Dog-Friendly Dartmoor

Dartmoor National Park is a dream destination for dogs and their owners. Covering 368 square miles of untamed wilderness, this ancient landscape delivers open moorland, iconic granite tors, steep wooded valleys, rushing rivers, and hidden villages. Dogs are welcome everywhere on Dartmoor, making it the single largest area of dog-friendly tranquility in southern England with over 450 miles of roaming paths.

What makes Dartmoor special is the sense of freedom. Unlike many destinations with beaches and restrictions, Dartmoor's vast open access land means dogs can run, explore, and be dogs. From easy riverside strolls to challenging tor climbs, there's walking for every ability and energy level.

Understanding Dartmoor

The Landscape

Dartmoor's distinctive character comes from its granite tors, weathered outcrops that punctuate the moorland skyline. The high moor reaches 621 metres at High Willhays, southern England's highest point, whilst wooded valleys carve through the landscape below.

Wildlife and Livestock

Dartmoor is a working landscape home to:

• Dartmoor Ponies: Iconic semi-wild ponies roam freely
• Cattle and Sheep: Grazing throughout the moor
• Wildlife: Including rare birds and adders in summer

Dog Responsibility: Keep dogs under close control around livestock at all times. Dogs must be on leads from 1st March to 31st July during lambing and bird nesting season.

Best Dog Walks

Iconic Tor Walks

Haytor Rocks

• Distance: Variable | Time: 1-3 hours | Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
• Dartmoor's most visited tor with stunning twin granite outcrops. Easy-to-follow paths from National Park Visitor Centre. Panoramic views. Steps and grab irons to summit. Connect to old granite tramway and mysterious Haytor Quarries.

Hound Tor

• Distance: Variable | Time: 1-2 hours | Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
• Dramatic tor steeped in legend. Said to inspire Arthur Conan Doyle's "The Hound of the Baskervilles." Ruins of medieval village Hundatona nearby. Heather-covered moorland views.

Yes Tor and High Willhays

• Distance: 8-10 miles circular | Time: 5-6 hours | Difficulty: Challenging
• Southern England's highest ground. Start from Meldon Reservoir car park. Far-reaching views from both summits. For fit dogs and experienced walkers.

Saddle Tor to Haytor

• Distance: 3-4 miles | Time: 1.5-2 hours | Difficulty: Moderate
• Connect two iconic tors. Start from Saddle Tor car park near Widecombe in the Moor.

Woodland and River Walks

Bellever Forest

• Distance: Variable | Time: 1-3 hours | Difficulty: Easy
• Peaceful woodland with well-maintained tracks alongside East Dart River. Shady summer walking. Wild ponies. Archaeological sites. Historic Lych Way bridleway. Popular picnic spot.

Fingle Bridge to Castle Drogo

• Distance: 4-5 miles | Time: 2-3 hours | Difficulty: Moderate
• Picturesque riverside trail through enchanting Teign Gorge woodland. 13th-century packhorse bridge. River Teign swimming spots for dogs. Sharp Tor viewpoint. Historic Castle Drogo (last castle built in England) with dog-friendly grounds. Fingle Bridge Inn for refreshment.

Tavy Cleave

• Distance: 5-6 miles circular | Time: 3-4 hours | Difficulty: Moderate-Challenging
• Enchanting circular route following River Tavy. Striking granite tors. Classic Dartmoor scenery.

River Walkham

• Distance: Variable | Time: 1-2 hours | Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
• Picturesque riverside trail between Buckland Monachorum and Horrabridge. Woodland and moorland combination.

Reservoir Walks

Burrator Reservoir

• Distance: 4 miles circular | Time: 2 hours | Difficulty: Easy
• Scenic reservoir circuit on edge of National Park. Dramatic tor views, open moorland, Nature Reserve. Dogs may be off-lead in some areas.

Avon Dam Reservoir

• Distance: 6 miles return | Time: 3 hours | Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
• Steady incline to dam. Tarmac path suitable for all abilities. Southern Dartmoor foothills.

Meldon Reservoir

• Distance: Variable | Time: 1-2 hours | Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
• Starting point for High Willhays. Scenic reservoir setting.

Long Distance Routes

Princetown Circular via Burrator

• Distance: 23km | Time: Full day | Difficulty: Challenging
• Arboretum, Discovery Centre, granite uplands of Ingra Tor, King's Tor, South Hessary Tor. Finishes at Princetown with pubs and tearooms.

Dartmoor Way Long-distance trail circumnavigating the National Park.

Two Moors Way Connects Dartmoor to Exmoor.

Templer Way Following historic granite tramway routes.

Towns and Villages

Princetown

Dartmoor's highest settlement at the heart of the moor. Home to pubs and cosy tearooms. Gateway to central Dartmoor walking.

Widecombe in the Moor

Charming village famous from the folk song. Gateway to Hound Tor and Haytor.

Dog-Friendly Pub: The Rugglestone Inn, Grade II listed, dogs welcome.

Chagford

Attractive stannary town on eastern edge. Excellent walking base.

Moretonhampstead

Historic market town. Gateway to Teign Valley walks.

Bovey Tracey

"Gateway to the Moor" on southern edge. Near Haytor.

Tavistock

Historic stannary town on western edge. Near Tavy Cleave walks.

Dog-Friendly Accommodation: The Bedford Hotel.

Lydford

Village near Lydford Gorge and western moor.

Dog-Friendly Pub: The Dartmoor Inn, hearty menu, dogs pride of place.

Ashburton

Historic town on southern edge.

Postbridge

Central moor location with famous clapper bridge. Gateway to Bellever Forest.

Yelverton

Southern edge village.

Dog-Friendly Accommodation: Moorland Garden Hotel.

Dog-Friendly Pubs

Village Pubs

The Rugglestone Inn (Widecombe): Grade II listed, traditional moorland pub, dogs welcome.

The Dartmoor Inn (Lydford): Hearty menu, dogs pride of place.

Fingle Bridge Inn: Historic setting at famous bridge, riverside location, popular after Teign Gorge walks.

Bears Lake Inn: Dog walks information, "Walks with Winnie" books available.

Town Pubs

Multiple options in Princetown, Chagford, Tavistock, and other moorland towns.

Hotel Bars

Many Dartmoor hotels welcome dogs in bars and lounges.

Dog-Friendly Accommodation

Dartmoor offers extensive dog-friendly accommodation.

Luxury Hotels

Bovey Castle: Grand hotel welcoming dogs.

Gidleigh Park: Country house hotel.

Boringdon Hall: Historic hotel.

Country Hotels

Two Bridges Hotel: Right in the middle of the moor.

Mill End Hotel (Chagford): Perfect moorland base, dog-sitting available.

The Edgemoor (Bovey Tracey): Minutes from Haytor.

Ilsington Country House: Near Haytor.

Moorland Garden Hotel (Yelverton): Southern Dartmoor.

Other Options

Dartmoor Lodge: Southern tip of Dartmoor.

Elfordleigh: Near Plymouth.

The Moorland (Shaugh Prior): Southern edge.

The Bedford (Tavistock): Historic stannary town.

Plus numerous dog-friendly cottages, guesthouses, and campsites.

For more options, see our guide to dog-friendly Devon.

Dog-Friendly Attractions

Where Dogs ARE Welcome

Castle Drogo (National Trust): Dogs welcome in grounds and gardens. 20th-century castle overlooking Teign Gorge. Combine with Fingle Bridge walk.

Buckland Abbey (National Trust): Range of walks, dogs on leads throughout. 90-minute blue route for longer exploration.

Buckfast Abbey: Stunning gardens, remarkable architecture dating to 1018 AD. Check current dog policy.

National Trust Moorland: Over 6,500 acres of woodland, moorland, and heathland. Fingle Bridge, Cadover Bridge, Shaugh Bridge all dog-friendly.

Burrator Reservoir: Nature Reserve, walking and cycling.

Discovery Centre (Princetown): Check current dog policy.

Where Dogs Are NOT Allowed

Dartmoor Zoo: No dogs, even in car park.

Buckfast Butterfly Farm and Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary: No dogs.

Pennywell Farm: No dogs on farm (kennels available for visitors).

Safety Considerations

Weather

Dartmoor's weather changes quickly. Pack for all possibilities including:

• Waterproofs
• Warm layers
• Navigation equipment for remote areas

Livestock

Keep dogs under close control at all times. On leads during lambing (1st March to 31st July).

Adders

During warm weather, adders may be in undergrowth. Keep dogs on leads and stick to footpaths.

Ticks

Livestock and wild animals carry ticks. Keep to defined paths with dogs on short leads to reduce risk.

Dog Waste

No facilities on open moor. Bag it and take it away.

Lost Dogs

Report uncontrolled dogs to Dartmoor Livestock Protection Officer: 07873 587561.

Practical Information

Getting There

By Car: A38 Devon Expressway provides access from M5. A30 for northern edge. Multiple entry points around the moor.

By Train: Nearest stations Newton Abbot or Plymouth with bus connections.

Getting Around

A car is essential for reaching different areas of Dartmoor. Many walks start from roadside car parks.

Best Times to Visit

Spring: Wildflowers, longer days, lambing restrictions (leads March-July).

Summer: Best weather, adder awareness, can be busy at popular sites.

Autumn: Stunning colours, excellent walking weather.

Winter: Dramatic atmosphere, quieter moor, weather requires preparation.

Dog Code

Dartmoor National Park has specific guidance on visiting with dogs. Check their website for current information on:

• Lead requirements
• Livestock encounters
• Waste disposal
• Wildlife protection

Combining with Wider Devon

Dartmoor sits between North and South Devon, combining easily with coastal visits:

South Devon: Totnes, Dartmouth, and Salcombe accessible from eastern and southern edges.

North Devon: Accessible via A30 from northern edge.

Plymouth: Gateway on western edge.

For more options, see our guide to dog-friendly Devon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dartmoor dog-friendly?

Exceptionally so. Dogs are welcome everywhere on the open moor, making it one of England's finest dog-walking destinations.

Can dogs go off-lead on Dartmoor?

Yes, but they must be under close control at all times and on leads near livestock and during lambing/nesting season (March to July).

What are the best dog walks on Dartmoor?

Haytor Rocks for accessible tor walking, Fingle Bridge to Castle Drogo for riverside woodland, Bellever Forest for shaded tracks, and High Willhays for adventurous dogs.

Are there dog-friendly pubs on Dartmoor?

Many, including The Rugglestone Inn at Widecombe, The Dartmoor Inn at Lydford, and Fingle Bridge Inn.

Can I take my dog to Castle Drogo?

Dogs welcome in grounds and gardens but not inside the castle.

Are Dartmoor ponies dangerous to dogs?

Keep dogs under control around all livestock including ponies. Ponies may kick if threatened.

What should I be aware of when walking dogs on Dartmoor?

Livestock (leads required March-July), adders in summer (stick to paths), ticks, rapidly changing weather, and the need to remove dog waste.

Which Dartmoor attractions don't allow dogs?

Dartmoor Zoo, Buckfast Butterfly Farm, Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary, and Pennywell Farm.

Discover Wild Freedom

Dartmoor delivers unparalleled freedom for dogs and their owners. Over 450 miles of paths across 368 square miles of moorland, woodland, and valleys create endless opportunities for adventure. From iconic tor scrambles to gentle riverside strolls, this is walking at its most rewarding.

Ready to explore? Book your dog-friendly Dartmoor accommodation and discover why this ancient landscape captures hearts across generations.

Luke explores Dartmoor with Charlie the German Shepherd, Golden Retrievers Buster and Ember, Labradors Simba and Max, and French Bulldog Molly. The pack particularly enjoys Bellever Forest's shaded tracks and well-earned refreshment at The Rugglestone Inn.