The best mountain hikes in South West England

Mountaineering routes in South West England offer diverse terrain, from rugged coastlines and dramatic sea cliffs to expansive, windswept moorlands like Dartmoor and Exmoor. You'll also find deep limestone gorges such as Cheddar Gorge, and distinctive granite tors. This variety provides experiences ranging from challenging coastal paths to exposed moorland summits.

Yes, for those seeking a challenge, the region offers routes like the Yes Tor summit – High Willhays summit loop from Meldon Viaduct. This difficult 9.7-mile (15.6 km) trail leads through Dartmoor's highest tors, typically taking around 5 hours 6 minutes to complete, with significant elevation gain.

While many routes offer a challenge, some areas provide more accessible options. For instance, the Mendip Hills, home to Cheddar Gorge, offer excellent walking territory with varying difficulties. Dartmoor also has trails suitable for families, though specific routes should be checked for length and elevation to match your family's ability.

Yes, many routes in South West England are circular. For example, the Godrevy Cove – Godrevy Lighthouse loop from Red River is a moderate 5.2-mile (8.4 km) coastal path. Another option is the Haytor Rocks – Greator Rocks loop from Haytor Rocks, a moderate 4.3-mile (6.9 km) route on Dartmoor.

South West England is rich in natural beauty. Along your routes, you might encounter iconic granite tors like Haytor Rocks on Dartmoor, dramatic sea cliffs along the Jurassic Coast, or the impressive limestone formations of Cheddar Gorge. You can also explore areas with waterfalls such as Spekes Mill Mouth Waterfall or gorges like the Valley of Rocks.

Many areas, particularly the National Parks like Dartmoor and Exmoor, are excellent for wildlife spotting. You might see Dartmoor ponies, various bird species, and other local fauna in their natural habitats. Coastal routes also offer opportunities to observe marine wildlife.

The best time for mountaineering is generally from spring to autumn (April to October) when the weather is milder and days are longer. Summer offers the warmest conditions, but spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. Winter mountaineering is possible but requires appropriate gear and experience due to potentially harsh weather on exposed moorlands and coasts.

While many trailheads require car access, some areas are better served by public transport. For example, Dartmoor National Park has some bus services connecting towns and villages, which can provide access to certain routes. It's advisable to check local bus timetables for specific starting points like Meldon Viaduct for the Yes Tor route.

The South West Coast Path offers extensive coastal mountaineering experiences. Routes like the Godrevy Cove – Godrevy Lighthouse loop from Red River provide stunning views of the Cornish coastline and its iconic lighthouse. Another excellent option is the St Agnes Head – View of Trevaunance Cove loop from St. Agnes, which offers dramatic coastal vistas.

The mountaineering routes in South West England are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the dramatic and varied landscapes, from the rugged coastlines to the wild moorlands, and the sense of adventure offered by the challenging ascents and diverse terrain.

Yes, some routes incorporate reservoirs and other water features. For example, the Sheeps Tor – Burrator Reservoir and Dam loop from Walkhampton is a moderate 6.1-mile (9.9 km) route that takes you around Burrator Reservoir, offering scenic views of the water and surrounding landscape.