This cycle and walking route runs for 11 miles between Lydford and Okehampton along a disused railway line. The route forms part of the National Cycle network with Okehampton the most popular start point where bicycles can be hired locally. The off road track has the advantage of being mostly traffic free. Meldon Viaduct offers spectacular views across the moors.
A woodland trail through the South West's deepest gorge, alongside the River Lyd, past the spectacular 30m Whitelady waterfall to the 'Devil's Cauldron' whirlpools. Visit in May to see carpets of bluebells. Steep paths in places, can be slippery when wet - walking boots a must. Access to the Devil's Cauldron may occasionally be closed for safety reasons. The tea rooms located nearby offer some welcome refreshments!
Named after one of Devon's most famous sons, Sir Francis Drake, the Drake's Trail project, launched in March 2009, includes a range of walking and cycling routes in West Devon for all age groups and fitness levels. The new off-road cycling route follows the old railway track between Tavistock and Plymouth, crossing open moorland at Roborough Down before reaching the wooded valleys of the River Meavy and eventually the River Plym.
This disused railway line has been transformed into a spectacular walkway and rough cycle track that winds through deciduous woodland and past high moorland Tors. There are marvellous views of Burrator Lake and the Walkham Valley and the track passes the quarries of Sweltor and Foggintor, once famous for the granite used on many London buildings, including London Bridge.
Rare mosses and lichens festoon the trees and granite boulders in this ancient oak wood. With its eerie, gnarled, moss-covered trees, it's easy to see why local legend has it that Druids once performed Pagan rituals here. Today, Devon's oldest woodland is a National Nature Reserve and a hotspot for moorland birds in the summer months. Reach it on foot from the nearby village of Two Bridges at the crossroads of the B3357 and B3212.
The friendly staff here can help you plan suitable walking routes to explore Dartmoor. There are displays and information about the area as well as a range of maps, guide books and other paraphenalia for outdoor enthusiasts. Situated in the heart of the moor, this is the most centrally located of Dartmoor's information centres. It is easily accesible from Exeter and Plymouth and provides a good gateway to the north moor, ideal for hill walking.
At the top (621m), you can proudly claim to have reached not only the highest summit on Dartmoor, but the highest point in Great Britain south of the Brecon Beacons. Join in the latest countryside craze that is 'letterboxing' and orienteer between thousands of boxes hidden on the moors to collect rubber stamps and try for membership of the '100 Club'. But beware, this remote northern part of Dartmoor is periodically used by the military for firing practice, check before you go. Drive onto Dartmoor off the A30 near Okehampton and park in the Meldon Reservoir car park.
Park at the car park at Lane's End (OS Map 191 Map Ref. SX537825) and ahead of you rises Ger Tor. Follow your nose to Ger Tor and from the top you will see Hare Tor. It is an easy scramble to the top of Hare Tor which opens up a wonderful vista of the high moors from Great Links Tor past Great Kneeset to Fur Tor. From the top of Hare Tor, head west down to the upper reaches of the River Tavy. Pick up the somewhat vague and scrambling path that runs alongside the river; the early stages of the path require eagle eyes and a fair bit of rock hopping. Chase the river and you will be well rewarded with a series of beautiful waterfalls. Follow the steep sided river valley until it begins to open up; at that point you will come across a sluice hut and millrace that signifies the start of the leat that runs along the western side of the valley. Follow this around Nat Tor and voila, you're back to the car park.
A lovely circular walk around the reservoir and its suitable for all the family as its easy going and flat. Lovely views of woodland and open moorland, this walk will take around 2 hours and is approximately 6k.
A moorland romp through the storylands of Dartmoor. It's inspired many a tale of spooky goings-on and now you can encounter the remains and feel the chill for yourself on a guided walk.
'With miles of stunning Walks in Dartmoor we have listed 20 of the very best Walks Dartmoor has to offer. Exclusively reviewed by people who have trekked them.'
4 August 2026
This cycle and walking route runs for 11 miles between Lydford and Okehampton along a disused railway line. The route forms part of the National Cycle network with Okehampton the most popular start point where bicycles can be hired locally. The off road track has the advantage of being mostly traffic free. Meldon Viaduct offers spectacular views across the moors.
21 August 2022
A woodland trail through the South West's deepest gorge, alongside the River Lyd, past the spectacular 30m Whitelady waterfall to the 'Devil's Cauldron' whirlpools. Visit in May to see carpets of bluebells. Steep paths in places, can be slippery when wet - walking boots a must. Access to the Devil's Cauldron may occasionally be closed for safety reasons. The tea rooms located nearby offer some welcome refreshments!
13 September 2021
Named after one of Devon's most famous sons, Sir Francis Drake, the Drake's Trail project, launched in March 2009, includes a range of walking and cycling routes in West Devon for all age groups and fitness levels. The new off-road cycling route follows the old railway track between Tavistock and Plymouth, crossing open moorland at Roborough Down before reaching the wooded valleys of the River Meavy and eventually the River Plym.
13 September 2021
This disused railway line has been transformed into a spectacular walkway and rough cycle track that winds through deciduous woodland and past high moorland Tors. There are marvellous views of Burrator Lake and the Walkham Valley and the track passes the quarries of Sweltor and Foggintor, once famous for the granite used on many London buildings, including London Bridge.
17 May 2012
Rare mosses and lichens festoon the trees and granite boulders in this ancient oak wood. With its eerie, gnarled, moss-covered trees, it's easy to see why local legend has it that Druids once performed Pagan rituals here. Today, Devon's oldest woodland is a National Nature Reserve and a hotspot for moorland birds in the summer months. Reach it on foot from the nearby village of Two Bridges at the crossroads of the B3357 and B3212.
4 April 2012
The friendly staff here can help you plan suitable walking routes to explore Dartmoor. There are displays and information about the area as well as a range of maps, guide books and other paraphenalia for outdoor enthusiasts. Situated in the heart of the moor, this is the most centrally located of Dartmoor's information centres. It is easily accesible from Exeter and Plymouth and provides a good gateway to the north moor, ideal for hill walking.
23 June 2011
At the top (621m), you can proudly claim to have reached not only the highest summit on Dartmoor, but the highest point in Great Britain south of the Brecon Beacons. Join in the latest countryside craze that is 'letterboxing' and orienteer between thousands of boxes hidden on the moors to collect rubber stamps and try for membership of the '100 Club'. But beware, this remote northern part of Dartmoor is periodically used by the military for firing practice, check before you go. Drive onto Dartmoor off the A30 near Okehampton and park in the Meldon Reservoir car park.
29 January 2009
Park at the car park at Lane's End (OS Map 191 Map Ref. SX537825) and ahead of you rises Ger Tor. Follow your nose to Ger Tor and from the top you will see Hare Tor. It is an easy scramble to the top of Hare Tor which opens up a wonderful vista of the high moors from Great Links Tor past Great Kneeset to Fur Tor. From the top of Hare Tor, head west down to the upper reaches of the River Tavy. Pick up the somewhat vague and scrambling path that runs alongside the river; the early stages of the path require eagle eyes and a fair bit of rock hopping. Chase the river and you will be well rewarded with a series of beautiful waterfalls. Follow the steep sided river valley until it begins to open up; at that point you will come across a sluice hut and millrace that signifies the start of the leat that runs along the western side of the valley. Follow this around Nat Tor and voila, you're back to the car park.
A lovely circular walk around the reservoir and its suitable for all the family as its easy going and flat. Lovely views of woodland and open moorland, this walk will take around 2 hours and is approximately 6k.
A moorland romp through the storylands of Dartmoor. It's inspired many a tale of spooky goings-on and now you can encounter the remains and feel the chill for yourself on a guided walk.