15 Short Walks on Dartmoor South - Ivybridge and Princetown

Discover the untamed beauty of southern Dartmoor, where windswept tors, wooded valleys, bubbling rivers and historic villages combine to create a walker’s paradise.

This collection of 15 short walks around Ivybridge, Princetown and the surrounding moorland is designed to be completed in under three hours, offering circular routes that are perfect for families, weekend visitors, or anyone seeking memorable Dartmoor scenery without the commitment of a full-day hike.

• Walks range from 5 to 11 km (3 to 7 miles) and include detailed step-by-step instructions with 1:25,000 Ordnance Survey maps and GPX files, allowing you to confidently explore Dartmoor’s tors, lanes, rivers, and wooded paths
• Experience the region’s iconic landscapes, from the ancient oaks and mossy stones of Wistman’s Wood to the rugged tors of Great Staple Tor and Buckland Beacon, and the prehistoric stone rows and historic quarries of Drizzlecombe
• For each route, practical guidance covers parking, terrain notes, public transport options and nearby cafés or pubs, helping you plan enjoyable, stress-free half-day walks
• Explore Dartmoor’s heritage and natural highlights, including Princetown’s granite-built village, atmospheric quarries at Foggintor and Swelltor, and medieval settlement remains, combining scenic walking with cultural interest
• Many routes include flexible options to lengthen or shorten your walk, letting you tailor your adventure to the weather, your available time, or your energy levels

From windswept moorlands and hidden wooded valleys to riverside paths and ancient stone monuments, southern Dartmoor offers surprises on every short walk. With this Cicerone Short Walks guide in hand, you can explore the area with confidence, enjoying its dramatic landscapes, rich history and charming villages, whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway or discovering new routes close to home.

Seasons

The walks 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: Ashburton, Buckfastleigh, Horrabridge, Princetown and Yelverton
Outside the National Park: Ivybridge, Newton Abbot, Plymouth and Tavistock

Difficulty

The walks have been chosen so that they are relatively easy to undertake and follow tracks and paths that are reasonably well signposted and cared for. However, paths can become muddy/slippery after wet weather, and 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

The craggy tors of Great Mis Tor, Cox Tor and Great Staple Tor; the fascinating ancient relics at Merrivale and Drizzlecombe; the rare temperate rainforest of Wistman’s Wood; the Ten Commandments Stone on Buckland Beacon; views of the infamous Foxtor Mires; medieval wayside crosses; abandoned quarries of Foggintor and Swelltor; picturesque villages such as Meavy and Holne

Using this guide

Route summary table

Map key

Introduction

Walking in South Dartmoor

Where to stay

Travel

The walks

Walk 1 Double Waters

Walk 2 Great Staple Tor and Windy Post Cross

Walk 3 Four Winds

Walk 4 Princetown and King’s Tor

Walk 5 Princetown and Nun’s Cross

Walk 6 Crockern Tor and Wistman’s Wood

Walk 7 Devonport Leat and Crazy Well Pool

Walk 8 Meavy and Sheepstor

Walk 9 Ditsworthy and Drizzlecombe

Walk 10 Ivybridge and Henlake Down

Walk 11 Butterdon Hill and Western Beacon

Walk 12 South Brent and Shipley Bridge

Walk 13 Dartmeet tors

Walk 14 Holne and Leigh Tor

Walk 15 Ten Commandments Stone

Useful information