The best dog-friendly hikes and walks around Dartmoor Forest

There are 13 dog-friendly hiking trails around Dartmoor Forest featured in this guide. These routes cater to various fitness levels, ensuring you and your canine companion can find the perfect adventure.

Dartmoor Forest offers a diverse range of terrain. You'll encounter open moorland with granite tors, deep river valleys, and ancient woodlands. Some trails feature well-trodden paths, while others might involve more rugged, uneven ground, especially when ascending tors. Always be prepared for potentially wet and boggy sections, particularly after rain.

Yes, there are several easy dog-friendly walks. For a gentle stroll, consider the Bellever Bridge – East Dart loop from Dartmoor National Park, which is just over 4 km long and features minimal elevation gain. These easier routes are perfect for a relaxed outing with your dog.

Absolutely. For a more challenging experience, you could try the Fernworthy Reservoir – Fernworthy Forest loop from Warren House Inn. This moderate route spans over 13 km and includes some significant elevation changes, offering a good workout for both you and your dog amidst varied landscapes.

Many of the dog-friendly trails in Dartmoor Forest are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point without retracing your steps. An example is the East Dart – Bellever Tor loop from Dartmoor National Park, which offers a rewarding 9 km circular hike with views of Bellever Tor.

Dartmoor is famous for its dramatic granite tors and ancient woodlands. You can explore iconic tors like Haytor Rocks or Hound Tor, which offer spectacular panoramic views. Many trails also follow picturesque river valleys, such as the East Dart, providing tranquil settings for your walk.

Yes, Dartmoor is rich in history. You might encounter Bronze Age hut circles and medieval settlements. For example, the area around Bellever Forest, often included in walks, features ancient hut circles. While dogs are generally welcome on public footpaths, always check specific access rules for enclosed historical sites like Castle Drogo or Okehampton Castle before visiting.

When hiking in Dartmoor Forest, it's crucial to keep your dog under close control, especially during lambing and ground-nesting bird seasons (March to July). Dogs should be on a lead near livestock and on open moorland. Always pick up after your dog and dispose of waste responsibly. For detailed guidance, refer to the official Dartmoor National Park website: nationalparks.uk.

The dog-friendly trails in Dartmoor Forest are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.57 stars. Reviewers often praise the stunning, wild landscapes, the sense of remoteness, and the variety of terrain that keeps walks interesting for both humans and their canine companions. The well-maintained paths in some areas and the opportunity to spot Dartmoor ponies are also frequently highlighted.

To avoid crowds, especially during peak season, consider exploring routes away from the most popular tors. The Golden Dagger Mine Ruins – Warren House Inn loop from Warren House Inn offers a moderate 8.4 km hike through historical mining landscapes, providing a sense of solitude while still offering interesting sights.

Spring and autumn are often considered the best times for hiking with dogs in Dartmoor. Spring brings new life and milder temperatures, while autumn offers beautiful colours. Summer can be pleasant, but the moor can get busy, and it's essential to carry plenty of water for your dog. Winter can be challenging with colder weather and potentially boggy conditions, but it offers a unique, stark beauty.

Yes, many pubs and cafes around Dartmoor are dog-friendly, especially in villages bordering the National Park. It's always a good idea to check in advance, but you'll often find establishments welcoming well-behaved dogs, particularly in areas popular with hikers. The Warren House Inn, for example, is a historic pub located directly on the moor and is a common starting point for several routes, including the Warren House Inn loop.