Gem Bridge & Double Waters loop — Dartmoor National Park

Hike the Gem Bridge & Double Waters loop for a moderate 6.2-mile (10.0 km) adventure through Dartmoor National Park. This route features enchanting forestry, especially beautiful with seasonal bluebells, and offers views over the Walkham Valley from Gem Bridge. You will also cross the Magpie Viaduct, which provides expansive bird's-eye views of the landscape. The trail includes varied terrain, from good tracks to rough, wooded riverside paths, and can be wet or muddy in places.

This moderate hike, with an elevation gain of 531 feet (162 metres), typically takes around 2 hours and 43 minutes to complete. Be prepared for some steep ascents and descents, such as the climb from Double Waters to Walreddon Down. The paths can be stony and rooted, with standing water after rain, so good fitness and sure-footedness are helpful for navigating the diverse surfaces. Double Waters is a popular spot for picnics and wild swimming.

The trail is rich in history, incorporating sections of the old Horrabridge to Tavistock railway line, with remnants like brick bunkers and GWR fencing. Gem Bridge, an impressive structure 78 feet (24 metres) above the River Walkham, replaced Brunel's original viaduct and is part of the Drake's Trail. The unique Double Waters is where the River Walkham and River Tavy converge, a serene spot accessible only on foot.