Discover the Two Moors Way, a 117-mile (188km) 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, which can be adjusted to suit different experience levels and ambitions. The journey weaves through peaceful rolling hills, wooded combes, and picturesque villages, beginning and ending beside the sea. 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 with confidence using the separate 1:25,000 Ordnance Survey route map booklet included with the guidebook.
• Traverse celebrated landscapes, including the granite tors of Dartmoor, the enchanting woodlands of Exmoor, and the rolling pastures of Devon’s rural heart.
• While Devon attracts millions of visitors each year, most walkers on the Coast to Coast route will still find peace and solitude, even during the height of summer.
• For days when the weather closes in, low-level alternative routes are suggested for some moorland stretches, ensuring safe and enjoyable passage whatever the conditions.
• The trek planner provides a breakdown of each stage 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.
• Each stage features a detailed route information box, with start and finish points (including grid references), distances in miles and kilometres, estimated timings (with stops), and information on public transport, accommodation, and local services in charming villages along the way, such as Wembury, Yealmpton, Ivybridge, Holne, Chagford, Witheridge, Knowstone, Tarr Steps, Simonsbath, and Lynmouth.

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

Map key
Overview map
Route summary table
Trek 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
Stage 1    Wembury 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

Late spring to early autumn. Spring brings warm days and stunning displays of wildflowers, foals on the moors and lambs in the fields; in late summer purple heather covers the hills; in autumn the wooded valleys glow with beech and oak in stunning autumn leaf.

Centres

Ivybridge, Chagford, Morchard Bishop, Witheridge, Withypool and Lynmouth. The route passed through few places of any significant size, so pre-planning accommodation and supplies is essential.

Difficulty

The route is suitable for competent walkers, and can be divided into shorter or longer stages if required. Devon is a hilly county, but there are few long and steep ascents/descents. Parts of the Mid Devon stretch can be very muddy in winter. Navigational skills will be required for both moorland stages in bad weather/poor visibility.

Must See

Dartmoor's wide open spaces, home to hill ponies, granite tors and Bronze Age relics. Exmoor's sandstone moorland and towering sea cliffs. Narrow-hedged lanes, historic farmsteads and remote churches in quiet, rural Mid Devon.

November 2024

Stage 9/10

January 2021

Updates

March 2019

Updates

Free Royal Mail 48 postage on UK orders. European postage is £3.50 per item. Worldwide postage is £5.50 per item. If you're not happy with your purchase for any reason, we'll give you a full refund.