Footsteps through time – trail running in Dartmoor National Park

Stretching across 368 square miles (954 sq km) of granite upland in the county of Devon, Dartmoor’s contrasting landscapes and rich history make it a captivating place to visit. On the moor’s higher reaches, distinctively-shaped tors – the exposed knuckles of a vast underlying granite pluton – overlook vast areas of rolling, tussocky grassland. Lower down, heather and gorse-covered slopes descend into lush river valleys, where the spray and humidity from fast-flowing brooks and rivers nourishes swathes of ancient, rare temperate rainforest and all its fascinating biodiversity.

Running on Dartmoor is always an adventure, with a wealth of local legends and landmarks to discover as you go. From clambering over boulders, leaping over bogs and brooks, and negotiating technical terrain to picking up speed on flowy, well-maintained trails, there’s something for every runner.

In this Collection, we’ve chosen six of our favourite routes showcasing Dartmoor’s diverse trails. Highlights include the airy Hunter’s Path, tracing the high ground above the densely-wooded Teign Valley; the far-reaching views across a mosaic of moorland from the high rocky summit of Yes Tor; a swim-run on the remote south moor, perfect as a midsummer microadventure and reachable by train; and the inviting trails around Haytor Down and Hameldown, visiting the popular rocky outcrops of Haytor and Hound Tor as well as some hidden treasures off the tourist track.

Dartmoor was awarded National Park status in 1951, recognising and protecting its important ecosystems, landscapes and history. Wistman’s Wood, one of three pockets of rare, high-altitude oak woodland on the moor, is some of the only unaltered, original forest in the UK. Standing since before the first Neolithic woodland clearances, it’s a magical place straight out of Middle Earth, where gnarled, dwarf oak trees and a ‘clatter’ of granite boulders support layer upon layer of vibrant life, including rare mosses and lichens. Internationally important populations of meadow pipit and stonechat are found here, as well as many other bird and mammal species; look out for ring ouzel, cuckoo and otters as well as the gentle, semi-wild Dartmoor ponies that graze the rough grasses year-round.

In addition to its fascinating fauna and flora, Dartmoor boasts the largest concentration of Bronze Age remains in the UK – you’ll visit Grimspound stone circle and a well-preserved ‘kistvaen’ burial chamber on these Tours. You’ll also run past the fascinating ruins of Hundatora mediaeval village and the 18th-century Jay’s Grave.

These Tours range from 4.4 to 18.8 miles (7.1 - 30.2 km), with between 623 and 1,706 feet (190 - 520 m) of ascent. They’ll take most runners between one and four hours, although we’d highly recommend taking longer to explore, swim, camp, or simply admire the views and bask in the solitude.

Underfoot, the terrain is rock and gravel, grass, bog, and short stretches of quiet country lane. Trail shoes are sufficient for most routes, but you may find fell shoes with deeper lugs a better choice in wetter conditions. Take warm and waterproof layers, basic emergency kit, and food and drink to last the duration. You never know when you – or somebody else – might need it. You can run on Dartmoor all year round, but it can be wet, windy and foggy at any time, and there’s often snow during the winter months. When visibility is poor, navigation can be very challenging.

Okehampton train station in the north and Ivybridge station in the south enable easy access to Dartmoor without a car. Princetown, in the centre of the moor, is also well served by bus, but other areas are limited to seasonal buses. All Tours have parking at the start.

There’s plenty of accommodation in and around Dartmoor, including hotels, B&Bs, self-catering and campsites. It’s also one of the few places in the UK where wild camping is expressly permitted, a right established following a legal battle with a landowner in 2023. To ensure this permission is maintained for all to enjoy, only camp within designated areas and follow the code of conduct. You’ll find full details here: dartmoor.gov.uk/about-us/about-us-maps/camping-map

Dartmoor is also renowned for its excellent pubs and cafes. The Rugglestone Inn near Widecombe is particularly good, serving up traditional Devon fayre, local ciders and perfectly kept beer. Be sure to sample a traditional cream tea before, after, or even during your run – just remember to put the cream on first.