The best mountain hikes around Dartmoor Forest

Mountaineering routes in Dartmoor Forest feature a diverse and rugged landscape. You'll encounter dramatic granite tors, expansive moorlands with unbroken skylines, and deep river valleys often carved through ancient oak woodlands. The terrain can range from challenging rocky ascents to boggy sections, especially in the internationally important blanket bogs, requiring good navigation skills.

Yes, Dartmoor Forest offers mountaineering routes for various skill levels. For example, the Haytor Rocks – Greator Rocks loop from Haytor Rocks is a moderate route, perfect for those looking for a scenic, less strenuous climb. For experienced mountaineers seeking a challenge, the Yes Tor summit – High Willhays summit loop from Meldon Viaduct offers a difficult ascent to the highest points on Dartmoor.

Dartmoor is famous for its granite tors, which are prominent rocky outcrops. You'll encounter many of these, such as Haytor Rocks and Greator Rocks. The region also boasts significant river valleys like Lydford Gorge, home to the impressive Lydford Gorge waterfall and the Devil's Cauldron. Other notable features include the expansive moorlands and ancient woodlands.

Yes, many routes in Dartmoor Forest are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. An example is the Sheeps Tor – Burrator Reservoir and Dam loop from Walkhampton, which takes you through varied terrain including a notable tor and a reservoir.

The best time for mountaineering in Dartmoor Forest is generally from late spring to early autumn (May to October) when the weather is milder and the days are longer. However, the moorlands can be enjoyed year-round, with winter offering a different, often more challenging, experience for well-prepared mountaineers. Always be prepared for changeable weather conditions regardless of the season.

While the featured mountaineering routes in this guide are moderate to difficult, Dartmoor National Park offers many family-friendly walking opportunities beyond these specific climbs. The park has 450 miles of paths, and many areas around the tors and woodlands are suitable for families looking for less strenuous walks. Always check the route difficulty and length to ensure it's appropriate for all family members.

Dogs are generally welcome on Dartmoor's public rights of way and open access land, but it's crucial to keep them under close control, especially during lambing season (March-July) and near livestock or ground-nesting birds. Always follow the Countryside Code, keep dogs on a lead where required, and clean up after them. Some specific areas or nature reserves might have stricter rules, so it's always best to check local signage.

Dartmoor is rich in wildlife. You're likely to encounter the iconic Dartmoor ponies roaming freely across the moorlands. The diverse habitats, from blanket bogs to ancient woodlands, support a variety of bird species, including ground-nesting birds, and rare flora. Keep an eye out for buzzards soaring overhead and various small mammals.

Absolutely! Beyond the mountaineering routes, Dartmoor is rich in historical and natural attractions. You can explore ancient archaeological sites like Grimspound or the Merrivale Prehistoric Settlement. For more natural beauty, consider visiting the Sharp Tor viewpoint or the dramatic Bench Tor. The park also offers opportunities for exploring deep river valleys and ancient woodlands.

The highest point on Dartmoor is High Willhays, standing at 621 meters (2,037 ft) above sea level. You can reach this summit, along with Yes Tor, on the challenging Yes Tor summit – High Willhays summit loop from Meldon Viaduct route, which offers extensive views across the wild moorlands.

The mountaineering experiences in Dartmoor Forest are highly regarded by the komoot community. Reviewers often praise the unique granite tors, the expansive and wild moorlands, and the sense of adventure offered by the rugged terrain. The diverse landscape provides both challenging ascents and breathtaking panoramic views.