Two Moors Way
The Two Moors Way is a 170 km route from Ivybridge on Dartmoor to Lynmouth on the Exmoor coast — crossing both Devon moorlands and the fertile farmland between them in a long south-to-north traverse of the county.
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 Two Moors Way
The Two Moors Way is Devon's coast-to-coast challenge — from the English Channel watershed on Dartmoor to the Bristol Channel at Lynmouth. It crosses the two great moorlands that give Devon its character: the granite plateau of Dartmoor in the south and the sandstone moorland of Exmoor in the north, with a middle section through the red Devon farmland of the Teign, Exe and Barle valleys.
For trail runners it is a three to four day challenge with real variety. Dartmoor is the more demanding terrain — open moorland navigation, bogs, tors. Exmoor is gentler but the coast path finale at Lynmouth gives a satisfying sea-cliff finish. The middle section through Devon farmland is pleasant running on good paths.
The waymarking is good on the moorland sections but can be sparse in the farmed valleys.
The route
Ivybridge to Widecombe-in-the-Moor (~40 km): Across southern Dartmoor. Stall Moor, the Avon reservoir, and the classic Dartmoor tors. Navigation skills needed.
Widecombe to Morchard Bishop (~55 km): Off Dartmoor and through mid-Devon farmland. Good paths, pleasant countryside.
Morchard Bishop to Lynmouth (~75 km): Onto Exmoor via Molland Moor and the heather moorland. Finish at Lynmouth with its spectacular Valley of Rocks and sea cliffs.
Getting there & logistics
Start: Ivybridge. Train station on the Plymouth–Exeter line.
Finish: Lynmouth. Bus to Minehead; bus or train to Taunton.
Best time: May to September. Dartmoor can be very wet and misty; plan navigation conservatively.
Safety
Dartmoor navigation is the main challenge — fog and featureless terrain can disorient even experienced navigators. The firing ranges east of Princetown are active — check firing times at dartmoor.gov.uk. In an emergency: call 999 or 112. Dartmoor Search & Rescue teams cover the moor; Exmoor SAR covers the north. Pre-register SMS 999.
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