. It was in use until the 1980s and still has various remains and railway carriages on view. 

The postcode for the reservoir car park is EX20 4LU. It is approximately 20 minutes' drive when accessed via the A30 Broadwoodwidger exit.

High Down, River Lyd & Widgery Cross
This wonderful area of Dartmoor, known as High Down, is just off the A386 when heading south towards Tavistock from the A30. A left hand turning up a track, opposite Lydford Farm Shop, leads to a large grassy car park, where you can head off along several different paths, most of which lead to the River Lyd and from there towards several tor and Widgery Cross. 

Our favourite route is along to a popular wild swimming spot known as Black Pool. It is more of a dip than a swim, but wonderful nevertheless. Make sure you see the war memorial for Captain Nigel Duncan Ratcliffe Hunter and take time to read his beautiful poem, Widgery Cross. For those wishing for a more challenging hike, Great Leighs Tor, the third highest peak on Dartmoor, is accessible from this car park. 

This map does not pinpoint the actual car park, but it is clear to see the turning opposite Lydford Farm Shop, just before reaching The Dartmoor Inn.


Meldon and Nattadon Hills, Chagford
The postcode for the main car park is TQ13 8DP. It is approximately 35 minutes' drive when accessed via the A30.
Chagford is a thriving stannary town on the Dartmoor National Park, with several walks accessible from the town itself. There is a car park just off the main square, from where you can walk into the town and enjoy many local pubs and cafes before heading off for a walk. 

Meldon Hill and Nattadon Hill are both popular with walkers, with a circular walk enabling you to take on both hills or each one independently. It is also possible to access the River Teign and surrounding area. There is also a wonderful stretch that is great for swimming in the summer, pictured left. 

The Three Crowns is a great place to stop for lunch or supper after your walk, with a lovely open fire in the bar. For further details view here

Visit Chagford is a great resource if you would like to plan a visit, as there are many events held here throughout the year. 
Tavy Cleave, the Valley and Hare Tor
The postcode for Lane End car park is PL19 9NB. It is approximately 40 minutes' drive when accessed via the A386, turning off at Mary Tavy.
Accessed from a small car park at Lane End, there is a wonderful walk up to Hare Tor, which is the furthest right peak viewed from Higher Kellacott. From there you can pick your way across the moor and drop down into Tavy Cleave, a steep sided valley. 

The River Tavy winds its way down this beautiful valley, where you'll come across a number of wild swimming pools, including one known as the Devil's Kitchen. Working your way down this valley can be pretty ponderous as the path is fairly loosely defined and crosses some rather wet patches, so a good pair of walking boots is essential. 

You will come across the Wheal Jewell Mine Leat, which winds its way above the river and as well as providing a good path, will lead you back to the car park. This circular walk is between 4 and 5 miles. 

Please note this walks cuts through the Willsworthy Firing Range, so keep a look out for red flags flying, a signal not to access the moor. 
Wistman's Wood
The postcode for Two Bridges is PL19 9NA. It is approximately 50 minutes' drive when accessed via Tavistock and the B3357.
It's a fairly short walk from the car park at Two Bridges to Wistman's Wood, along the West Dart River valley. You can either go straight to the wood or make your way up to Longaford and Higher White Tors before dropping down the valley to explore this extraordinary piece of ancient oak woodland nature reserve. 

This is one of only three high-altitude oak woods on Dartmoor, and as you will see from the image on the left is particularly well known for the ferns and mosses that festoon both the trees, undergrowth and granite. There is an abundance of sphagnum moss, which was of great use during the first world war as it was used to dress wounds, due to its ability to absorb moisture. 

You will need to access this walk from the B3357 near Tavistock, or cut across from Chagford or Moretonhampstead via Postbridge. This Dartmoor village has a very useful Tourist Information office, village store and a very pretty Clapper Bridge, which dates from the 13th century. 

Either direction will give a circular route by road, taking in this and a number of other walks along the way. There are plenty of pubs and inns along the way or better still, numerous picnic opportunities.
Challacombe Down & Grimspound
August turns Challacombe Down purple with Ling heather, a wonderful sight to see, especially as beekeepers; a crop of Dartmoor Heather Honey is to be treasured and this is one of the few areas of Dartmoor where it is possible to site some of our colonies, with permission from the landowners nearby. 
Just a stone's throw from Postbridge, Challacombe Down is an area full of history from medievil times, with Grimspound dating back to the late bronze age. There are many walks which take in the sights of this beautiful landscape. 
Share by: