Epic 3 days in Dartmoor itinerary
Granite tors, river valleys, historic villages, remote moorland… Dartmoor is an unmissable British destination.
This 3-day itinerary takes you through the most striking parts of South England’s largest national park.
It’s a huge area (954 km², to be precise!) and there’s lots to see – three days isn’t enough to see everything, but it is sufficient to give you a taste of Dartmoor!
Let’s delve into the route.
Day 1: Eastern Dartmoor – tors, waterfalls and castles
We’re going to start off with Dartmoor’s tors!
Dartmoor is famous for its 900+ tors – free-standing rocky outcrops. Of course, you won’t be able to see many on this itinerary, but we’ll include a few of the best!
Start your Dartmoor adventure at Haytor, one of the most accessible (and popular) tors in the park.
From the car park, take a short climb to get sweeping views over the South Devon countryside.
Just a note: If you can, I’d recommend scheduling Haytor for the least busy day i.e. not a weekend. This is especially true if it’s sunny or – as I learned in January when I drove there and couldn’t park – snowy!
Head to Hound Tor next – it’s named so because the jagged outcrops look a little like dogs. Below is Hound Tor Deserted Medieval Village, where people lived in the 13th century.
From here, drive a few miles to Becky Falls, a privately managed woodland walk (with an entrance fee). The main loop trail leads you through boulder-strewn temperate rainforest and past a babbling brook.
If you’re hungry, I highly recommend The Carpenter’s Arms in Ilsington, especially for their Sunday roasts. They’re a cosy country pub with friendly staff and a great atmosphere – and the roasts (veggie options available) are delicious!
In the afternoon, head north to Castle Drogo, a National Trust property and the last castle built in England – the history’s fascinating!
It overlooks the Teign Gorge, and several trails descend to Fingle Bridge, following the river through a thickly wooded valley.
Stay overnight in Moretonhampstead, Chagford, or North Bovey.
The Ring of Bells Inn in North Bovey is a popular option with cosy rooms and a highly rated restaurant.
Day 2: South and central Dartmoor – rivers, legends and postcard villages
Begin your second day in Holne, a quiet village with access to riverside walks through Holne Woods.
A little further east is Dartmeet, where the East and West Dart rivers join. Enjoy the granite boulders, a clapper bridge and tree-covered banks!
Head north to Grimspound, an ancient village where people lived around 3,000 years ago!
Then continue to Widecombe-in-the-Moor, one of Dartmoor’s most photogenic villages.
In the afternoon, visit Postbridge, where a 13th-century clapper bridge crosses the East Dart River.
Then, if you still have time, walk out to Wistman’s Wood – a two-mile trail each way from the road leads to a small ancient oak woodland, where moss-covered trees grow between granite boulders.
Dartmoor park authorities have asked that tourists no longer enter Wistman’s Wood due to its status as a temperate rainforest and the vulnerability of the environment. You can still enjoy it from outside.
Two Bridges Hotel is right by the carpark by Wistman’s Wood and is a popular place to stay!
Day 3: Western Dartmoor – gorges, prehistoric remains and prison history
Start your last day at Lydford Gorge, where a circular walk leads through a steep-sided ravine lined with ancient woodland. Again, this is one of Dartmoor’s temperate rainforests.
The route includes the 30-metre Whitelady Waterfall and the swirling Devil’s Cauldron. Allow at least 90 minutes to complete the full loop.
Continue southeast to Merrivale, one of Dartmoor’s most significant prehistoric sites. Beside the road you’ll find stone rows, a small stone circle and burial cairns. If the weather’s good, climb up to Great Mis Tor, a vast granite outcrop with panoramic views across the moor.
Next stop is Princetown, the highest settlement on Dartmoor and home to the Dartmoor Prison Museum (and Dartmoor Prison). Inside, exhibits cover everything from Napoleonic prisoners of war to modern escape attempts! The moor around Princetown is bleak and expansive; you can imagine why it was an opportune place to build a high-security prison.
Finish the day with a stop at Burrator Reservoir where there are ample walking trails.
Practical tips:
- Roads across Dartmoor are often narrow and single-track. Drive cautiously and be prepared to reverse for oncoming vehicles.
- Weather changes quickly – carry waterproofs and check forecasts before longer walks.
- Many spots (especially car parks and trails) have no mobile signal, so download maps in advance.
- Public toilets are few and far between, though most visitor car parks have basic facilities.
- DON’T feed or try to touch the Dartmoor ponies. They are wild animals!
- If you’re visiting in summer, arrive early at popular sites like Haytor and Lydford Gorge to avoid crowds and secure parking.
- Midweek and out of school holidays will always be quieter!
