Is Dartmoor good for hiking?
Yes! Dartmoor's an excellent place for hiking and walking. It's a huge national park in Devon, England - over 450 square miles of open moorland, rugged hills, wooded valleys and picturesque rivers.
Dartmoor has a big range of hiking trails, from gentle strolls to challenging hikes. And with a network of footpaths, bridleways, and ancient tracks, visitors can explore its beautiful landscapes and discover its rich history and heritage.
Some of the most popular hiking routes in Dartmoor include:
- The Two Moors Way: This long-distance trail runs for 102 miles between Ivybridge on the south coast of Devon and Lynmouth on the north coast of Exmoor, passing through Dartmoor along the way.
- The Dartmoor Way: This circular route around the edge of Dartmoor is about 100 miles long and has stunning views of the moors, coast, and countryside.
- The Dart Valley Trail: This 16-mile trail follows the River Dart from its source on Dartmoor to the town of Totnes, passing through beautiful wooded valleys and picturesque villages.
- The Tors of Dartmoor: This circular walk takes in some of Dartmoor's most iconic landmarks, including Haytor, Hound Tor, and Bowerman's Nose.
Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a beginner, Dartmoor has something to offer everyone. Just be sure to come prepared with sturdy footwear, warm clothing, and a map or guidebook, as the weather can be unpredictable and the terrain can be challenging in places.
Which Dartmoor tors are easiest to climb?
Dartmoor has many tors, which are rocky outcrops that are a prominent feature of the landscape. Some are a challenge to climb, but others are more accessible and easier to reach. Here are a few of the easiest:
- Heltor Rock: Located near the village of Widecombe-in-the-Moor, Heltor Rock is a small tor that can be easily accessed from the nearby car park. It has great views of the surrounding countryside.
- Haytor: One of the most famous and popular tors on Dartmoor, Haytor is easy to access from a nearby car park and has a well-maintained path that leads to the summit. From the top, you can enjoy panoramic views of the moors.
- Rippon Tor: This small tor is located near the village of Ilsington and can be easily reached from a nearby car park. It has great views of the surrounding countryside and is a popular spot for picnics.
- Top Tor: Located near the village of Belstone, this is a small tor that can be easily reached from a nearby car park. It has great views of the moors and is a popular spot for watching the sunset.
- Little Hound Tor: Located near the village of Widecombe-in-the-Moor, Little Hound Tor is a small tor that can be easily accessed from a nearby car park. It has great views of the surrounding countryside and is a popular spot for photography.
These tors are relatively easy to reach and require little or no climbing, making them ideal for families and beginners. However, it's important to remember that Dartmoor can be a challenging environment, with changeable weather and difficult terrain, so it's important to be prepared with suitable clothing, footwear, and a map or guidebook.
Where to stay?
There are plenty of amazing places to stay in Cornwall, but to really feel at one with the beautiful surroundings why not hire a Wild Camper Trucks four-wheel drive camper? Be sure to use an app like Park4Nightto stay in the best places.