Shipley Bridge to Avon Dam

The trail officially starts at Shipley Bridge, where you'll find a dedicated car park. It's advisable to arrive early, especially on busy days, as parking can fill up quickly. The car park also has toilet facilities and sometimes a coffee van.

The initial section from Shipley Bridge follows a surfaced road alongside the River Avon, offering a gentle, slow ascent. This part is largely accessible. As you continue, the path may split, with an easier route to the left and a more uphill option to the right. While generally easy to follow, some sections can be muddy, and the final stretch to the Avon Dam Reservoir may involve an uneven gravel and grass path. Be mindful of potholes on some tarmac sections.

Yes, the initial section of the trail from Shipley Bridge is largely accessible and suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs, following a surfaced road with a gentle ascent. This makes the out-and-back route to the base of the dam a great option for families with younger children.

You'll enjoy varied scenery, from the 'very pretty' walk along the River Avon with moss-covered trees, to open valleys where you might spot Dartmoor ponies and sheep. Notable features include the remains of 19th-century naphtha works near Shipley Bridge, the impressive Avon Dam Reservoir, and historical markers like Huntingdon Cross and Petre's Cross. The trail also intersects ancient trackways like the Zeal Tor Tramway and the Abbot's Way.

Yes, the trail is dog-friendly. However, as it's within Dartmoor National Park, it's important to keep dogs on a lead, especially around livestock such as Dartmoor ponies and sheep, and during ground-nesting bird season (March 1 to July 31).

The trail can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather and vibrant scenery, though some sections can be muddy after rain. Autumn brings beautiful colours to the landscape. Winter can be starkly beautiful but requires appropriate gear for potentially colder, wetter, and windier conditions on exposed moorland sections.

No, you do not need a permit to hike this trail, and there are no entrance fees for Dartmoor National Park itself. However, standard car park charges may apply at the Shipley Bridge car park.

Yes, the route intersects with several other paths. Sections of the trail follow parts of the Dartmoor Way (both the cycling and walking routes), South Brent Footpath 16, and Dean Prior Bridleway 9. It also joins the ancient Abbot's Way.

Absolutely. The out-and-back route from Shipley Bridge directly to the base of the Avon Dam Reservoir and back is approximately 3 miles (around 5 km) and is considered straightforward and easy. This section is particularly suitable for those looking for a less strenuous walk.

At the Shipley Bridge car park, you'll find public toilets. There is also sometimes a coffee van present. Beyond the car park, there are no further facilities directly on the trail, so it's wise to bring your own water and snacks.