The Two Moors Way

The Devon Coast to Coast route begins with a peaceful introduction through the South Devon countryside along the waymarked Erme Plym Trail, offering a gentle start before the more rugged terrain of Dartmoor National Park. This first day’s walk takes you through hidden estuaries, river valleys, sleepy villages, and rolling farmlands. Starting in Plymouth, you’ll pass historical sites like the iconic Plymouth Hoe, where Sir Francis Drake once waited for the Spanish Armada. The medieval Barbican area is also worth exploring, and the Mount Batten ferry offers stunning views across Plymouth Sound. Alternatively, you can begin your walk at the picturesque Wembury Bay, a protected Marine Conservation Area. Whichever starting point you choose, both trails converge near Wembury, where the route continues through wooded lanes, past old lime kilns, and along serene tidal waters at Cofflete Creek. As you pass through charming villages like Brixton, Yealmpton, and Ermington, you'll encounter historical sites such as the Goreus Stone, believed to be the oldest Christian site in Devon. Continuing through rolling green lanes and pastoral landscapes, you’ll eventually reach Ivybridge, where the Two Moors Way begins, offering a peaceful overnight stop before tackling Dartmoor’s rugged moorlands.

Starting in Ivybridge, the Two Moors Way takes you up the southern slopes of Dartmoor, immediately immersing you in the wild and rugged landscape. As you ascend past Western Beacon, you’ll join the high-level Redlake Tramway, a 1910 industrial marvel that once serviced the Redlake China Clay works. The route traverses Dartmoor’s mining heritage, offering views of ancient relics like hut circles, standing stones, and cairns, as well as unique rock formations like Hangershell Rocks. The trail takes you through open moorland, with the longest boundary stone row on the moor and a series of flooded clay mining pits. After passing through the medieval Hobajohns Cross and the ancient Abbots Way, you’ll descend to Huntington Warren, where the remains of a 19th-century rabbit farm and iconic Dartmoor stone clapper bridges await. The day concludes with a peaceful walk down to Scorriton and Holne, where overnight stays are available, surrounded by vibrant flower-lined bridleways.

Today’s journey on the Two Moors Way begins with a dramatic change of scenery, as you descend into the lush and peaceful valley of the River Dart. This area, a Devon Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve, is rich in biodiversity, where kingfishers, dippers, and otters can be spotted. Crossing the medieval Newbridge, built in 1413, you head back into the more challenging terrain, climbing the rocky heights of Leigh Tor and Ash Tor before reaching the panoramic Dr Blackwall’s Drive. After enjoying the breathtaking views, a descent into the West Webburn river valley leads you through the idyllic village of Pondsworthy, known for its thatched cottages and old mill. For those on a shorter itinerary, a detour to explore Widecombe on the Moor is a must, home to the "Cathedral of the Moors" and Sir Henry Baskerville’s grave. The route then climbs Hameldown Beacon, offering panoramic views, before winding through ancient antiquities, including the famous Grimspound, a Bronze Age site. After passing Birch Tor’s old mine workings and the medieval Bennett’s Cross, you can rest at the Warren House Inn, the highest pub in southern England. The path then leads through woodland and narrow lanes to the River Teign, where you’ll cross two 17th-century granite bridges before arriving in Chagford for an overnight stay.

The Two Moors Way begins with a peaceful trail along the River Teign, where wildlife such as kingfishers and otters can be spotted. The path leads into the dramatic Castle Drogo Gorge, passing beneath the imposing granite walls of Castle Drogo, a National Trust site. After climbing to Sharp Tor for stunning views, the route continues through Drewsteignton, with options for a detour to Fingle Bridge. The next section offers gentler walking through rural farmlands, passing villages like Hittisleigh, and eventually reaching Colebrooke, a peaceful village with overnight options. The route continues through idyllic mid-Devon landscapes, with highlights like Horwell Wood, Whelmstone Barton, and Clannaborough, before arriving at Morchard Road and Morchard Bishop, where travelers can access the nearby bus and train station.

The Two Moors Way continues through remote farmlands, wetlands, and rolling valleys, reaching the village of Morchard Bishop where, on clear days, views of both Dartmoor and Exmoor are visible. The path enters Morchard Wood Plantation and passes through meadows and stream valleys towards the hamlet of Black Dog, steeped in legend. The route continues through Washford Wood and down to Witheridge, before following the Little Dart River through Yeo Copse and into Exmoor’s heathlands. The day ends at the village of Knowstone, where walkers can enjoy a stay at the Michelin-starred Masons Arms.

Today’s stage on the Two Moors Way begins with steep climbs after Owlborough Moor, including a beautiful bridleway that ascends to West Anstey, a village with an interesting church and vicarage. The route continues to Badlake Moor, marking the entrance to Exmoor National Park, where the landscape quickly changes to heathland, scrub, and gorse. Passing through the wild Danes Brook Valley, you enter Red Deer territory, with the chance to spot these majestic animals as you cross the valley. The day’s highlight comes with a descent through ancient woodlands to reach the iconic Tarr Steps, a long sandstone clapper bridge over the River Barle. From here, a scenic river walk follows the Barle through lush forests and wildflower meadows, leading into the village of Withypool, Exmoor’s heartland.

The final leg of the Two Moors Way crosses Exmoor's remote, exposed moorland, passing landmarks like Chibbet Cross and Cow Castle, with stunning views of heather-covered slopes and wildlife, including Exmoor ponies and deer. The journey continues through the high village of Simonsbath, where dark beech woods lead to a medieval bridge, before climbing to the Exe Head, the source of the River Exe. The descent follows the Hoar Oak Water into a dramatic V-shaped valley, marked by the ancient Hoar Oak Tree, and eventually reaches the coastal cliffs near Lynmouth. The trail concludes at the stunning gorge country around Coombe Park, with its wildflowers and rare oak woodlands, before leading to Lynmouth, where the East Lyn River meets the Bristol Channel, completing a breathtaking walking adventure.