With sweeping views, rugged moorland and famous trails, Dartmoor National Park walks are unbeatable. There are a variety of family-friendly trails taking in scenic moorlands, wild woodlands, tumbling waterfalls and more. Find the perfect trail for your family among some of our favourites.
To start with one of the easiest, Avon Dam. Here, you’ve got all the scenery you’d expect from a Dartmoor National Park walk but with a smooth tarmac pathway suitable for wheelchairs, pushchairs and even balance bikes. The river tumbling from the dam through a valley of moss-covered trees and open moorland is a stunning sight. There is a slightly longer walk circling past the dam and back for older families, starting from the car park at Shipley Bridge.
Is there anything more exciting than a waterfall? The platform at Buzzard’s View overlooking the 70m waterfall is spectacular. The circular walk to get there takes around 30 - 45 minutes so a baby carrier will be needed for little legs - this walk isn’t suitable for pushchairs. Most excitingly, there are fairy doors and a fern garden to entertain and delight as you go. Back at the beginning (or end) there’s also an adventure play area, trampolines and a cafe. Everything you could want from a Dartmoor National Park walk.
As Dartmoor National Park walks go, Haytor could be the most iconic. The well-trodden pathway up to the rock outcrops is popular in summer but well worth the walk from the Haytor upper car park. Kids will enjoy scrambling over the boulders, exploring all the crevices and taking in the wonderful views.
For older families, a circular walk to Hound Tor offers another spot for stunning vistas. It’s a 4.5 mile route in total across beautiful moorland scenery and the remains of a deserted Medieval village can be found when you get there.
An ideal wander for younger toddlers. The walk around Fernworthy Reservoir with Thornworthy Tor in the distance is not even a mile long with plenty of picnic spots on route. Spot the flocks of ducks and gaggles of Canada Geese on your way, enjoying the woodland scenes as you go. There are also some bird hides on route to spot the local wildlife.
The deepest gorge in the South West is home to a stunning waterfall and a beautiful temperate rainforest. The gorge is 1.5 miles in total and has plenty to explore with Whitelade Waterfall at one end and the Devil’s Cauldron - a naturally-formed whirlpool - at the other. However, it’s only a short walk down to the waterfall on a circular walk that takes in ancient woodland and a bird hide to spot the more secretive local wildlife.
Explore the ancient woodlands of Buckland Abbey, once home of Sir Francis Drake. There are three colour-coded routes of varying distances depending on your little one’s abilities - the shortest is also pushchair-friendly. There is also a natural play area at the start of the red route to enjoy - all made with fallen timber from the estate. A beautiful and peaceful place for a family wander.
Finally, the lovely woods at Hembury offer a selection of trails for walks that are adapted to suit the age and abilities of all the family. There are pushchair-friendly routes for little legs and more rocky trails for the more adventurous kids. Nearby, Hembury Castle Hill Fort is well worth the walk for an Iron Age site with great views over Dartmoor.
Preparation is key if you want an enjoyable time on any walk with kids. Here are a few recommendations
Food and drink - there is nothing worse than a hungry child on a walk. Always take plenty of snacks, picnic items and drinks for everyone in your group.
Waterproofs - it’s Dartmoor so even if the sky is clear and sunny, you never know when the next downpour is just around the corner. It always pays to be prepared!
First aid kit - always handy if someone falls down and hurts themselves, especially little ones who just love to run
Binoculars and/or magnifying glass - depending on whether your little ones love birds or creepy crawlies, either of these are handy entertainment on a walk.
After a day out exploring the stunning scenery of Dartmoor, you’ll want somewhere with space for your whole family to relax and put their feet up. Our self-catering properties offer the perfect spot. Converted from an old Cider Barn, they offer a spacious and luxurious holiday home for families among the peaceful ambiance of the Devon coast. Enjoy a slice of tranquility in Devon at Leonard’s Cove.