The best walks and hikes around Peter Tavy

Yes, Peter Tavy is an excellent starting point for circular hikes. The area offers a variety of loops that take you through the surrounding Dartmoor landscape, often following the River Tavy or historic leats before returning to the village. Many routes combine riverside paths with ascents to nearby tors.

Most trails around Peter Tavy are suitable for dogs, but it's important to be mindful of the Dartmoor landscape. You will likely encounter free-roaming livestock, including sheep and Dartmoor ponies, so keeping your dog on a lead is essential. After your walk, pubs in the area like the Peter Tavy Inn are known to be dog-friendly.

For a shorter, easier walk that's great for families, consider the River Tavy Riverside Path – River Tavy loop from Peter Tavy. It's a relatively flat, 2-mile (3.2 km) walk that follows the river, making it manageable for little legs. For a different experience, the nearby National Trust site at Lydford Gorge offers well-maintained trails and the spectacular Whitelady Waterfall.

There is limited on-street parking available within the village of Peter Tavy itself, which can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Some walkers find spots near the church or the local pub. For hikes starting further onto the moor, there are dedicated car parks like the one at Pork Hill, which provides access to tors such as Pew Tor and the Staple Tors.

Absolutely. A classic Dartmoor experience is a walk followed by a visit to a traditional pub. You can plan a route that starts or ends in Peter Tavy to visit the Peter Tavy Inn. For a walk exploring a different part of the area, the Tavistock Town Hall – Abbey Bridge and Weir loop from Harford Bridge Holiday Park finishes near several pubs in the town of Tavistock.

The hiking is varied. You'll find gentle paths along the River Tavy and through woodlands, which can be muddy after rain. As you venture further into Dartmoor National Park, the trails become more rugged and exposed, involving ascents to rocky tors. Good walking shoes are recommended for all routes.

There's a good mix for all abilities. Out of more than 20 routes, the majority are rated as easy or moderate. Easy walks typically follow the river, while moderate routes, like the Longtimber Tor – St Peter's Church, Peter Tavy loop from Cudliptown, involve more elevation gain and mixed terrain. There are also a few difficult hikes for those seeking a challenge in the heart of the moor.

The area is highly regarded by the komoot community, with reviewers often praising the stunning scenery of the Tavy Cleave and the panoramic views from the various tors. The combination of riverside paths, open moorland, and historical leats provides a great sense of variety on the walks.

While many routes follow the cascading River Tavy, for a truly spectacular waterfall, a visit to the nearby Lydford Gorge is a must. It's home to the 30-meter-high Whitelady Waterfall. The gorge is managed by the National Trust and has its own network of trails.

The area is dotted with tors offering fantastic views. From Peter Tavy, you can access trails leading to Hare Tor, which offers a great perspective over the Willsworthy Range. Another popular and highly-rated spot is Pew Tor, known for its amazing 360-degree views and accessibility from the Pork Hill car park.

The weather on Dartmoor can change very quickly. It's essential to check a reliable mountain weather forecast before you set out. For a live view of conditions, you can check local webcams. The Visit Devon website provides links to various webcams in the region.

To find quieter paths, try exploring the network of trails away from the most popular tors. The long-distance St Peter's Church, Peter Tavy – Canal above the River Tavy loop from Peter Tavy is a more challenging option that often provides more solitude as it ventures further into the landscape, following historic leats.