The best running trails around Dartmoor Forest

Dartmoor Forest offers a wide variety of running routes, with over 50 options available. These routes cater to all abilities, including 4 easy, 34 moderate, and 21 difficult trails, ensuring there's a suitable path for every runner.

Dartmoor Forest is renowned for its diverse natural beauty. You'll encounter distinctive granite tors like Haytor and Bellever Tor, vast open moorlands, ancient woodlands such as Wistman's Wood, and scenic river valleys. Keep an eye out for wild Dartmoor ponies roaming freely. For dramatic natural spectacles, consider routes near Lydford Gorge, which features a 30-meter high waterfall.

Yes, Dartmoor Forest offers several routes suitable for families, particularly those with well-surfaced paths. While specific 'family-friendly' routes aren't explicitly detailed in the guide, many of the easier trails through woodlands or around reservoirs like Burrator Reservoir provide gentler terrain. Always check the route description for elevation and surface type to ensure it meets your family's needs.

Dartmoor National Park is generally dog-friendly, but it's crucial to keep dogs under close control, especially due to the presence of livestock and ground-nesting birds. Many trails are suitable for dogs, but always check specific route details for any restrictions. Remember to clean up after your dog to preserve the natural environment.

Yes, many of the running routes in Dartmoor Forest are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Bellever, Postbridge & Hartland Tor running loop and the Postbridge to East Dart Waterfall loop. These loops are ideal for exploring different landscapes without retracing your steps.

For those seeking a challenge, Dartmoor Forest has 21 difficult routes. The Nun's Cross and North Hessary Tor loop from Princetown is a demanding 18.4 km (11.4 miles) trail. Another challenging option is the Merrivale Standing Stone loop from Princetown, which spans 28 km (17.4 miles) and features significant elevation changes.

Parking is available at various points across Dartmoor, often near popular tors or villages like Princetown and Postbridge. Many trailheads have designated car parks. While public transport options exist, they can be limited in some of the more remote areas of Dartmoor. It's advisable to check local bus schedules if you plan to rely on public transport to reach your starting point.

Spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant running conditions with milder temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer can be warm, but the open moorlands provide refreshing breezes. Winter running is possible but can be challenging due to colder temperatures, potential for snow or ice, and rapidly changing weather conditions. Always be prepared for all weather, as conditions can change quickly on the moor.

Dartmoor Forest offers a truly unique trail running experience due to its blend of rugged wilderness, ancient history, and diverse natural beauty. Runners can navigate vast, open moorlands, climb distinctive granite tors for panoramic views, explore magical ancient woodlands, and discover Bronze Age remains like Grimspound. The sense of freedom and solitude, combined with the chance to encounter wild Dartmoor ponies, sets it apart.

Dartmoor is rich in history, with the largest concentration of Bronze Age remains in Western Europe. Many running routes pass by or near these sites. You can explore ancient settlements like Grimspound, or see the historic Nun's Cross, which is part of the Crock of Gold & Nun's Cross trail loop. Ancient clapper bridges, such as the one at Postbridge, also add to the historical intrigue of the landscape.

The running routes in Dartmoor Forest are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.2 stars from more than 10 reviews. Runners often praise the diverse terrain, the stunning panoramic views from the tors, and the sense of wildness and solitude found on the moorlands. Many appreciate the variety of routes catering to different fitness levels.

Yes, while Dartmoor is famous for its open moorland, it also features beautiful woodlands. Areas like Bellever Forest offer waymarked trails through ancient trees, often with archaeological discoveries. Fernworthy Forest and Lydford Forest are other examples of wooded areas that provide a different running environment, offering shade and a contrast to the open moor.