The best walks and hikes around Yelverton

Yes, there are over 350 marked hiking routes in the Yelverton area. The trails range from easy, flat paths suitable for all abilities to challenging treks across the open moorland of Dartmoor.

The hiking routes around Yelverton are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars. Hikers often praise the stunning views from the granite tors and the variety of trails, which include both rugged moorland and peaceful woodland paths.

Absolutely. Many routes are designed as loops so you can easily return to your starting point. A great example is the Yelverton Rock and RAF Harrowbeer loop, which is a relatively flat and easy walk exploring the area's WWII history.

Yes, Yelverton is very dog-friendly. The open spaces of Dartmoor are perfect for dogs with good recall. However, always be mindful of livestock grazing on the moors and keep your dog on a lead where required, especially during lambing and ground-nesting bird season (March 1st to July 31st).

Drake's Trail offers an excellent option for families. It's a mostly flat, traffic-free path that follows a former railway line. The section towards Gem Bridge is particularly scenic, passing through woodlands and over the impressive viaduct, making it an engaging walk for all ages.

For a more strenuous hike, head onto the open moorland. The Pew Tor and Windy Post Cross loop offers a moderate challenge with some elevation gain, rewarding you with panoramic views from the top of the iconic granite tor.

Many traditional pubs are located in and around Yelverton, making it easy to plan a walk that includes a stop for refreshments. The villages of Clearbrook, Buckland Monachorum, and Yelverton itself have well-regarded pubs that are popular with walkers coming off the moors.

For incredible panoramic views, a walk to one of the local tors is a must. Pew Tor is a popular and highly-rated choice, offering fantastic vistas across Dartmoor. Yelverton Rock is another excellent viewpoint that is easily accessible and provides a great perspective on the surrounding landscape.

There are several car parks that serve as excellent starting points for hikes. For walks onto the western side of the moor, the car park at Pork Hill is a popular option. For access to Burrator Reservoir and its surrounding trails, there are multiple car parks around the reservoir itself.

Yes, Yelverton is served by bus routes connecting it to Plymouth and Tavistock. This makes it possible to start a linear walk along a route like Drake's Trail and take a bus back, or to access the edge of the moor without a car.

The area is rich in history. You can explore the remains of the WWII airfield on a walk around RAF Harrowbeer near Yelverton Rock. For ancient history, many trails lead to prehistoric sites like stone rows and ancient crosses scattered across Dartmoor.

While the area is known more for its tors and rivers, you can find beautiful cascades and fast-flowing water, especially after rainfall. A walk to Double Waters, where the River Walkham meets the River Tavy, offers lovely river scenery in a wooded valley, though it doesn't feature a large, singular waterfall.