Walks at the FestivalWalking, hiking, backpacking, and simply strolling across Dartmoor have been at the heart of this festival for nearly a decade.
From 2016 to 2024, we were proudly known as the Dartmoor Walking Festival and while we’ve grown, walks across the National Park aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. In fact, we’re working hard to expand the variety of walks on offer, creating even more ways for people to experience the moor. This year’s programme features walks across much of Dartmoor, with something for everyone and while we haven’t covered every corner just yet… watch this space.
Explore the full walks programme here |
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28th August
An Accessible Walk at Yarner Wood
A walk for those using mobility scooters. Able bodied walkers also welcome. In the morning we will follow forest paths with gentle hills (Level 2) and in the afternoon the paths will be more challenging (Level 3). You can join us for either or both walks. We will look at the history of the wood and its current management. Starting Location: Yarner Woods (Near Bovey Tracey) Duration: 11am - 1pm and 1pm - 3pm (Arrive 30 minutes before departure time) Free |
Twilight Tai Chi, Nature and Mindfulness Walk
Join us for an evening saunter to the Nine Maidens stone circle as the sun sets and the full moon rises. We plan to travel over the open moor, with pauses along the way to connect with the land in stillness and with Tai Chi and Qigong movements. This walk includes stunning views towards North Devon and across Dartmoor. Starting Location: Belstone Car Park Duration: 06:45pm - 08:30om £15 |
29th August
Dartmoor Rescue 11 Tors Walks
Following the route of the main Eleven Tors Challenge route, Andy (event route planner) will lead you around the route, pointing out places of interest on route and briefing any folk planning to take part in the event itself, on Saturday 19th September. This is a Dartmoor Search and Rescue Charity walk and all booking will go to The Tavistock Rescue team. Starting from: Princetown Duration: 10am - 4pm £15 
Alpaca Walks
Relax and enjoy the beautiful views across Dartmoor and South Devon as you walk your alpacas on our Dartmoor alpaca farm. Learn all about alpacas and linked crafts such as felting, discover what they get up to in their daily life. Join a group alpaca walk on our Dartmoor Alpaca Farm Starting Location: Lakemoor (Close to Buckfastleigh) Duration: 10:30am - 12pm and 2pm - 3:30pm From £25 
Princetown Guided Walk
Join Simon Dell, Chairman of Princetown History Club, for a guided walk in this historic village. We hope if there is the opportunity we might be able to also visit the French and American graves within the prison grounds. (To be confirmed only on the day) Starting Location: Princetown Duration 3pm - 5pm £15 |
Dawdle and Draw: Haytor Quarries
A guided walk with opportunities to sketch along the way with artist and qualified moorland guide, Karen Pearson. We will follow the granite railway to visit the two quarries below Haytor Rocks, stopping along the way to see and draw the landscape in different ways. Starting Location: Haytor Duration: 09:30am -12:30pm £20 
Accessible Walk - Drakes Trails We will follow Drakes Trail from Yelverton through woodland, across viaducts and through tunnels. We will return by the same route. Starting Location: Yelverton Duration: 11am - 2pm (Arrive 30 minutes before depature time) Free |
Discover the Reverend Bray's Carved Stones Join Simon Dell for a visit to discover the stones in the Cowsic Valley, carved at the behest of the Reverend Bray of Tavistock. They are dedications to the poets and also bardic runes. Starting location: Two Bridges Duration: 10am -2pm £15 
Wistman's Woods with Cream tea
One of Dartmoor’s most precious and biodiverse habitats is temperate rainforest. This walk takes us round the perimeter of one of these special oak woods, so fragile that we will admire it from the edge rather than risk damaging it by entering. Starting location: Two Bridges Duration: 1pm - 5pm £28.50 |
30th August
Dawdle and Draw: Bench Tor A guided walk with opportunities to sketch along the way with artist and qualified moorland guide, Karen Pearson. We will follow the granite railway to visit the two quarries below Haytor Rocks, stopping along the way to see and draw the landscape in different ways. Location: Holne Duration: 9:30am - 12:30pm £20 |
Alpaca Walks
Relax and enjoy the beautiful views across Dartmoor and South Devon as you walk your alpacas on our Dartmoor alpaca farm. Learn all about alpacas and linked crafts such as felting, discover what they get up to in their daily life. Join a group alpaca walk on our Dartmoor Alpaca Farm Location: Lakemoor (Buckfastleigh) Duration: 10:30am - 12pm and 2pm - 3:30pm From £25 (Dependent on Group Size) |
An Accessible Walk: Burrator Reservoir and Downs
Starting at the Quarry carpark the morning walk will cross the dam and on to the remains of Longstone Manor learning about the history of the area, returning by the same route. This is a Level 1 walk. In the afternoon we will go up from the quarry to Yennadon Down to enjoy the views across the reservoir to the moors beyond. This is a Level 3 walk. Location: Burrator Duration: 11am - 1pm and 1:30pm - 3:30pm (Arrive 30 minutes before departure time) Free |
31st August
Herbalism on Dartmoor Bronze age to Present
A walk with Medical Herbalist and Archaeobotanist Jenny Carden. From Belstone to Sticklepath along the beautiful wooded Cleave, and back over the open moor. We will look for and and identify medicinal plants and trees, and how they would have been used from the bronze Age to the present, as we walk through archaeological evidence of 5000 years of human occupation. Location: Belstone Car Park Duration: 10:00am - 1:30pm £15 |
Wistman's Woods with Cream tea
One of Dartmoor’s most precious and biodiverse habitats is temperate rainforest. This walk takes us round the perimeter of one of these special oak woods, so fragile that we will admire it from the edge rather than risk damaging it by entering. Starting location: Two Bridges Duration: 1pm - 5pm £28.50 |
1st September
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Long Distance Templer Way
Follow the historic route that carried granite from Haytor Quarries to the coastal town of Teignmouth. Explore Dartmoor’s open moorland, the Haytor Granite Tramway, and Stover Canal, with stories of 19th-century engineering brought to by Hill & Moorland Leader Chris. This walk is suitable for those that are experienced with a steady pace over a long distance, and includes transport back from Teignmouth to Haytor. Location: Haytor Duration: 8am - 8:30pm £50 with transport £35 without transport 
Dartmoor Awe Walk: A Mindful Immersion in Nature
We've probably all heard nature described as 'awe inspiring.' When we hear that phrase it might conjure images of snow-capped mountains, frothy waterfalls or vast plains, but awe can also be found much closer to home. On this Awe Walk, you will be invited to cultivate a mindset of awe, choosing to see your surroundings with fresh eyes. Location: Widecombe in the Moor Duration: 10am - 1pm Free |
An Introduction to Dartmoor Plants
An introduction to what is a huge topic, we start with the very basics such as what plants are and the role they play in life on Dartmoor. We then break down plants into very general categories, and into finer categories as the day progresses, giving us a framework to start to make sense of the overwhelming number of species. Location: Belstone Duration: 10am - 4pm £25 
An Accessible Walk: Bellever Forest
An accessible walk for people using mobility scooters such as trampers (Level 3). Able bodied walkers also welcome. We will start at Postbridge and do a loop around the forest looking at the Bronze Age stone rows, huts and cists as well as Bellever tor. We may go down to the River Dart depending on the wishes of the group. Location: Postbridge Duration: 11am - 3:30 (Meet at 10:30 for 11am departure) FREE |
Discover "Tyrwhitt's Tramway" - The Plymouth and Dartmoor Railway
In the 1820's Thomas Tyrwhitt, founder of Princetown and builder of Dartmoor Prison, created a horse-drawn tramway from Princetown to Plymouth - a forerunner of the Great Western Railway. Join Simon Dell to discover what this little-known Dartmoor feature is all about. Location: Princetown Duration: 10am - 2pm £15 |
2nd September
To Highest Point in Southern England
Enjoy a circular Dartmoor adventure from Meldon Reservoir, climbing to High Willhays, Dartmoor’s highest point, and exploring the scenic Black-a-Tor Copse. Take in dramatic tors, open moorland, and panoramic views, with plenty of stops to enjoy the landscape and wildlife. Suitable for reasonably fit walkers Location: Meldon Duration: 09:30am - 4:30pm £30 
Pre Historic Wonders of Bellever
Sue and Peter (sacred sites guides and local authors) will lead an interactive walk around the Bronze Age and Neolithic monuments on the area. The afternoon will include mindfulness, gentle shamanic drumming, meditation and dowsing. A fully immersive experience. Location: Postbridge Duration: 1:30pm - 4:30pm £15 |
Discover Dartmoor's Rainforests
We drop down into the beautiful, wooded Bovey valley and remain in the woodlands for most of the day, crossing the river at Foxworthy and back over it at the old clam bridge. There will be plenty of time to learn about the precious rainforest habitat and to study some of its amazing biodiversity, including luxuriant mats of globally rare mosses and lichens. Location: Manaton Duration: 10am - 4pm £25 
Mindful Photography Walk
Join Tom Dauben, Dartmoor Photographer, for an evening session of photography at an iconic Dartmoor photography location, Great Staple Tor. A small group of participants will have the opportunity to learn how photography and noticing nature's beauty can be an amazing mindfulness activity. Location: Merrivale Duration: 5pm - 9pm £20 |
Storywalk: Witches and the Wild Hunt - SOLD OUT
Folklore has long shaped our understanding of the Dartmoor landscape. The eroded granite boulders of Hound Tor aren't just volcanic rock, they're the hounds of the unfortunate Bowerman, turned to stone for upsetting a coven of witches. By familiarising ourselves with these tales, we engage with the power of this special landscape to provoke and inspire. Location: Hound Tor Duration: 10am - 12pm Free |
3rd September
Stone Crosses and Mines of Dartmoor
Explore the historic and scenic heart of Dartmoor on this guided walk to Widgery Cross and the remains of Victorian Tin Mine Wheal Frederick, returning along the Doe Brook. Enjoy open moorland, panoramic views, and a glimpse into Dartmoor’s mining heritage. Location: Lydford Duration: 9am - 12:30pm and 1:30pm - 5pm £15 
Crazy Well Pool Wild Swimming Walk
Crazywell pool is steeped in Dartmoor myth and legend, despite being one of the largest on the moor, it is hidden from view until you are almost in it. This circular walk will take you to the pool via the beautiful Devonport Leat, an impressive aquaduct and if you are feeling brave the elusive Cramber Tor which on a good day has views to Plymouth Sound and across Burrator Reservoir. Location: Princetown Duration: 10am - 3pm £35 
An accessible Walk: The Wray Trail and Lustleigh
A walk suitable for people using 4 mph mobility scooters or electric wheelchairs. It will be on a gravel track and tarmac roads. It is also open to able bodied walkers. We will look at the history of the Wary trail and ferns, mosses and lichens on the damp walls of the railway cuttings. This will be followed by a route round the village of Lustleigh. Location: Lustleigh Duration: 11am - 3pm (Arrive at 10:30am for a 11am departure) Free |
Tor Royal Farm Walk with Ploughman's Lunch
Guided walk around Tor Royal, a Duchy Farm, to explore its fascinating history and archaeology, beautiful waterways and recent peat bog rewetting project, plus links to the founding of ‘Prince’s Town’, and lineage of designated rare breed Registered Dartmoor Ponies. Join us to learn how the farm is managed to balance livestock, biodiversity and responsible public access. Location: Princetown Duration: 9am - 1pm £28 
Mosses, ferns and lichens
We slow down to take a closer look at ‘lower plants’; the mosses, ferns and lichens we might otherwise stride past (and yes, lichens aren’t technically plants). These primitive organisms were vital to the evolution of life on earth and continue to play essential ecological roles. You will appreciate their variety and beauty so much more, especially as you see their detail with the aid of a hand lens. Location: Norsworthy Bridge Duration: 10am - 3pm £25 
William Donoughy Memorial Stone
Join Dartmoor Guide for a stroll to the illusive memorial stone of William Donoughy, often searched for my people but often missed. We will also hear the story of this tragic figure from 1914. Location: Postbridge Duration: 2pm - 4:30pm £15 |
Medicinal Plants and Forest Bathing
Join Medical Herbalist, certified Forest Bathing practitioner and Archaeobotanist Jenny for a walk around Fernworthy reservoir. Although much maligned, plantation forests still offer us numerous natural benefits from the pine trees, wayside plants and pockets of ancient mycelium-filled moss. There will be an opportunity to extend the walk (an extra 1.5 miles) at the end to visit Assycombe Stone row for anyone who wishes to come along. Location: Fernworthy Duration: 10am - 12pm £15 Two Moor's Way Celebration Walk
This walk is lead by the Ramblers Exeter Group as part of celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Two Moors Way. This walk taking you over Dr Blackall's Drive above the River Dart. Starting Location: New Bridge Duration: 10:30am - 3:30pm FREE |
4th September
Lines of Granite: Warren House Walk
A guided walk with opportunities to sketch along the way with artist and qualified Moorland guide, Karen Pearson. We will do a circular walk from Bennett’s Cross via Headland Warren Farm and back along the Two Moors Way on Birch Tor. We’ll look at drawing what we see in new, fun ways, while Karen chats about the Dartmoor landscape you’ll be looking at. Location: Warren House Inn Duration: 9:30am - 12:30pm £20 
Tai Chi, Mindfulness, Tor and River
Join us for a clamber up to Shilstone Tor and over the wild moor to a secret pool with stops along the way for Tai Chi, Qigong, mindfulness and nature connection. Bring a picnic lunch and plenty of water or a hot drink. There will be a chance for a dip or paddle in the pool which is just deep enough for a few strokes! Location: Throwleigh Duration: 10:30am - 1:30pm £15 |
Dartmoor Tors and Valleys
Explore the wild beauty of Dartmoor on this guided walk from Sourton, climbing to Kitty Tor and taking in dramatic tors, open moorland, and panoramic views. Discover the history and natural highlights of this striking area on a steady-paced route suitable for reasonably fit walkers. Location: Dartmoor Inn Duration: 9:30am - 4:30pm £30 
An accessible Walk: Merrivale and Bronze Age and Great Mist Tor
These walks are suitable for people using mobility scooters such as trampers, (Level 3 walks). They are on rough grass tracks. The morning walk is flat and will explore the Bronze Age hut circles, stone rows and cist at Merrivale. The afternoon walk to Great Mis tor goes up and down a steep hill providing incredible views from the top. You can do either or both walks. Location: Merrivale Duration: 11am - 1pm (Arrive at 10:30 for 11am departure) Free |
Belstone Bimble and Dip
Walk/swim half day. Possibly 2 swims one in Taw and one in East Okement and a visit to the stone circle. Bring hot drink, lunch, warm clothing, swimming costume. Moderate walking, a bit uphill, some uneven ground. Location: Belstone Duration: 10am - 2pm £15 |
