The best walks and hikes around Brentor

Yes, there's a wide variety of trails. You can explore over 200 routes in the Brentor area, with a good balance of easy, moderate, and difficult hikes to suit different fitness levels.

The region is highly rated by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the dramatic landscapes, from the unique volcanic cone of Brent Tor to the deep river valleys. The mix of wild, open moorland and sheltered woodland paths is a frequently mentioned highlight.

Definitely. For a memorable and relatively easy outing, the Large Mushroom Sculpture – Whitelady Waterfall loop is a great choice. It's a short walk that's perfect for families, taking you through part of the scenic Lydford Gorge.

Yes, many trails in the area are suitable for dogs. However, you'll be walking in Dartmoor National Park, so be aware of livestock and ground-nesting birds, especially between March and July. It's best to keep your dog on a lead in these areas. The trails around the various tors are generally open and great for dogs with good recall.

Lydford Gorge is the best place for that. It's home to the spectacular 30-meter-high White Lady Waterfall. The Lydford Castle & Whitelady Waterfall loop is an excellent route that features this impressive natural wonder.

The terrain is very diverse. Expect steep but short climbs to the top of tors like Brent Tor itself, often on grassy or rocky paths. In Lydford Gorge, trails can be narrow and uneven with steps. Other routes across the moorland can be boggy in places, especially after rain, so waterproof hiking boots are essential.

Yes, the area offers some demanding treks. For a full day of challenging moorland hiking with significant elevation gain, consider the Yes Tor summit – High Willhays summit loop from Lydford. This long-distance route takes you to the highest points in Dartmoor.

There are many excellent circular routes. For a longer loop that explores the area's history and geology, the Lydford Castle – Devil's Cauldron Gorge loop from Lydford is a popular choice. It combines a visit to the dramatic gorge with views of the historic castle.

The walk to St Michael de Rupe church on top of Brent Tor is short but steep. The path is well-defined but involves a sharp climb from the car park. While it requires a bit of effort, it's manageable for most people with a reasonable level of fitness and the panoramic views from the top are well worth it.

Yes, parking is available at key locations. There is a dedicated car park at the base of Brent Tor for the walk up to the church. For hikes in Lydford Gorge, the National Trust site has its own car park, though an entry fee or membership is required to access the trails. Other trailheads may have small, informal lay-bys.

Reaching the trailheads directly by public transport can be challenging as the area is quite rural. Bus services connect nearby towns like Tavistock and Okehampton, but you may need to walk a considerable distance from the bus stop to the start of a hike. Using a car is generally the most convenient way to access the walks.

Yes, after exploring Lydford Gorge, you can visit the tearoom at the National Trust site for refreshments. The nearby village of Lydford also has a highly-regarded pub, the Castle Inn, which is a popular spot for a post-hike meal or drink.