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There are many more Dartmoor walks where these came from. Please don't hesitate to ask if you'd like tailored suggestions for your experience and fitness level. Our staff are always happy to help.
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The best Dartmoor walks
Dartmoor seems tailor-made for walking boots. It is, to quote the illustrator Alan Lee, a land of 'boulders, foaming rivers and twisted trees'. Sometimes barren, always beautiful – and blessed with some of the most spectacular views you'll find anywhere on Earth. Reaching these lookout spots on foot only makes the payoff more rewarding. That's why we've picked out some of our favourite Dartmoor walks – the best of a very scenic bunch.
All these routes are easily accessible from the White Hart Hotel. Most are dog-friendly and can be conquered by anyone with moderate hiking experience.
The Wray Valley Trail
Difficulty: moderate
Length: 7 miles
Of all our Dartmoor walks, this is the easiest to access. Your journey begins at Court Street Car Park, just a few hundred feet from our hotel.
Set off and you'll be rewarded with seven miles of scenic, post-industrial beauty. The trail follows the route of the old Moretonhampstead and South Devon Railway line towards Bovey Tracey. What was once a totem of Victorian engineering is now a gorgeous, largely traffic-free country ramble.
Bear in mind, however, that the trail follows Lower Knowle Road for one mile between Lustleigh and Yeo Road Bridge. Take extra care here as the road is steep and narrow in parts.
A walk to Whooping Rock
Difficulty: moderate
Length: 4.5 to 7 miles
Beginning at North Bovey, this walk sees you traverse open moorland and country roads as you amble steadily towards Whooping Rock. This iconic boulder perches upon Easdon Tor and is so-named because it's known to make whooping sounds in the wind. If you're lucky, you might hear it!
There's plenty to see as you go, including an ancient cairn (stone grave marker) and a lovely old churchyard. The trail also takes in a country pub – but you can skip this and cut two-and-a-half miles from the route if you prefer.
It's a dog-friendly, circular trail that's also suitable for children. However, we recommend taking the shorter route if you have kids in tow.
The Chagford Challenge
Difficulty: moderate to hard
Length: from 17 to 30 miles
While many Dartmoor walks are suitable for ramblers of all abilities, the Chagford Challenge is not one of them. Organised by the Cornwall & Devon Long Distance Walking Association, this hearty hike sees hundreds of walkers tackle some of the region's most rugged terrain.
The walk takes place once a year and must be booked in advance. If you're up for the challenge, you'll be rewarded with some truly awe-inspiring views and a well-deserved sense of accomplishment.
The Teign & Turrets Walk
Difficulty: moderate
Length: 7.5 miles
This trail takes you on a wildlife-rich ramble that matches the meandering course of the River Teign. Along the way, you'll spot Castle Drogo – England's newest castle – plus a magnificent 17th-century bridge and a superb contemporary sculpture perched on a river island. If you're lucky, you might also see a swooping kingfisher or a leaping salmon. Fingers crossed!
The route is circular and begins at the main car park in Chagford, our nearest neighbouring town.
Haytor Quarry (accessible route)
Length: 1.2 miles
Long before it was a National Park, Dartmoor was a hub of industrial activity. Take this short walk through Haytor Quarry and you'll witness nature and industry mingle in exquisite, spellbinding detail. Once an 18th-century powerhouse, the quarry is now a beautiful lake surrounded by green shrubs and towering, angular rocks.
This is a Disabled Ramblers category 2/3 walk, meaning it's suitable for some – but not most – walkers with disabilities. Expect some gentle uphill sections on the route up and a few steep climbs as you pass through the quarry.