Princetown, Burrator Reservoir & King's Tor loop — Dartmoor National Park

Hiking trails & Routes

Princetown, Burrator Reservoir & King's Tor loop — Dartmoor National Park

Hard

4.8

(22)

hikers

Princetown, Burrator Reservoir & King's Tor loop — Dartmoor National Park

06:21

23.6km

290m

Hiking

Embark on a difficult 14.7-mile (23.6 km) hike through Dartmoor National Park, a challenging adventure that takes around 6 hours and 20 minutes to complete. You will gain 937 feet (286 metres) in elevation as you traverse varied terrain, from uphill climbs through forests to open moorland and rugged tors. Expect natural ground, gravel tracks, and rocky sections, especially around landmarks like King's Tor and the striking Foggintor Quarry, which offers sweeping views across the park and its tranquil reservoir.

This demanding route requires very good fitness, so plan to allocate a full day for your journey. Be sure to carry plenty of water and snacks to sustain you throughout the hike. The terrain can be muddy and uneven, particularly after rain, so sturdy walking boots with good ankle support are essential. Given the exposed moorland sections, weather conditions can change quickly, so dress in appropriate layers.

Discover a rich tapestry of history and natural beauty along the way, from the serene waters of Burrator Reservoir, vital for Plymouth's drinking supply, to the historic Princetown village with its famous prison and church built by Napoleonic War prisoners. You will also walk sections of the old Princetown railway line, once used to transport quarry materials and prisoners. Keep an eye out for Foggintor Quarry, a visually striking site that provided granite for London landmarks and has even featured in films.

Last updated: April 23, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Dartmoor National Park

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

82 m

Princetown Village Centre

Highlight • Settlement

High on the windswept moorland, Princetown is a rather unique village and well worth stopping at on your adventures. It’s home to an imposing prison which can be seen for miles around and held conscientious objectors during the First World War. This is just one of Princetown’s interesting features; it’s also the place where Arthur Conan Doyle supposedly wrote some of his famous novel, ‘The Hound of the Baskervilles’.

In the northwest of the village is the St Michael’s & All Angels church. Built by prisoners during the Napoleonic Wars, this churchyard sits in atmospheric surroundings. With a National Park Visitor Centre, public toilets, lovely cafés and two pubs, Princetown has lots to offer hikers passing through.

Tip by

5.52 km

Crazywell Pool

Highlight • Lake

Very cool but currently not permitted to wild camp. Still a fantastic place for a dip!

Tip by

9.92 km

Sheepstor Dam

Highlight • Monument

This is the 'other' dam on Burrator Reservoir. It was built across the Meavy and Sheepstor Brook in 1894 to create the reservoir which provides clean drinking water to the inhabitants of Plymouth.

This is a popular area with walkers. The route around the reservoir edge is delightful and easily accessible.

Tip by

10.6 km

Burrator Reservoir and Dam

Highlight • Lake

Burrator Reservoir is situated within Dartmoor, and the tranquil water and surrounding mixed woodland contrasts sharply with the open moor and the rugged Dartmoor tors. A trip here can be combined with a walk across the moors, or enjoyed as a trip of its own with plenty to do – from walking and taking in the views, to fishing for rainbow and brown trout (just be sure to get a permit, available online or by calling South West Lakes). Devon has relatively few lakes, but the situation and quality of these make them a hidden gem in Devon’s crown.

Tip by

11.3 km

Burrator Discovery Centre

Highlight • Lake

Burrator Discovery Centre is a visitor centre located near Burrator Reservoir, on the edge of Dartmoor National Park. It opened in 2014 as part of the Burrator Historic and Natural Environment project. The centre offers exhibitions and displays about Burrator’s history, wildlife and culture. You can see spoken history, an interactive screen and a children’s discovery zone. You can also explore the conservation garden, which features a totem pole and a range of plants found on Dartmoor.

The centre is open from 10am to 4pm daily, except for Saturdays and alternate Thursdays. You can also buy permits for fishing at Burrator Reservoir, which is one of the most tranquil and picturesque natural angling venues in the South West. The reservoir is surrounded by woodlands, wetlands and moorlands, and offers ample walks and views.

Tip by

19.3 km

King's Tor

Highlight • Natural Monument

King's Tor is a 1,476 feet (450 m) granite peak in Dartmoor National Park, high above the Walkham Valley. From here on a clear day you can see Cox Tor, Great Mis Tor and the Staple Tors. It's also surrounded by evidence of industrial action, with no less than four quarries surrounding this Tor.

Tip by

21.4 km

Princetown Railway Bridge

Highlight • Historical Site

This old stone railway bridge once carried the trains that ran between Yelvertone and Dartmoor. Opened in 1883, it was mainly used for goods transport, carrying freight from the granite quarries near Princetown. Passengers could ride from Horrabridge to Princetown, as there wasn’t a passenger siding at Yelverton.

The line closed in 1956 and is now an excellent walking and cycling trail with a gravel surface. This is one of the bridges constructed for the railway and perhaps the finest example, looking almost out of place on the otherwise grassy, undulating moor.

Tip by

23.6 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types