The best walks and hikes around Okehampton Hamlets

Yes, the area offers several easier walks suitable for families. A great option is the Meldon Dam – Meldon Reservoir loop from Sourton, which is a relatively flat and short walk around the scenic reservoir. The Granite Way, a multi-use trail on a former railway line, also provides accessible, level paths perfect for all ages.

Dogs are widely welcomed on trails in the area, but it's important to be responsible. Okehampton Hamlets is a gateway to Dartmoor National Park, which has grazing livestock and ground-nesting birds, especially between March and July. Always keep your dog under close control, and be prepared to put them on a lead, particularly near farm animals.

While the immediate trails focus more on tors and reservoirs, a short drive will take you to the impressive Lydford Gorge, managed by the National Trust. It's home to the spectacular 30-meter-high White Lady Waterfall and is a highly regarded local attraction with beautiful woodland trails.

The region is excellent for circular hikes. For an accessible but scenic route, consider the Okehampton Military Circular Road. This trail offers a way to experience the high moor with fantastic views but on a clearer, more defined path, making it a reliable choice in varying weather conditions.

Yes, the landscape is rich with history. You can follow long-distance paths like the Two Castles Trail, which runs from Okehampton to Launceston, or the West Devon Way. For a more focused historical walk, you can explore the area around Okehampton Castle or seek out prehistoric sites like The Nine Maidens Stone Circle located between Okehampton and Belstone.

You can hike here year-round, but each season offers a different experience. Late spring is particularly beautiful when bluebells carpet the woodlands, such as in Meldon Woods. Summer provides the best chance for clear, panoramic views from the high tors. Autumn brings stunning colours to the river valleys, while winter offers a stark, dramatic beauty, though you should be well-prepared for challenging weather on the moors.

There are several key parking areas. For hikes to Yes Tor and High Willhays, the car park at Meldon Reservoir is the primary starting point. For access to the northern moors and the military ring road, there is parking available at Okehampton Camp. The town of Okehampton itself also has public car parks, which are convenient for walks starting from the town, such as those heading towards Okehampton Castle or along the East Okement River.

Absolutely. The Granite Way is an 11-mile trail that is mostly flat and well-surfaced, making it ideal for beginners or those looking for a gentle walk. You can walk a short section of it, for example, across the scenic Meldon Viaduct. Walks around the perimeter of Meldon Reservoir are also generally low-difficulty and offer great scenery without strenuous climbs.

The trails around Okehampton Hamlets are highly rated by the komoot community. Hikers frequently praise the dramatic, rugged scenery of the high moors and the breathtaking panoramic views from the tors. The contrast between the wild, open moorland and the peaceful, wooded river valleys is another often-mentioned highlight.

There are over 80 curated hiking routes to explore around Okehampton Hamlets on komoot. These range from easy, family-friendly strolls along river valleys and reservoirs to challenging ascents onto the highest peaks in Dartmoor, offering something for every fitness and experience level.

Yes, several walks can be combined with a stop for refreshments. The nearby village of Lydford is home to the Castle Inn, a popular spot for a meal after exploring Lydford Gorge. Walks starting or finishing in Okehampton town itself provide easy access to numerous pubs, cafes, and restaurants.

The Granite Way is an 11-mile, multi-use trail that follows the course of a former railway line between Okehampton and Lydford. It's a fantastic, mostly traffic-free route for walkers and cyclists, offering wonderful views of the surrounding landscape and crossing the impressive Meldon Viaduct.