Dartmoor: Guided Walking Tours

Discover Dartmoor’s Natural Beauty and Rich History for $108

The Dartmoor Guided Walking Tours offer an engaging way to experience the diverse landscapes of this iconic area in Devon, United Kingdom. For $108 per group, which makes it an accessible option for individuals or small groups, you get 4 hours of expert-led exploration. With five different routes, each highlighting a distinct aspect of Dartmoor’s natural and historical charm, this tour appeals to a wide range of interests, from prehistoric archaeology to scenic viewpoints. The tour is perfect for those looking for a manageable yet immersive experience, as the walks are designed to cover a variety of terrains without being overly strenuous.

While the tour offers considerable flexibility and expert guidance, travelers should be prepared for a walk covering about 10 to 15 kilometers. It also requires participants to bring suitable clothing and water, as the routes traverse open moorland, woodland, and quarry sites. This tour is especially recommended for history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone eager to see Dartmoor’s most iconic landmarks in just one engaging outing.

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Key Points

• Price: $108 per group, up to 1 person per booking
• Duration: 4 hours of guided walking
• Location: Dartmoor in Devon, UK
• Number of routes: Five uniquely themed walks
• Highlights: Prehistoric monuments, tors, quarry sites, panoramic views
• Includes: Guided leadership, route explanations, wildlife, and geology insights

Five Distinct Routes to Explore Dartmoor’s Heritage and Landforms

This tour’s standout feature is the choice between five routes, each designed to showcase different facets of Dartmoor’s landscape. Whether you’re interested in ancient stone arrangements or dramatic granite tors, there is a route tailored to your interests. The routes start from various convenient locations like North Bovey, Four Winds Car Park, Princetown, Shapley Common, and Okehampton Train Station.

Each route provides a mix of terrain, from open moorlands to woodland paths and quarry grounds. This variety helps keep the experience fresh and engaging while offering a comprehensive look at Dartmoor’s natural environments and human history.

From Easdon Tor to Folklore at Whooping Rock

The Easdon Tor route begins at North Bovey Car Park and takes you through mixed woodland before reaching Easdon Tor. Here, panoramic views stretch across the moor and valleys below. The route features notable granite formations like Figgy Daniel and Whooping Rock, a large granite boulder surrounded by legend and local folklore. Along the way, you’ll likely see Dartmoor ponies and birds of prey, making it a lively spot for wildlife spotting. This walk offers a delightful combination of forest paths and exposed moorland, perfect for those who enjoy varied terrain and scenic vistas.

Exploring Dartmoor’s Ancient Past at Merrivale

The Merrivale Prehistoric Monuments route departs from the Four Winds Car Park and leads across open moorland to encounter some of Dartmoor’s most significant ancient sites. Visitors will see stone rows, cairns, and standing stones that date back thousands of years. The Merrivale stone rows and burial cairns provide a tangible link to Dartmoor’s prehistoric inhabitants. This route is ideal for history buffs and those curious about ancient rituals and settlements, offering a chance to walk among well-preserved monuments that tell stories from the distant past.

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Industrial Heritage at Foggintor Quarry

Starting at Princetown Car Park, this route focuses on Dartmoor’s industrial history, taking visitors to Foggintor Quarry. Here, you’ll see the massive quarry pit, remnants of stone cutting machinery, and towering quarry walls. The walk extends onto heathland, where typical Dartmoor flora and fauna flourish. This route provides a fascinating contrast to the prehistoric sites, highlighting Dartmoor’s stone extraction industry and how it shaped the landscape. It offers a perfect combination of natural scenery and industrial relics, making it appealing for those interested in history and geology alike.

Bronze Age Settlements and Tors at Grimspound

The Grimspound route begins at Shapley Common North Car Park and takes you to the famous Bronze Age settlement of Grimspound. The site features granite boulders and the remains of a stone enclosure, offering a glimpse into early human settlement. The walk includes climbs to nearby tors like Sharpitor and Ryders Hill, which afford spectacular panoramic views. The combination of archaeological sites and expansive moorland scenery creates a varied route that balances history with wild landscapes.

From the Okehampton River to the Nine Maidens Stone Circle

This route starts at Okehampton Train Station and takes in Tramline Woods, following the East Okement River. The highlight is the Nine Maidens stone circle, a notable Bronze Age monument associated with local legends. The walk continues to Belstone Tor and Higher Tor, where sweeping views extend across northern Dartmoor. The route crosses Irishmans Wall, an ancient dry stone wall, and visits Winter Tor. This diverse landscape of farms, rivers, and woodland adds depth to the experience, perfect for those wanting a scenic, historically enriched walk.

Guided Leadership and Wildlife Insights

All five routes are led by an experienced guide who provides detailed route explanations, navigation support, and insights into local wildlife, geology, and history. The guides ensure safety and help visitors appreciate the significance of each site. Before each walk, recommendations for gear and what to bring are provided, including water, comfortable clothing, and weather-appropriate gear.

Practical Details and Meeting Points

The tour’s meeting points are specified in the route descriptions and are arranged for convenience, with exact details provided upon booking. The tours do not include transportation to these points, so visitors need to organize their own access. The maximum group size is limited by the booking to one person per group, making it an intimate and personalized experience.

What Sets This Tour Apart from Other Dartmoor Walks

Compared to self-guided explorations, this tour offers the advantage of expert guidance, ensuring you learn about Dartmoor’s wildlife, geology, and history in depth. The choice of routes allows customization based on interests—whether you’re more fascinated by prehistoric monuments, industrial relics, or scenic tors. The price includes detailed route explanations and safety briefings, making it suitable even for those less familiar with outdoor walking.

Suitability and Physical Considerations

Participants should be prepared for walks of 10 to 15 kilometers over varied terrain, including open moorland, woodland paths, and rocky quarry sites. Weather can change rapidly, so weather-appropriate clothing and water are recommended. The tour is generally accessible to most able-bodied walkers, but those with mobility issues should consider the terrain’s demands before booking.

Final Thoughts on Dartmoor: Guided Walking Tours

This guided walking experience delivers a well-rounded introduction to Dartmoor’s landscapes, blending natural beauty with archaeological and industrial highlights. The expert guides help bring each site to life, offering insights that elevate the walk beyond just scenery.

The five route options make it easy to tailor the experience to personal interests, whether that’s legends attached to tors, ancient stone circles, or the grandeur of quarry walls. The 4-hour duration balances depth with practicality, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a meaningful outdoors activity without an overly demanding schedule.

While the cost of $108 might seem on the higher side for a group of one, the inclusion of expert guidance, detailed explanations, and safety support adds real value. For anyone eager to explore Dartmoor’s remarkable mix of landscape, history, and wildlife, this tour offers a trustworthy and rewarding way to do so.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of the Dartmoor Guided Walking Tours?
The tour costs $108 per group, up to one person per booking.

How long does the tour last?
Each walk lasts around 4 hours, covering approximately 10 to 15 kilometers.

What routes are available?
There are five routes, including Easdon Tor, Merrivale Prehistoric Monuments, Foggintor Quarry, Grimspound, and the Nine Maidens and Belstone Tor walk.

Where do the tours start?
Start locations vary depending on the route, with meeting points at North Bovey, Four Winds Car Park, Princetown, Shapley Common North, and Okehampton Train Station.

Are guides experienced?
Yes, guided walks are led by experienced leaders who provide detailed explanations and navigation support.

What should I bring?
Participants are advised to bring water, wear comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing, and prepare for walks of 10-15 km.

Are transport arrangements included?
No, transport to and from the meeting points is not included; visitors need to organize their own arrival.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour suitable for all fitness levels?
While most able-bodied you can participate, the terrain and distance may be challenging for those with mobility issues.

How do I book the tour?
Reservations can be made online, with the option to reserve now and pay later for added flexibility.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby