Discover the Two Moors Way, a 188km (117-mile) long-distance walk traversing the breadth of England’s southwest peninsula. Known as Devon’s Coast to Coast walk, this remarkable route combines the well-established path between Ivybridge and Lynmouth with the Erme–Plym Trail, beginning (or ending) at Wembury Bay on the dramatic South Devon coast.

Crossing two of southwest England’s most magnificent and contrasting moorlands, Dartmoor and Exmoor, the Two Moors Way offers a memorable adventure for walkers of all abilities. The comprehensive Cicerone guidebook divides the route into 11 manageable daily stages (between 11 and 29km or 7–18 miles), which can be adjusted to suit different experience levels and ambitions. Along the way, walkers experience the untamed granite heights of Dartmoor, the softer wilds of Exmoor, and the tranquil landscapes of the South Hams, far from the bustle of Devon’s popular coastal resorts.

• Navigate the Two Moors Way with confidence using the separate 1:25,000 Ordnance Survey route map booklet included with the guidebook, plus 1:50,000 OS maps and step-by-step description in the guidebook
• An abbreviated route description is included for those looking to walk the route in the opposite direction: north to south
• Each stage features a detailed route information box with start and finish points, distances in kilometres and miles, ascent data and estimated timings (with stops)
• Each stage also includes invaluable information on public transport, public toilets, accommodation and refreshments available on (or near) the route
• For days when the weather closes in, low-level alternative routes are suggested for some moorland stretches, ensuring safe and enjoyable passage on the Two Moors Way, whatever the conditions
• The facilities planner and route summary table provide a breakdown of each stage of the Two Moors Way for more adaptable itineraries. Walkers can combine shorter stretches for longer days, such as Wembury to Ivybridge or Chagford to Morchard Road, or linger to savour the scenic surroundings

Plan your Two Moors Way adventure with the definitive Cicerone guidebook, and discover the wild beauty, heritage, and tranquil landscapes that make this the ultimate cross-country walking experience.

Two Moors Way – Quick Facts

Trail name: Walking the Two Moors Way – Devon’s Coast-to-Coast walk 
Location: Devon, South-West England, UK (South Devon coast to North Devon coast)  
Total distance: ~188 km / ~117 miles (coast-to-coast)  
Typical duration: ~10–14 days (flexible; stages can be combined)  
Start / Finish: Wembury Bay (south Devon) to Lynmouth (north Devon)  
Route type: Long-distance waymarked walking route with 11 stages (plus low-level alternatives)  
Difficulty: Moderate; hilly terrain with moorland and rural paths, suitable for walkers of reasonable fitness  
Terrain: Dartmoor granite moorland, rolling countryside, woodlands and Exmoor landscapes  
Navigation: Guidebook includes detailed descriptions and mapping; GPX files available via Cicerone online  
Accommodation & logistics: Practical section includes accommodation, public transport and services info for stage planning

Author Highlight

“A quick glance at the map reveals that England’s southwest peninsula is the obvious place to look for a substantial coast-to-coast route, and that the best candidate for such an expedition is Devon. Not only is this southern England’s largest county – allowing for a walk of around 117 miles (188km) – it is also the only one where the south and north coasts are separate and markedly different in character. And, being an essentially rural county and home to two of southwest England’s unspoiled, magnificent and greatly contrasting moorlands – the granite heights of Dartmoor in the south, and softer Exmoor in the north – Devon can offer a route that takes walkers far off the beaten track for complete immersion in this most delightful of counties."

- Sue Viccars, author of The Two Moors Way

Overview map
Route summary table
Route profile
Stage facilities planner
INTRODUCTION
History of the route
Geology and landscape
Wildlife
When to go
Planning the walk
Accommodation
Public transport
Maps
Getting there and getting away
What to take
Food and drink
Health and safety
Mobile phones and emergencies
Waymarking and access
Using this guide
THE TWO MOORS WAY – DEVON’S COAST TO COAST
Stage 1: Wembury Beach to Yealmpton
Stage 2: Yealmpton to Ivybridge
Stage 3: Ivybridge to Holne
Stage 3A: Ivybridge to Holne (low-level route)
Stage 4: Holne to Dunstone Down
Stage 5: Dunstone Down to Chagford Bridge
Stage 5A: Dunstone Down to Chagford Bridge (low-level route)
Stage 6: Chagford Bridge to Morchard Road
Stage 7: Morchard Road to Witheridge
Stage 8: Witheridge to Knowstone
Stage 9: Knowstone to Tarr Steps
Stage 10: Tarr Steps to Simonsbath
Stage 11: Simonsbath to Lynmouth

Seasons

May is best for bluebells and wild garlic in the hedgebanks and woodland, and foals and lambs on the commons; August is perfect for purple heather and bright yellow gorse on the moors; and late October showcases valley woodlands in glorious shades of reds and oranges, plus Exmoor’s famous beech hedgebanks.

Centres

Wembury, Yealmpton, Ivybridge, Holne, Widecombe-in-the-Moor (off route), Chagford (off route), Drewsteignton, Morchard Road, Morchard Bishop, Witheridge, Knowstone, Withypool, Simonsbath, Lynmouth

Difficulty

A moderate undulating walking route, made tougher if splitting it into fewer sections to give longer days. Conditions underfoot may be muddy in places after wet weather; all rivers are crossed by bridges. Waymarking is patchy in places and sparse on moorland sections. When the cloud is down the use of map and compass is essential on the unavoidable Ivybridge–Holne (Dartmoor) section and across Dure Down on the Simonsbath to Lynmouth section (Exmoor). The route in reverse (Lynmouth to Wembury) starts with an ascent of 800ft from sea level.

Must See

Wembury Bay highlights include: Wembury Marine Centre, South Devon National Landscape, South West Coast Path. Ivybridge is the start of Two Moors Way ‘proper’. Dartmoor features granite tors, historic tinworking, Bronze Age archaeology, Dartmoor ponies, Widecombe-in-the-Moor (off route), Warren House Inn, Chagford (stannary town, off route), Teign Gorge and Castle Drogo (the youngest ‘castle’ in England). Devon’s Heartland celebrates farms, fields, woodland, ancient churches, remote hamlets… this is rural Devon at its best. Exmoor delights include: Tarr Steps, Barle Valley, Simonsbath (heart of the ancient Royal Forest) crossing The Chains, Hoar Oak Tree (ancient Forest boundary), Exmoor ponies and red deer. At the route's end lies Lynmouth (England’s ‘Little Switzerland’) and the wooded East Lyn Valley, in the vicinity of the South West Coast Path and the Coleridge Way.

May 2026

Grid reference (page 70)

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