The best walks and hikes around Okehampton

Yes, Okehampton is an excellent base for circular hikes. For a shorter, accessible walk that still offers a sense of the landscape, the East Okement River Trail loop from Okehampton is a great option. It's an easy 3.6-mile (5.8 km) route that follows the river, perfect for a couple of hours outdoors.

The area is known for its challenging terrain, particularly the ascents to the highest points in southern England. For a strenuous day out, you can tackle the trails leading to Yes Tor and High Willhays. These routes involve significant climbs onto the open moorland and reward you with panoramic views across Dartmoor.

Definitely. For a gentle walk with children, consider the Ball Hill Footpath – East Okement River Trail loop from Okehampton. It's a relatively easy 4-mile (6.4 km) walk with minimal climbing. Another great spot for families is Abbeyford Woods, which offers beautiful woodland paths to explore.

Yes, dogs are welcome on most trails, especially on the open moorland of Dartmoor. However, it's crucial to keep them under close control, particularly between March and July during the ground-nesting bird season. Also be aware of livestock grazing in the area and keep your dog on a lead when necessary.

Yes, the most spectacular waterfall in the region is the White Lady Waterfall, located within the highly-regarded Lydford Gorge, which is managed by the National Trust. The gorge itself offers stunning woodland trails, though be aware that paths can be steep and slippery, and an entry fee applies for non-members.

The granite tors are the defining features of Dartmoor. For a rewarding hike with fantastic views, consider a route that takes in Higher Tor near the village of Belstone. The summit provides a classic Dartmoor vista. Another impressive man-made feature is the Meldon Viaduct, which offers a magnificent viewpoint over the valley.

The region is rich in history. You can incorporate a visit to the ruins of Okehampton Castle, the largest in Devon, into a local walk. For a route featuring impressive Victorian engineering, the Meldon Viaduct loop from Okehampton is a popular choice. The moors are also dotted with prehistoric sites like stone circles and rows.

The hiking routes around Okehampton are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars. Reviewers frequently praise the direct access to the wild, open moorland of Dartmoor and the dramatic views from the tors. The variety of terrain, from peaceful river valleys to rugged high-ground treks, is also a highlight.

There are nearly 50 curated hiking routes around Okehampton available on komoot. These range from easy riverside strolls suitable for all abilities to difficult treks across the high moor, ensuring there's a trail for every type of walker.

Many walks can be planned to start or end near a traditional pub. The nearby village of Belstone has a pub that serves as a great starting point for hikes onto the moor, such as the Okehampton & Belstone Tor loop. After a walk, you can find several welcoming pubs in Okehampton's town centre.

The terrain is very diverse. You'll find gentle, well-defined paths along the East and West Okement rivers and through woodlands. As you venture onto Dartmoor, the trails become more rugged and undefined, crossing open moorland with boggy sections and steep, rocky ascents to the granite tors.

Okehampton has a train station which provides good access to the town and nearby trails. Some routes, like the East Okement River Trail – Black-a-ven Brook loop from Okehampton, can be started directly from the town. For trailheads further into Dartmoor, local bus services are available but may be infrequent, so it's best to check timetables in advance.