These five Dartmoor walks combine history, nature, and some of the area’s best-known landmarks. Each route offers a chance to see ancient monuments, impressive tors, and quiet moorland trails. Whether you enjoy archaeology, geology, or simply being outdoors, these walks provide plenty to discover and enjoy at a comfortable pace.
These are some of the most popular guided walking routes available on Dartmoor, each offering a unique experience of the area’s natural beauty, history, and distinctive landscapes. Whether you’re interested in prehistoric monuments, dramatic tors, or old quarry sites, these walks cover some of the best spots to explore on foot.
Easdon Tor and Whooping Rock
Starting from North Bovey Car Park, this walk leads you through mixed woodland before reaching Easdon Tor. From the top, you get clear views over the surrounding moor and valleys. The highlight here is Whooping Rock, a massive granite boulder famous for the loud “whoop” sound it makes when struck.
Along the way, you’ll pass scattered granite outcrops and might spot local wildlife such as Dartmoor ponies or birds of prey. It’s a good mix of forest paths and open moorland, perfect for those wanting variety in terrain.
Merrivale Prehistoric Monuments
Leaving from Four Winds Car Park, this route takes you over open moorland where you’ll encounter several prehistoric sites including stone rows, cairns, and standing stones.
The path passes through gently rolling hills, offering uninterrupted views over the moor. Highlights include the impressive Merrivale stone rows and burial cairns that tell stories from thousands of years ago. It’s an ideal walk for those fascinated by ancient history and the chance to walk among some of Dartmoor’s best-preserved monuments.
Foggintor Quarry
From Princetown Car Park, you’ll explore the impressive remains of Foggintor Quarry, once a thriving granite extraction site.
You’ll see the large quarry pit, remnants of stone cutting machinery, and towering quarry walls. The walk also takes you across heathland where you can enjoy typical Dartmoor flora and fauna. This trail gives a unique insight into the industrial heritage of Dartmoor alongside peaceful natural surroundings, making it a good choice for history buffs and nature lovers alike.
Grimspound
Starting at Shapley Common North Car Park, this walk brings you to Grimspound, one of the finest Bronze Age settlements on Dartmoor.
You’ll see stone hut circles enclosed within a granite wall, providing a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric life. The route also includes climbs to nearby tors such as Sharpitor and Ryder’s Hill, which offer excellent panoramic views. Heathland, granite boulders, and open skies make this a varied and engaging walk that combines archaeology with wild moorland scenery.
Nine Maidens and Belstone Tors
This walk begins at Okehampton Train Station and heads into Tramline Woods alongside the East Okement River. From there, you climb to the Nine Maidens stone circle, a striking Bronze Age site with local legends attached.
The route continues to Belstone Tor and Higher Tor, where the views stretch across northern Dartmoor and towards the Tors beyond. You’ll cross Irishman’s Wall, a historic dry stone wall, and finish at Winter Tor before returning. Farms, rivers, woodland, and open moorland provide a diverse backdrop for this walk, making it a rewarding experience for those interested in history and scenery.
If you’re interested in other routes or want a private guided session tailored to your preferences, you can get in touch with us via the adventuro chat to discuss options and bookings.
These walks are spread across Dartmoor’s different areas, all accessible by car or public transport. North Bovey Car Park lies on the eastern edge, Four Winds Car Park is near the central Merrivale area, Princetown Car Park serves the quarry walk close to the old prison town, Shapley Common North is south of the central moorland, and Okehampton Train Station offers a convenient start to northern routes.
Each location provides easy access to the surrounding landscapes and points of interest.
Participants should be prepared for walks of 10–13 kilometres with some steep and uneven sections. Basic navigation skills are important since paths can be faint and moorland can be confusing in poor visibility.
Wear sturdy boots and suitable weatherproof clothing. Carry a map or GPS device, and always check the Dartmoor firing schedule to avoid restricted areas.
The guiding service was created to make outdoor spaces accessible to everyone, regardless of experience or background. Offering guided walks, navigation training, and overnight expeditions, the focus is on helping people feel confident in the outdoors.
Operating primarily in the Southwest, these walks provide well-planned routes that combine education, safety, and enjoyment. Alongside the guided options, the service shares practical tips, photos, and stories from the hills to inspire and support anyone wanting to explore the UK uplands.
This approach ensures you’ll get the most from your time on Dartmoor, whether you’re a beginner or looking to build your skills.
About the centre
North Bovey
George is outstanding. I completed my NNAS Bronze over a beautiful two days on Dartmoor. George took the time to understand my reasons for wanting to complete it, was friendly, personable and so knowledgeable of all things navigation and Dartmoor. I couldn't have had a better guide, instructor and assessor.…
Me and my grandson thoroughly enjoyed our two days on Dartmoor with George. His knowledge of Dartmoor and navigation is excellent. He was both demanding and considerate at the same time. We both ended the course feeling that we had achieved a lot, and enjoyed ourselves doing it.
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