The best mountain hikes in Dartmoor

Dartmoor offers a selection of mountaineering routes, with at least 3 distinct tours currently featured. These routes provide a range of experiences across the park's unique landscape.

Yes, Dartmoor has moderate routes that can be suitable for beginners looking for an introduction to mountaineering. For instance, the Haytor Rocks – Greator Rocks loop from Haytor Rocks is a moderate 4.3-mile trail, offering iconic granite tors without extreme difficulty. Another moderate option is the Sheeps Tor – Burrator Reservoir and Dam loop from Walkhampton, which covers 6.2 miles through varied terrain.

For those seeking a more demanding experience, Dartmoor offers challenging routes that traverse its highest points. The Yes Tor summit – High Willhays summit loop from Meldon Viaduct is a difficult 9.7-mile path, providing expansive moorland scenery and a significant elevation gain.

Yes, many of Dartmoor's mountaineering routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Haytor Rocks – Greator Rocks loop, the Yes Tor summit – High Willhays summit loop, and the Sheeps Tor – Burrator Reservoir and Dam loop.

The duration of mountaineering routes in Dartmoor varies depending on the length and difficulty. Moderate routes like the Haytor Rocks – Greator Rocks loop can take around 2 hours 10 minutes, while longer, more difficult trails such as the Yes Tor summit – High Willhays summit loop may require over 5 hours to complete.

Dartmoor is famous for its granite tors and expansive moorland. Along the routes, you can encounter prominent features such as Haytor Rocks, Yes Tor summit, and High Willhays summit. These natural monuments offer stunning views and are integral to the Dartmoor landscape.

The komoot community highly rates mountaineering in Dartmoor, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse terrain, from exposed moorland to sheltered woodlands, and the unique geological features like the granite tors, which provide varied challenges and scenic beauty.

Many of Dartmoor's tors offer opportunities for light scrambling that can be enjoyable for families with some hiking experience. The Haytor Rocks – Greator Rocks loop, for example, features accessible tors like Haytor Rocks, which can provide a fun, mild scrambling experience for adventurous families.

While Dartmoor can be explored year-round, late spring to early autumn (May to October) generally offers the most favorable conditions with milder weather and longer daylight hours. However, the moorland can be beautiful in winter, though it requires appropriate gear and careful planning due to potentially harsh weather and rapidly changing conditions.

While popular tors like Haytor can attract visitors, Dartmoor's vastness allows for quieter experiences. Exploring routes that venture deeper into the moor, such as the Yes Tor summit – High Willhays summit loop, can offer a sense of solitude, especially outside of peak times. Early mornings or weekdays are also good for avoiding crowds.

Given Dartmoor's changeable weather and varied terrain, it's essential to be well-prepared. Recommended gear includes waterproof and windproof layers, sturdy hiking boots, a map and compass (or GPS device), sufficient water and snacks, and sun protection. For more challenging routes or winter conditions, consider additional items like gaiters, warm layers, and emergency shelter.