Hiking Dartmoor: A Guide to England's Wild Heart

Dartmoor National Park stands as one of England's last true wilderness areas - a vast expanse of granite tors, ancient woodlands, and windswept moorland that has captivated hikers for generations. This is hiking that demands respect, rewards preparation, and offers something increasingly rare: genuine solitude.

Why Dartmoor?

Unlike the manicured trails of more popular national parks, Dartmoor offers something raw and unfiltered. The landscape shifts from boggy valleys to rocky outcrops within minutes. Weather systems roll in without warning. Navigation requires actual skill, not just following the crowd.

It's this uncompromising character that makes Dartmoor special. You're not a tourist here - you're a participant in a landscape that has remained largely unchanged for millennia. The same granite tors that guide you today have stood for 280 million years.

Essential Routes

Haytor to Hound Tor (5 miles)

The classic Dartmoor circuit showcasing the moor's iconic granite formations. Start at Haytor car park, summit the tor for 360-degree views, then traverse open moorland to the atmospheric ruins of Hound Tor. The return via Greator Rocks offers a quieter alternative to retracing your steps. Allow 3 hours, longer if you're stopping for photography.

Wistman's Wood (4 miles)

An otherworldly ancient oak woodland draped in moss and lichen, best approached via the Two Bridges route. The gnarled trees, some over 500 years old, create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in England. The path can be boggy - waterproof boots are essential. This is Dartmoor at its most mystical.

Yes Tor & High Willhays (8 miles)

Dartmoor's highest points at 619m and 621m respectively. This challenging circuit from Meldon Reservoir delivers serious elevation gain and exposure to the elements. On clear days, the views extend to both coasts. In poor visibility, navigation skills are critical - this is not terrain for guesswork.

Burrator Reservoir Circuit (5 miles)

A more forgiving route that combines woodland trails with open moorland. The reservoir provides a constant reference point, making navigation straightforward even in mist. Ideal for testing your Dartmoor legs before committing to the higher tors.

What to Pack

Dartmoor's weather is notoriously fickle. A clear morning can turn to horizontal rain within an hour. Waterproofs are non-negotiable, even when the forecast looks promising. Layer properly - the temperature drops significantly with altitude and wind exposure.

Navigation skills matter here. Mobile signal is patchy at best, and in poor visibility, the featureless moorland can disorient even experienced walkers. Carry a proper map and compass, and know how to use them. GPS is useful, but batteries die.

And of course, a reliable flask for that summit brew makes all the difference when the wind picks up. There's something about a hot drink on a Dartmoor tor that turns a good hike into a memorable one. Our I'd Rather Be on Dartmoor mugs capture exactly that sentiment - because once you've experienced this landscape, everywhere else feels tame by comparison.

Understanding the Terrain

Dartmoor's granite bedrock creates unique challenges. The tors themselves are straightforward scrambles, but the surrounding moorland can be deceptively difficult. Bogs are common, particularly after rain, and what looks like solid ground can turn to ankle-deep mud.

The moor is also home to wild ponies and cattle. Give them space - they're genuinely wild, not petting zoo attractions. During late summer and autumn, you'll encounter the famous Dartmoor ponies with their foals. Observe from distance, never feed them.

Seasonal Considerations

Each season transforms Dartmoor's character. Spring brings new growth and clearer streams, though the ground remains wet. Summer offers the longest days but also the most visitors - start early to claim the tors to yourself.

Autumn is arguably Dartmoor's finest season. The bracken turns copper, the light softens, and the crowds thin. Winter hiking requires serious preparation - daylight is limited, temperatures drop below freezing, and snow can make navigation treacherous. But for experienced winter walkers, a snow-covered Dartmoor is unforgettable.

The Dartmoor Experience

What sets Dartmoor apart is its sense of solitude. You can walk for hours seeing only wild ponies and the occasional raven. Mobile phones lose signal. The modern world fades. It's hiking that strips away the noise and reminds you why you started walking in the first place.

This isn't Instagram hiking - it's the real thing. Your photos will be windswept and slightly blurred. Your boots will be caked in mud. You'll probably get rained on. And you'll understand why people keep coming back.

Whether you're tackling the high tors or exploring the wooded valleys, Dartmoor rewards those who venture beyond the car parks. Just remember: check the weather, tell someone your route, pack that extra layer, and respect the landscape. Dartmoor doesn't compromise, and neither should your preparation.