With acres of beautiful moorland waiting to be discovered, you won’t be surprised to hear that there are an abundance of incredible dartmoor hikes to explore. If you’ve never visited Dartmoor before, it’s a great location for a walking holiday. Impressive tors, craggy landscapes, sparkling rivers and luscious woodland are just a few of the spectacular scenes you’ll be able to take in along the way. So, grab your walking boots, pack up a backpack, and get exploring with these top 5 Dartmoor hikes:
The Templer Way
This route takes you from moorland directly to the sea, starting at Haytor Rocks and finishing at Teignmouth. The Templer Way is named after the Templer family who built the Stover canal and tramway that connects Dartmoor to the coast. This was essential for transporting granite out of the southwest to be used in crucial construction projects. Packed full of heritage, this is one of the most unique dartmoor hikes and is approximately 29km in distance.
Burrator Reservoir Skyline Loop
If you’re looking for more gentle Dartmoor hikes then Burrator Reservoir is an ideal location. This 15km hike takes you off the road that loops around the reservoir and up onto the tors just above the Burrator skyline. You’ll start by crossing the burrator dam before cutting off the road onto a public footpath. After walking along the shoreline of the reservoir, you’ll take a stony track that takes you onto the side of Sheepstor. From the top you’ll see a gorgeous view of the reservoir, Plymouth and the sea.
The Dartmoor Way (Dewerstone To Ivybridge)
The Dartmoor Way is an impressive 108 mile hiking route that circumnavigates the edges of the national park. There are many different routes to discover along The Dartmoor Way, however one of our favourite sections of the trail is a 20km route that goes from the Dewerstone to Ivybridge. The trail starts at Shaugh Bridge, near the Dewerstone which is a famous crag named after the Dartmoor legend who is said to haunt the rocky area at night. The path takes in a wide range of landmarks and scenery including the River Plym and Cadover Bridge.
Combestone Stepping Stone Hike
Another one of the best Dartmoor hikes to enjoy is the Combestone stepping stone hike. This is a 15km hike that starts at Dartmeet (where the East and West Dart rivers meet) and offers some of the most beautiful scenery that this stunning part of the world has to offer. Along the way you’ll pass Venford Reservoir, Combestone Tor and the dry Wheal Emma leat that used to carry water to a local copper mine. This is a 15km route that loops round and finishes back at Dartmeet.
White Tor And Great Staple Tor
One of the most popular dartmoor hikes enjoyed by outdoor enthusiasts takes in two of the moorland’s most picturesque tors. Great Staple Tor is known for its iconic rock towers whilst White Tor offers gorgeous views of the folding slopes of Tavy Cleave. This route provides just over 10km of exploration. At the summit of White Tor you can see views of Bodmin moor as well as Plymouth sound.
When hiking or enjoying walks around Dartmoor, it’s essential that you’re wearing the correct footwear in order to protect your feet from blisters and potential injury. Make sure to have a look at our article on which LOWA military boots are best for hiking for help finding the perfect boot. For further guidance and recommendations please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us by calling +44 (0)1752 344355 or emailing [email protected].
