About this walk

A nice easy one to start your walking year off; some lanes, some stiles and a bit of open moorland.  A perfect selection of what Dartmoor has to offer without leaving you too exposed to the elements.  Oh, and yes, of course there are pubs!

You could manage most of this walk with a bit of common sense and an understanding of which is left and which is right.  However, it is much better for you to practice using your map and compass so we are going to include some grid references and bearings.  Bearings don’t always work on winding lanes so if we use words like northish and eastish, please do not panic, they are a general guide but will be all that you need.

Distances

Without detour to Manaton pub 4 miles (6.5km).  

With detour 7.5 miles (12km)

Time

Without detour to Manaton pub – 2 hours.  

With detour – 4 hours

Start/Finish

North Bovey car park SX 740838

Terrain

Mixed terrain; green lanes (often muddy but usually pretty), a short open moorland section and some country road walking.  Tracks can be muddy and the walk includes a number of stiles

Maps

OS Explorer OL28 Dartmoor

Public Transport

Public transport is limited. Turner’s Tours offer a once a week service from Newton Abbot on a Wednesday.  Route number 671 – Newton Abbot to Okehampton

Parking

North Bovey car park.  No charge

Nearby Attractions

Bovey Castle (bring several credit cards). 

Moretonhampstead (for quirky shopping)