Two Moors Way Coast to Coast
Devon
About this walk
The Devon Coast to Coast walk (Two Moors Way) runs between Wembury on the South Devon coast and Lynmouth on the North Devon coast, passing through two National Parks, Dartmoor and Exmoor.
The Two Moors Way is an amazing route of 187km/117 miles, passing through the gently rolling South Hams, the Heart of Devon – Dartmoor’s beautiful National Park, then Exmoor’s sandstone plateau in their National Park.
The trail crosses both the Exmoor and Dartmoor National Parks, taking in a variety of landscapes, from moorland and valleys to woodland and farmland. The trail is typically completed over the course of 5-7 days, although some people choose to walk shorter sections or complete the entire trail in fewer days. The route is well-marked and includes a mixture of footpaths, bridleways, and quiet country lanes.
Along the way, walkers can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding countryside, as well as historic sites such as Tarr Steps, an ancient clapper bridge over the River Barle, and the remote village of Withypool.
Accommodation options along the route include campsites, B&Bs, and hotels, and there are also several pubs and cafes where walkers can stop for a bite to eat.
The best time of year to walk the Two Moors Way is generally from late spring to early autumn, although the weather can be unpredictable and walkers should be prepared for all conditions. It’s also important to plan ahead and ensure that you have the right equipment, including sturdy walking boots, waterproofs, and plenty of water and snacks.
On the Dartmoor section walkers will encounter Bronze Age hut circles, standing stones and rows; extensive tin-working evidence dating from medieval times; herds of free-living ponies, wooded valleys and sparkling rivers, small stone-walled fields and attractive hamlets.
The route doesn’t have to be walked in one go and can be split into a number of great day walks. You can see the different sections here on the Two Moors Way website – twomoorsway.org/route-sections
It’s also not particularly challenging in terms of terrain, but there are a couple of tricky stretches – such as from Ivybridge to Scoriton on Dartmoor, across largely unsigned moorland.
There are some stages lacking in places to buy food and drink, with limited accommodation (especially in Mid Devon), so it’s important to plan your trip properly. We’ve plenty of accommodation for you to choose from on Dartmoor – visitdartmoor.co.uk/stay