The best walks and hikes around Walkhampton

Parking availability varies depending on your chosen trailhead. For walks exploring the western side of the moor, the car park at Pork Hill is a popular starting point for accessing tors like Pew Tor. Many routes starting near Burrator Reservoir also have designated parking areas. For hikes beginning in Walkhampton village itself, on-street parking is limited, so arriving early is recommended.

Yes, Dartmoor is generally very dog-friendly, but there are important considerations. Dogs must be kept on a lead, especially between March 1st and July 31st, to protect ground-nesting birds. You will also encounter free-roaming livestock such as sheep and Dartmoor ponies, so it's crucial to keep your dog under close control at all times.

Certainly. The region offers several gentler options perfect for families. The Combeshead Tor – Down Tor Stone Row and Circle loop from Dousland is a relatively short walk of under 5 km that introduces children to Dartmoor's famous tors and ancient stone rows without a strenuous climb. The paths around Burrator Reservoir also provide fairly flat, accessible trails for a relaxed day out.

For experienced hikers seeking a full day on the moors, the Pew Tor – King's Tor loop from Horrabridge is a demanding trek of nearly 22 km. This route involves significant elevation gain and requires good navigation skills as you traverse open moorland to reach the prominent granite tors.

Yes, many of the best routes in the area are loops that bring you back to your starting point. A great example is the View of Dartmoor National Park – Princetown Railway Bridge loop from Walkhampton. This moderate 16 km circuit offers a fantastic mix of scenery, including expansive moorland views and sections along a historic railway path.

Reaching the trailheads via public transport can be challenging as services to the more remote parts of Dartmoor are infrequent. The nearby town of Yelverton is better served by buses from Plymouth. From there, you may be able to connect to smaller villages or use a taxi to get closer to specific starting points. It's essential to check current timetables in advance.

Yes, the old Princetown Branch railway line has been converted into a popular multi-use trail. It offers a relatively flat and easy-to-follow path with fantastic views across the moors. You can incorporate sections of this historic line into various circular walks, allowing you to experience both the area's industrial past and its natural beauty.

To experience the classic Dartmoor landscape of granite tors, consider the King's Tor – Cist Stones on Dartmoor loop from Walkhampton. This moderate hike takes you across open moorland to King's Tor, offering panoramic views and a chance to see ancient burial chambers, known as cists, along the way.

The area is rich in water features. The Crazywell Pool – Devonport Leat loop from Walkhampton is an excellent choice, circling a mysterious man-made reservoir and following the path of a historic leat. For gentler waterside strolls, the trails around Burrator Reservoir are ideal, offering scenic views across the water.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community. Reviewers often praise the stunning, wide-open vistas from the top of the tors and the unique sense of history felt when walking past Bronze Age stone rows and remnants of the old railway. The variety of terrain, from gentle riverside paths to challenging open moorland, is also frequently highlighted.

There are over 60 curated hiking routes to explore around Walkhampton on komoot. These range from short, easy strolls suitable for all fitness levels to difficult, full-day treks across the high moors, ensuring there's a trail for every type of adventurer.

Dartmoor is famous for its iconic Dartmoor ponies, which you are very likely to see grazing on the moors. The diverse habitats also support a variety of bird species, including skylarks and buzzards. Keep an eye out for deer in the wooded areas and listen for the distinctive calls of moorland birds.