Wandering the Wilds: A (Mostly) Foolproof Guide to Walking on Dartmoor

Dartmoor is one of those places that makes you want to fling on a pair of well-worn boots, grab a sturdy stick, and set off into the horizon looking purposeful and poetic. It’s vast, rugged, and a little bit unpredictable, much like the British weather. And while it offers some of the finest walking in the country, it also demands a bit of respect — both in terms of navigation and how we treat the land.

With over 368 square miles of wild moorland, craggy tors, ancient woodlands, and meandering rivers, Dartmoor has been luring walkers for centuries. Some of them have even made it back. Kidding. Mostly. The key to a successful Dartmoor adventure is preparation, appreciation, and knowing where the nearest pub is.

Dartmoor, Mystery & The Hound of the Baskervilles

Dartmoor isn’t just famous for its wild beauty, it’s also steeped in myth, legend, and more than a few chilling stories. If you’ve ever felt an eerie presence while walking across the misty moors, you’re not alone. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle certainly thought so when he wrote The Hound of the Baskervilles, inspired by Dartmoor’s brooding landscape.

The novel, one of Sherlock Holmes’ most famous cases, was influenced by local folklore about a ghostly, monstrous hound that roamed the moors, striking terror into those who crossed its path. While the reality of giant supernatural dogs is (probably) up for debate, the setting itself—bleak, dramatic, and full of swirling mist—is undeniably atmospheric.

For literature lovers, Fox Tor Mire is often linked to the infamous Grimpen Mire in the book—a treacherous stretch of bog that swallows up anything unfortunate enough to stray too far into it. While you’re unlikely to stumble into a bottomless bog these days (thanks to modern footpaths and common sense), the landscape still carries an air of mystery.

Walking across Dartmoor, it’s easy to see why Conan Doyle was inspired by this place. It’s wild, untamed, and when the weather closes in, it wouldn’t take much imagination to believe that something is watching you through the mist. (Spoiler: it’s probably just a sheep.)

Before You Go: The Golden Rules of Dartmoor Walking

Before we dive into the best routes, let’s have a quick chat about looking after Dartmoor while we explore it. This place has been around for millennia, and we’d like to keep it that way.

• Leave no trace – If you bring it with you, take it home. That includes snack wrappers, tissues, and the sandwich crusts you thought you’d eat but didn’t.
• Stick to well-trodden paths where possible – The moorland ecosystem is fragile, and while Dartmoor feels like an endless wilderness, the ground can be easily damaged by too many wandering feet.
• Respect wildlife and livestock – Dartmoor ponies are adorable but not interested in sharing your lunch. Sheep and cattle roam freely, remember they do not want to be your friends.
• Check the weather – Dartmoor has its own special way of surprising you. That sunny morning can turn into mist and rain in minutes. Pop your waterproofs in your backpack .

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s get to the fun part — the walks.

Walking on Dartmoor – Walks for Every Mood and Ability

Whether you’re after a gentle meander or an epic trek that leaves your legs like jelly, Dartmoor delivers. Here are some of the best walks to explore.

The “Easy Like a Sunday Morning” Walk: Bellever Forest & the East Dart River

Start: Postbridge Car Park
Distance: 3-4 miles, depending on your route
Difficulty: Easy

If you’re after a peaceful walk without too much of a climb, Bellever Forest is a great choice. The well-maintained woodland trails weave through towering pines, leading to the East Dart River, which is ideal for a mid-walk paddle (if you don’t mind the bracing chill of Dartmoor’s water).

A gentle detour up to Bellever Tor offers panoramic views without too much effort, and if you’re lucky, you’ll spot Dartmoor ponies grazing in the heather. It’s a great route for families, or those who just want a bit of fresh air without committing to an all-day trek.

The “Let’s Climb Something” Walk: Haytor and Hound Tor

Start: Haytor National Park Visitor Centre
Distance: 5-6 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

For an iconic Dartmoor walk with a bit of everything, Haytor and Hound Tor make a brilliant combo. Haytor is one of the most famous landmarks on the moor, with its dramatic granite peak drawing walkers like moths to a flame (except, hopefully, with fewer unfortunate endings). It’s an easy climb, and the reward is stunning views across the rolling landscape.

From Haytor, follow the paths through open moorland towards Hound Tor, another striking rock formation with an air of mystery. Just below Hound Tor, you’ll find the eerie ruins of a medieval village, abandoned centuries ago, and a great spot to pause and ponder why medieval people were so keen on building homes in very windy places.

The “I Need a Proper Leg Stretch” Walk: High Willhays & Yes Tor

Start: Meldon Reservoir Car Park
Distance: 6-7 miles
Difficulty: Challenging

If you fancy bagging Dartmoor’s two highest peaks, this is the route for you. Starting from Meldon Reservoir, you’ll climb up towards Yes Tor (619m) before tackling High Willhays (621m), the official highest point on Dartmoor. These might not be towering mountains, but on a misty day, they feel as wild and remote as anywhere in the UK.

The views from the top are spectacular… when you can see them. On a clear day, you can spot the sea in one direction and endless rolling hills in the other. On a cloudy day, you’ll see… clouds. Either way, it’s a rewarding challenge, and the sense of achievement (and burning thighs) will be well worth it.

The “River Dipping and Waterfall Chasing” Walk: The Teign Gorge

Start: Fingle Bridge
Distance: 5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

Rivers are a huge part of Dartmoor’s charm, and the Teign Gorge walk showcases them at their best. Starting at the picturesque Fingle Bridge, you’ll follow the River Teign through ancient woodland, passing cascading waterfalls and gnarled old trees straight out of a fairytale.

A climb up to Castle Drogo (the last castle built in England) offers breathtaking views down the gorge, and the route loops back through mossy forest trails. It’s a great choice if you like your walks with a touch of Tolkien-esque magic and the chance to dip your feet in fresh, rushing water.

Post-Walk Pubs: Because You’ve Earned It

One of the great joys of Dartmoor walking is the post-hike pub stop. Fortunately, the moor has some excellent ones. Here are a few of the best:

• The Rugglestone Inn, Widecombe-in-the-Moor – A proper country pub with a roaring fire and legendary pies. Bring an appetite.
• The Warren House Inn, Postbridge – The highest pub in southern England. Steeped in history and with a fire that’s been burning since 1845.
• The Dartmoor Inn, Merrivale – A classy spot with fantastic food, ideal if you are happy to pretend your muddy boots aren’t ruining the aesthetic.
• The Old Inn, Widecombe – A classic pub with generous portions and excellent ales, right in the heart of one of Dartmoor’s most picturesque villages.

Final Thoughts

Walking on Dartmoor is about embracing adventure, fresh air, and the occasional navigational mishap. It’s about discovering rivers hidden in deep valleys, climbing tors that make you feel on top of the world, and rewarding yourself with a well-earned drink at the end of it all.

But it’s also about treading lightly. Dartmoor is a wild, beautiful place, and it’s our job to keep it that way. So walk with care, take your rubbish home, and remember: the ponies are watching.

Now, lace up your boots and get out there. The moor is waiting.