The Two Moors Way

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.

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.

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