Dartmoor National Park Authority
Weather Forecasts
An up-to-date weather forecast for Princetown can be obtained from www.metcheck.com (external link, opens new window).
Webcams
To view Dartmoor from a webcam near Postbridge (external link opens new window)
To view Dartmoor from a webcam at Princetown (external link opens new window)
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.
Nordic Walking - New Year New You!
An opportunity to try out a new sport on Dartmoor and increase your fitness, particularly good for those with a New Year's resolution to get fit. Nordic walking engages the muscles of the upper body and therefore burns more calories than ordinary walking. Cost £6.50 which includes tuition and the use of poles. There are opportunities on 23rd May, 20th June and 4th July. Booking essential Contact Elaine Sylvester 01822 615513
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 for stream dipping).
We also have an exciting range of family activities in association the the Devon County Council run Dartmoor Centres. There are opportunities for Caving, Off Road Cycling and Climbing. Deatils can be found on the April and August pages during the School Holiday period or on the back page of our 'What's On Guide' in our free information paper 'The Dartmoor Guide' (available on request by contacting the High Moorland Visitor Centre on 01822 890414).
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" evening Wildlife walks and a chance to explore the 'Nature in the Bovey Bovey Valley'.
Repeated this year is a series of haymeadow walks from Postbridge in late June and early July. 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. 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.
Visit a Dartmoor Longhouse
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 three 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. They are joined by a repeat of the Dartmoor Perambulation, a walk which follows the boundary of the Dartmoor Forest parish. 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
In addtion to the linear walks we have included some more challenging day walks to Fur Tor, Ducks' Pool and Cranmere Pool as a circular walk. 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.
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
Would you like to join a qualified Dartmoor National Park guide to discover the special qualities of the National Park without worrying about transport?
This summer Easy-Going Dartmoor Tours offer elderly people and people of all ages with disabilities the chance to enjoy a day out visiting sites on the beautiful high moor. All vehicles are fully accessible and equipped to carry wheelchairs. Attendants/carers/families are also welcome to join the tour.
Whether you fancy an easy-going stroll through the woods, a pub lunch or just want to enjoy the stunning views, our guides will share their knowledge and love of the area with you
If you would like to join a tour please call
Exeter Community Transport Association 01392 494001
Ivybridge and District Community Transport Association 01752 690444
Newton Abbot and Teignbridge Community Transport 01626 353159
Okehampton Ring and Ride 01837 55000
Tavistock and District Local Transpport Partnership 01822 616958
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.
Return to the Dartmoor Events and Guided Walks homepage.
Page updated 30 April 2009
