Top 10 Walks in Dartmoor National Park, Devon
Dartmoor is made for walking. From ancient oak forests and fern-filled gorges to open tors crowned with Bronze Age history, its landscapes reward exploration on foot – whether you’re after a gentle stroll or a more bracing hike.
This is our tried-and-tested selection of Dartmoor’s best walks, chosen for their scenery, atmosphere and sense of place. Many sit comfortably within reach of North Bovey, making them easy to weave into a relaxed stay at Moorland View. This page forms part of our comprehensive Dartmoor guide, which explores the landscape, history and practicalities of visiting Dartmoor.
Alongside this public guide, we share detailed route notes, safety advice and lesser-known walking routes privately with guests at Moorland View.
Fingle Gorge
One of Dartmoor’s most spectacular riverside walks, this two-hour return route follows the River Teign through a wooded gorge from Castle Drogo to the Fingle Bridge Inn. In spring, bluebells and daffodils carpet the woodland floor.
Wistman's Wood
A rare remnant of Dartmoor’s original oak forest, Wistman’s Wood is a haunting place of twisted dwarf oaks rising from mossy boulders. Afterwards, avoid the crowds and head to Princehall Hotel for lunch or a cream tea with views.
Easdon Tor
Just ten minutes on foot from Moorland View, Easdon Tor delivers instant perspective. Expect wide views across the moor, Dartmoor ponies, and birds of prey riding the thermals above.
Grimspound
One of the moor’s best-preserved prehistoric settlements, Grimspound’s stone walls enclose the remains of 24 Bronze Age roundhouses. Its eerie atmosphere famously inspired The Hound of the Baskervilles.
North Bovey to Lustleigh
This beautiful two-hour walk takes in sweeping views, a Roman fort, and the dramatic boulders of Lustleigh Cleave. Finish with a drink or cream tea at The Cleave Inn beneath its thatched roof.
Wiseman’s Wood
Fingle Gorge
River Bovey
A gentle, flat walk from Moorland View to Bovey Castle following the clear waters of the River Bovey. Wildflower meadows, stone bridges and castle gardens make this ideal for an easy morning stroll.
Hound Tor
One of Dartmoor’s most accessible viewpoints, Hound Tor offers expansive views across the moor. Below lie the remains of a medieval village, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the walk.
Brent Tor
Crowned by the tiny Church of St Michael de Rupe, Brent Tor is one of Dartmoor’s most romantic spots. Iron Age earthworks and hill-fort remains surround the tor, with spectacular views in every direction.
Brent Tor
Lydford Gorge
The deepest gorge in the south-west, Lydford Gorge is a dramatic landscape of waterfalls, whirlpools and fern-lined paths. Highlights include the Whitelady Waterfall and the Devil’s Cauldron.
Lustleigh Cleave
A rewarding five-mile circular walk through a wooded cleft along the Sticklepath Fault, with tors and giant boulders rising overhead. Finish at the Cleave Hotel, a 15th-century inn with oak beams and open fires.
Walking Dartmoor From The Right Base
One of the great advantages of staying at Moorland View is how quickly you can step into Dartmoor’s landscapes straight from the door. From short dawn walks to half-day explorations, these routes are easy to enjoy without long drives or busy honeypots.
