Discover the wild beauty of Dartmoor with this expertly curated collection of 15 short walks in and around Okehampton and Chagford. Each route has been handpicked for its varied landscapes, fascinating history and accessibility, inviting you to explore the heart of Dartmoor National Park at a relaxed pace, perfect for families, newcomers and anyone seeking gentle adventure.

• Each walk comes with a clear, easy-to-follow Ordnance Survey® map and step-by-step route description, making navigation across Dartmoor’s moors, woodlands and villages simple and enjoyable for walkers of all experience levels.
• Practical information is included for every route in the Okehampton and Chagford areas, covering parking, public transport options, facilities and must-see highlights, so you can focus on making the most of your day.
• Discover classic Dartmoor landscapes as you stroll among craggy tors, ancient stone circles and tranquil riverside paths, with panoramic viewpoints at Haytor Rocks, the historic relics at Grimspound and Scorhill, and rare oak woodlands at Black-a-Tor Copse.
• Routes range from 5 to 10.5km (all under three hours), including an optional longer challenge walk to High Willhays and Yes Tor – the highest points in southern England. Walks have no technical terrain, ideal for a relaxed outing or walk with the whole family in Dartmoor.
• Enjoy the best of Dartmoor hospitality, with recommendations for welcoming pubs and cosy tea rooms in local towns and picturesque villages such as Chagford, Widecombe-in-the-Moor, and Lustleigh along the way, plus expert tips for every season, from spring’s wildflowers and summer’s long days to autumn’s golden moors and the crisp magic of winter walks.

Part of Cicerone’s trusted Short Walks series, this Okehampton and Chagford guidebook is your all-in-one companion to exploring Dartmoor’s most memorable walks. Whether you’re discovering ancient monuments, mining ruins and breathtaking views, or simply soaking up the wild atmosphere and charming village life, this guide offers everything you need for a rewarding day out in Dartmoor’s most captivating corners.

15 Short Walks in Dartmoor North – Okehampton and Chagford – Quick Facts

Location: Okehampton, Chagford and surrounding areas, Dartmoor National Park, Devon, South‑West England, UK (including Belstone, Hound Tor, Bowerman’s Nose, Haytor Rocks, Meldon Reservoir, Widecombe in the Moor, Lustleigh and more)
Total walks: 15 selected short walks
Typical duration: Under 3 hours each (mostly)
Distance per walk: 5–10.5 km (3–6½ miles)
Walk type: Easy day walks with one longer challenge route
Difficulty: Easy to moderate; short climbs and varied terrain suitable for most walkers
Navigation: Clear Ordnance Survey® maps and step-by-step route descriptions included
Highlights: Haytor Rocks, Grimspound, Black-a-Tor Copse, Meldon Reservoir, High Willhays and Yes Tor, ancient stone circles, rare woodlands, riverside paths, panoramic moorland views, charming villages and cosy pubs
Best season: Walkable all year round; enjoy spring wildflowers, summer moorland, autumn colours, and atmospheric winter landscapes (weather and conditions permitting)

Author Highlight

"Dartmoor, a national park since 1951, is a wild, and at times isolated, upland area tucked in the south-western corner of Devon, in south-west England. It is a land of blanket bogs, grass moors dotted with fascinating tors, tumbling streams crossed by old stone clapper bridges, and a diverse range of wildlife. Several millennia ago our ancestors left behind a fascinating treasure trove, from intriguing stone rows, to ancient stones circles and burial cairns (there’s over 1500 of them), and over 5000 hut circles. But there are also the stark ruins of Dartmoor’s mining heritage, and picturesque villages and hamlets that are home to cosy pubs and historic buildings." 

- Steve Davison, author of 15 Short Walks on Dartmoor North - Okehampton and Chagford

Using this guide

Route summary table 

Introduction

Walking on North Dartmoor

Where to stay

Travel

The walks

Walk 1 Sourton Tors

Walk 2 Meldon Reservoir

Walk 3 High Willhays and Yes Tor

Walk 4 Cullever Steps

Walk 5 Belstone and Belstone Common

Walk 6 Kestor Rock and Scorhill Down

Walk 7 Chagford and Meldon Hill

Walk 8 Fernworthy Reservoir

Walk 9 River Teign

Walk 10 Three Reservoirs

Walk 11 Bovey Valley Woods and Lustleigh

Walk 12 Grimspound and Bennett’s Cross

Walk 13Bellever Tor

Walk 14 Widecombe in the Moor

Walk 15 Haytor Rocks

Useful information

Seasons

Can be undertaken year-round, however, the seasons bring with them different expectations. From October to the end of March is generally the wettest period, with occasionally snow and frost, especially high up. April through to the end of September is typically the driest and warmest period, however, the weather can be unpredictable, so always be prepared. Many parts of Dartmoor are wet underfoot.

Centres

Within the national park: Chagford, Lydford, Moretonhampstead, South Zeal, and Widecombe in the Moor; outside the national park there is Okehampton, Bovey Tracey, Tavistock and Crediton.

Difficulty

The walks have been chosen so that they are relatively easy to undertake and follow tracks and paths that are reasonably well cared for; it is important to note that there is very little waymarking on the open moor. Paths can become muddy/slippery after wet weather; the walks are hilly and involve a reasonable amount of ascent and descent. The weather can be unpredictable, especially on the high moor, mist and low cloud can make navigation difficult at times.

Must See

High Willhays and Yes Tor – the two highest summits in Dartmoor; craggy granite tors of Haytor Rocks, Bellever Tor, Black Tor and Kestor Rock; the fascinating ancient relics at Grimspound, Scorhill, Bellever and Fernworthy; the rare oak woodland of Black -a-tor Copse; medieval wayside crosses; picturesque villages such as Chagford, Widecombe in the Moor and Lustleigh.

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