Dartmoor Way
The Dartmoor Way is a 144 km circular route around the perimeter of Dartmoor National Park — following moorland-edge paths, ancient trackways and Devon lanes in a circuit of Britain's most dramatic south-western upland.
This route has no official waymarking. Serious navigation experience is required — do not rely on GPS alone. Carry OS 1:25,000 maps and study the line before you go.
About Dartmoor Way
The Dartmoor Way circles the national park on its lower fringes, staying mostly below the open moor on the network of paths, bridleways and quiet lanes that ring the plateau. It is a different experience to crossing the high moor — the route passes through the market towns and villages on the Dartmoor edge: Okehampton, Moretonhampstead, Bovey Tracey, Buckfastleigh and Tavistock.
For trail runners it is a three to four day challenge on varied but mostly easy terrain. Being a circuit, it can be started anywhere. The western section near Tavistock and the northern section above Okehampton give the best views onto the moor itself.
The route
Okehampton circuit section: The highest terrain on the Way, with views onto Yes Tor and High Willhays — the highest points on Dartmoor. The northern moor edge near Sticklepath is the best viewpoint.
Eastern section (Moretonhampstead to Buckfastleigh): Through the wooded Teign and Dart valleys. Less exposed, more varied surface.
Southern and western circuit (Buckfastleigh to Tavistock to Okehampton): Through Princetown area, the Tavistock fringe and back north.
Getting there & logistics
Start anywhere: Okehampton has a seasonal train service from Exeter. Tavistock, Bovey Tracey and Buckfastleigh are on bus routes from Exeter and Plymouth.
Best time: Year-round. The Dartmoor edge drains better than the high moor.
Safety
The Dartmoor Way mostly avoids the high moor but the northern sections near Okehampton are close to the firing ranges — check firing schedules. In an emergency: call 999 or 112. Dartmoor Search & Rescue teams cover all sections. Pre-register SMS 999.
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