Types of Walk
This page describes the various types of walks on Dartmoor that are on offer; choose one from below to go straight to the relevant part of the document, or just scroll down and discover everything that is on offer. Some types of walks may not be available all year.
For more information on what you need to know, including fees, booking, what to wear and walks that suits you - visit the key facts on walks page.
- Family Strolls and Children's Activities
- Farming on Dartmoor - New events this year
- Walks for the less Mobile
- Archaeology
- Kelly Mine Walks
- Wildlife and Natural History
- The Spirit of the Pony
- Evening Walks
- Dartmoor Rock Walks
- Visit a Dartmoor Longhouse
- Sketch and Stroll
- High Moor Walks
- Navigation Walks
- Easy Going Dartmoor Mini Bus Tours
- Walk Your Way Back to Health
Look out for easy going strolls in the guided walks programme. These strolls are particularly suitable for the less mobile or for parents with pushchairs.
Alternatively you can purchase Easy Going Dartmoor from any Dartmoor National Park Information Centre and some Tourist Information Centres. Easy-Going Dartmoor provides a wealth of access information on a wide range of sites within the National Park area that can be enjoyed by people with limited mobility, including wheelchair users, families with pushchairs and young children, and people who are visually impaired.
If you have a special need, are unsure about the suitability of a walk, or require a helper, contact the Recreation section. Please give at least two week notice and telephone Anna Baness (01626) 832093* for details.
*Note : These are UK telephone numbers; for international dialling replace the 0 in the std code with the country code 44, so for example: (01626) becomes (44 1626).
Family Strolls and Children’s Activities
The exciting programme of 2-3 hour activities is suitable (but not exclusively) for 7 to 14 year olds. It includes looking for small creatures in stream dipping activities, Discovery Trails, Dartmoor Playdays and story walk for families. Suitable outdoor clothing and footwear are needed (wellies or plimsolls, shorts and t-shirts or swimsuits for stream dipping).
Family Activities 2008
This summer holiday why not try something new? Dartmoor National Park Authority have teamed up with the Dartmoor Centres (Devon County Council) to offer introductory rock climbing, mountain biking, caving (new) and orienteering (new) opportunities. All the sessions are led by experienced, qualified instructors and are aimed at beginners and novices. These exciting sessions offer a real chance for families* to try something new.
Feedback from 2007
Rock Climbing
“The instructor was brilliant and provided the perfect balance of fun, expertise and a friendly approach. Thanks for a great day”
Cycling
“We were fully escorted by a knowledgeable guide who instructed to make the most of how to ride mountain bikes as well as making all of us feel at ease and comfortable”
Rock Climbing
Two instructors will introduce you to the delights of climbing crags. There will be plenty of opportunity to learn and practice new skills. All equipment will be provided.
There are morning and afternoon sessions 10:00 – 12:30 or 13:30 – 16:00 at a cost of £16.00 per person.
29th July
5th August
12th August
19th August
Off Road Cycling
This is the chance to explore Dartmoor’s landscape from the saddle in the company of an experienced instructor. Learn how to make the most of riding a mountain bike. Afternoon sessions13:30 – 16:00 at a cost of £8.00 per person. Bike hire is available – details on request.
31st July
7th August
14th August
21st August
Caving
An instructor will equip you with all the gear you need to explore the mysterious caverns beneath Dartmoor. Wear old Clothes. Aafternoon sessions 13:30 – 16:00 at a cost of £16.00 per person
6th August
20th August
Orienteering
An instructor will explain basic skills and set you off in Soussons Forest – be competitive or take it easy.
Afternoon sessions13:30 – 16:00 at a cost of £6.00 per person
30th July
13th August
To book your place contact the Dartmoor Centres on 01364 631500
* Minimum age for children participating is eight.
Dartmoor is particularly rich in prehistoric remains and these feature on all general and most special interest walks. Remains of medieval settlements and farmsteads, mining, warrening and trackways are all common, and human's recent history has also left intriguing clues.
The Granite Tramway and Quarries at Haytor give an insight into the thriving and remarkable past. The granite tramway is unique and still clearly visible.
Walks starting at King's Oven are right at the heart of an area where tin mining and warrening were common not that long ago and has now left a changed and dramatic landscape well worth exploring.
The Hidden Archaeology walks from Bellever offer another surprising view into the past, hidden by the plantation of conifers. From Ivybridge, Cadover and Combestone the walks guide you over the solitude of the open moor to long abandoned communities and industries.
Merrivale and Norsworthy start points all provide interesting opportunities to see how man has made use of Dartmoor in the past.
Hound Tor medieval village
The fringes of the High Moor were settled in medieval times, however a significant number were abandoned around the 14th century. Hound Tor is one of the largest and best known deserted medieval settlements on Dartmoor. Discover more on this stroll.
Bullaton
Visit Bullaton historic farmstead and learn more about Dartmoor's farming history. You will encounter an interesting array of farmyard buildings including a threshing barn, a linhay and granary as well as examples of early farm machinery.
Haytor
Enjoy the area around one of Dartmoor's best known tors, making the most of the spectacular views, the quarries and the unique tramway made of granite setts.
A walk from Trenchford Reservoir takes you to this fascinating working mine. Enjoy a 1 ½ hr tour as the Kelly Mine Preservation Association carries out their restoration work. An opportunity to discover more about Dartmoor’s mining history.
The first reference of this mine being worked was in 1797, finally closing in 1951. Curiously it was probably the last mine in Britain to use candles for underground lighting along with drilling by hand. Come on this walk and join a volunteer from the Kelly Mine Preservation Society for a 1 ½ hr tour of this fascinating piece of Dartmoor's industrial past. Please note there is a steep section to the walk. For more information about Kelly Mine visit www.kellymine.freeserve.co.uk (external link, opens in new window.)
From blanket bog, tors and moorland to wooded valleys, rivers and farmland, the wealth of wildlife on Dartmoor is staggering. We offer a wide range of natural history and wildlife walks. There are "Bird Watching Walks", a "Fungi Foray" and a chance to explore the Bovey Valley.
Repeated this year is a series of haymeadow walks from Postbridge. Flower-rich haymeadows conjure an image of a summer afternoon spent in warm sunshine amongst colourful flowers, rare orchids and buzzing bumblebees. We are fortunate that Dartmoor still has a few of these special habitats left. The four new guided walks in June/July include three of the best haymeadows on Dartmoor. In addition, the cost of the two hour walks includes cream teas in hostelries whose owners not only provide a great service for their visitors but also look after Dartmoor’s wildlife! For more information and to book contact 01822 890414.
Why not use your holiday to increase your knowledge and awareness of the environment around you both at home and away.
Make the most of the long summer days by joining an evening stroll. Watch the sunset on a walk from Pork Hill or Haytor or join the popular Megaliths by Moonlight walks exploring the possible origins of prehistoric remains. The Summer Solstice stroll in June starts at Merrivale. An addition to the evening walks this year is ‘The Southern Moon over Dartmoor’. 2006 is a special year for the Moon reaching the peak of it's 18.6 year cycle. Enjoy this walk with the Moon at its most southerly point lying low in the sky and observe the dramatic effect on the landscape. Please bring a torch on all evening walks.
Imagine an ancient tropical ocean with exotic swimming creatures and coral reefs. Imagine a massive cauldron of molten magma deep inside the earths crust. Imagine super hot liquids and gases pumping through the cracks and fissures of the rocks. Imagine the slow but massive forces at work during the ice ages with endless periods of freezing and thawing. Come with us and discover clues to these past episodes frozen into the rocks and landforms.Come and see the shining crystals, glittering ores and colourful clays that make up Dartmoor
Join these 3 hour walks which start from Burrator or Postbridge and explore the creation and moulding of Dartmoor’s rocks.
The Dartmoor National Park Authority has owned the Grade I listed Dartmoor longhouse, Higher Uppacott, since 1979, purchasing it with the help of a 50% grant from the Countryside Commission. A longhouse is a medieval farmhouse in which both people and cattle were accommodated. Higher Uppacott is one of the few remaining examples of this historic building type still with its original unaltered shippon (cattle shelter). Because of its location and the nature of its surroundings, Higher Uppacott is not routinely open to the public. There are several opportunities to visit the Longhouse but booking is essential (01822) 890414. Why not make an interactive visit first by visiting our innovative virtual tour of the Longhouse www.virtuallydartmoor.org.uk (external link, opens new window)
Draw and paint the Dartmoor landscape on a guided walk with a local artist. These four or six hour strolls allow ample time to stop and sketch or paint without walking more than two or three miles. Whether you are a beginner or advanced painter, you will be sure to enjoy yourself - everyone does!
New this year are sessions aimed at children and Families
Come equipped for walking and bring sketching materials a snackand a drink. You might also like to bring a camera to record your view to take away with you if you do not finish your work.
These walks on the North and South Moors usually 4hrs + provide an opportunity to strike out into the heart of Dartmoor in the company of an experienced guide. Joining a guided walk has several benefits particularly if you are unfamiliar with the area or like to walk with company. The guide will also interpret the landscape and some of the features which adds interest to any future walks you may undertake on your own. If choosing one of these walks please be aware of your own abilities as they will often be across demanding terrain with longer distances covered, not necessarily on tracks or paths.
This year the popular North to South and East to West linear walks remain in the programme and are joined by two new ones Shadowing the mariners Way and Dartmoor Reservoirs. These demanding 6hr+ walks are only suitable for more experienced walkers with a good level of fitness. To take part you need to be able to book for both days on each of the weekends in question, the cost for each weekend is £30.00. For more information and to book please contact 01822 890414
Your chance to learn or brush up on navigation skills with an expert. If you are a beginner be sure not to miss the regular Beginner’s Guide to Map and Compass. Or polish up and learn new skills on an Improver’s Navigation walk.
Price: £15 – be sure to book early, as all the navigation walks are popular. Bring a compass and map (Explorer OL 28) if possible, packed lunch and a drink. Ring the High Moorland Visitor Centre (Princetown) on 01822 890414 to book.
The Navigation syllabus will give you a general overview of the skills you will acquire on these events
Easy Going Dartmoor Mini Bus Tours
Following the success of the scheme, there are now more opportunities offering the elderly and the less mobile the chance to visit and enjoy Dartmoor with out worrying about transport. A number of guided tours are available throughout the summer using fully accessible vehicles that are equipped to carry wheelchairs. Accompanied by a National Park Guide there are refreshment stops, an optional stroll and some include a visit to the High Moorland Visitor Centre, Princetown.
 | If you would like to join a tour please call |
Choose the kind of walk most suitable to your abilities.
More experienced or fitter walkers may feel that a longer Walk is for them, as greater distances are covered over a longer time. A Walk is ideal for those used to walking, bearing in mind that an initial level of fitness may be required and that there may be some steep or rough ground.
Walkers wanting an easy pace and shorter length to build up their fitness or if they are unable to walk far, may decide to choose a Stroll or Easy-going Stroll.
A Stroll is normally up to two hours at an easy pace and may be suitable for children or slower walkers – these include Introductory Walks.
An Easy-going Stroll is a short walk, normally up to two hours at a very easy pace. Locations are suitable for everybody, including less mobile people, wheelchair users and pushchairs.
Farming on Dartmoor - Flock, Stock and Bales
Farming maintains the Dartmoor Landscape that is enjoyed by millions of people each year Farming on Dartmoor particularly on the moorland, has traditionally been based around the keeping of hardy breeds of beef cattle, sheep and ponies suited to the exposed hills
This year is the year of Food and Farming and to celebrate the Dartmoor Hill Farm Project in collaboration with local farmers and supported by the Dartmoor National Park Authority and the Duchy of Cornwall have produced the main Summer exhibiton at the High Moorland Visitor Centre. The exhibiton is supported by a series of Farm Walks and Open Days which give you a real opportunity to find out more about the imporatant role of Hill Farming and the Dartmoor landscape. For more information on the Farming walks please visit the Guided Walks and Events Diary Pages for June, July, August and September.
Return to the Dartmoor Events and Guided Walks homepage.
