The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Dartmoor Forest

Dartmoor Forest offers a wide variety of family-friendly hiking trails. You'll find over 200 routes suitable for different ages and abilities, with 66 of these specifically categorized as easy.

The terrain in Dartmoor Forest is incredibly diverse. You can expect everything from open moorland and gentle riverside paths to ancient woodlands and trails leading to iconic granite tors. Many family-friendly routes are designed to be manageable, but some may include uneven ground or slight inclines. For example, the easy Little Mis Tor & Great Lis Tor route offers a taste of the moorland landscape.

Yes, many family-friendly routes in Dartmoor Forest are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point, which is convenient for parking. The Postbridge and Bellever Tor Trail is a great moderate-difficulty circular option that takes you past historic sites and offers views from Bellever Tor.

Dartmoor Forest is rich in natural beauty and historical landmarks. On your family hikes, you might encounter impressive granite tors like Haytor Rocks or Bellever Tor, ancient woodlands, and picturesque rivers. Reservoirs such as Fernworthy and Burrator also provide tranquil settings for walks. The region is dotted with prehistoric remnants, adding a sense of history to your adventure.

While much of Dartmoor's terrain is rugged, there are specific 'Miles Without Stiles' routes designed to be more accessible. The Princetown to Nun's Cross – Dartmoor Miles Without Stiles route is a moderate option that avoids stiles, making it more suitable for families with strollers or those needing easier access.

Dartmoor Forest is beautiful year-round, but the best time for family hikes is generally from late spring to early autumn (May to October). During these months, the weather is milder, the days are longer, and the moorland is vibrant with heather. Always be prepared for changeable weather conditions, as Dartmoor can be unpredictable.

Yes, Dartmoor National Park is generally dog-friendly, and many family trails welcome dogs. However, it's crucial to keep dogs on a lead, especially during lambing season (March to July) and near livestock, ground-nesting birds, and Dartmoor ponies. Always follow the Countryside Code and clean up after your dog.

Many popular trailheads and beauty spots in Dartmoor Forest offer designated parking areas, often with small fees or donation boxes. Locations like Postbridge, Princetown, and near reservoirs typically have parking facilities. It's always a good idea to check specific route details for parking information before you set off.

The komoot community highly rates hiking in Dartmoor Forest, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 1,500 ratings. Reviewers often praise the stunning, wild landscapes, the sense of adventure, and the opportunity to spot Dartmoor ponies. The variety of trails, from gentle strolls to more challenging climbs, is also frequently highlighted as a major draw for families.

Dartmoor's rivers and reservoirs offer several spots for wild swimming. The River Dart, for example, has popular swimming locations like Spitchwick. While not directly on every family hiking trail, many routes pass close to rivers where you might find suitable spots for a refreshing dip on a warm day. Always prioritize safety and check local conditions before swimming.

While Dartmoor is known for its rivers, a notable waterfall is the White Lady Waterfall located in Lydford Gorge. This is a beautiful natural feature that can be incorporated into a family outing, though it might require a dedicated visit rather than being directly on every family-friendly hiking route.