These walks were first published as the ‘Walks with Winnie’ series in Oke Links Magazine. They are reproduced here by kind permission of Denise Horner (and Winnie the dog!) of Dartmoor Nordic Walking. Denise runs a series of local guided walks, which can be walked with or without poles or dogs, throughout the year, so please contact her through the link if you would be interested in joining one of them.
Click on the walk name for detailed instructions and a map:
Fatherford Bridge and East Hill
Distance: 1.6 mi./2.5 km. Time: 1 hour
This short walk takes in the East Okement River and the moors. Although you’re very close to Okehampton, you’ll soon forget that. Some parts of this walk are steep and difficult underfoot.
Distance: 1.6 mi./2.5 km. Time: about 1 hour.
This is a great open walk on Dartmoor with amazing views all the way. The there-and-back route follows a gravel track, so you’ll need good footwear and a waterproof coat, as the weather can change very quickly on the moors.
Fingle Bridge and Cranbrook Castle
Distance: 2.5 mi./4 km. Time: about 1½ hours.
An uphill climb of 260 m to Cranbrook Castle, taking in the Deer Stalkers’ Upper and Lower paths on the way back. The terrain can be uneven with stones and muddy in winter but the views from Cranbrook Castle are 360° and worth the climb!
Distance: 4 mi./6 km. Time: about 1½ hours.
A circular walk from Belstone, taking in Belstone Cleave, Skaigh, Tongue End and Priestacott. It is a varied walk along tracks, fields and meadows, with some lovely scenery. Please note: the path can be quite muddy in places after heavy rain.
Distance: 4 mi./6 km. Time: about 1½ hours.
Starting from Meldon car park, this walk takes in the open moors near Sourton Tor, Vellake Corner, the nature reserve and Meldon Reservoir and includes the site of a tragic wartime accident. Although swimming is not permitted in the reservoir itself, there are places along the Okement River, which feeds it, where you can swim.
Distance: 3 mi./5 km. Time: about 1 ½ hours.
A flat and scenic walk along the River Teign on part of the Tarka Trail, with views of Castle Drogo. There are many options to extend this walk which starts at Chagford’s open-air swimming pool.
Belstone, Halstock Woods and Cullever Steps
Distance: 3.7 mi./6 km. Time: about 1 ½ hours.
Starting from the village of Belstone, this circular walk takes in the bluebell woods at Halstock as well as Cullever Steps, a popular place for a wild swim.
Distance: 3.5 mi./5.5 km. Time: about 1 hour and 40 minutes.
This walk takes in Scorhill Circle and the Tolmen Stone, which is reputed to have healing powers. It is an open walk, although there are woods nearby if you need shelter.
Shilstone Tor and Cosdon Beacon
Distance: 3.6 mi./6 km. Time: about 2 hours.
An open moorland walk with no shelter, but amazing views! There’s a steady uphill climb to Cosdon Beacon (550 m) from Shilstone Tor (314 m), which becomes steeper as you get closer to it. The views are worth the climb – from the top, you can see Hay Tor, Exmoor and beyond.
Finch Foundry and Cosdon Beacon
Distance: 4 mi./6.5 km. Time: about 2 hours.
A there-and-back walk from Finch Foundry in Sticklepath to the summit of Cosdon Beacon. This walk is uphill all the way, although it is easier coming back down.