Two Moors Way

A superb coast to coast walk across the two great moors of South-west England, Dartmoor and Exmoor.

The moors are very different in character, but both are unique and exciting places: enjoy. Outstanding scenery, millennia-old remains of ancient ways of life, fascinating wildlife and vegetation; all make this an unforgettable journey.

Both moors have historic towns and villages to admire. Characterful pubs and guesthouses to stay in make this a treat at the day's end, too.

This is a 120 mile trail in full, but there is no reason not to do it in moor-sized chunks. And the 10 mile starter section between Wembury on the south coast and Ivybridge on the southern flanks of Dartmoor can be dropped unless you need to make it a coast-to-coast walk. The trail can be walked in either direction, although south-to-west is more commonly done.

Exmoor: cross green and beautiful Exmoor, with its grassy and occasionally heathery moorland and high-banked fields; and the trail begins/ends with views from the huge sea-cliffs at Lynmouth.

The first leg (starting from the north) is Lynmouth to Simonsbath (12 miles), A stunning walk, climbing through and then travelling along the top of the beautiful steep, wooded valley around Combe Park. Higher up, you climb steeply onto, then head on up, Cheriton Ridge [link later], now in command of superlative views of high moorland ahead and the sea behind. A long crossing of the northern highlands of Exmoor, topping out at – gasp – 480m, before dropping to Simonsbath in the meltingly pretty Barle Valley.

Simonsbath to Withypool (7 miles): the Barle valley between Simonsbath and Withypool is a most beautiful and charming stretch of landscape, as its active stream meanders along its narrowish and in places wild valley, through meadows below often heathery hillsides. The path winds along the hillsides just above the valley floor, before climbing to some high, open moorland, then descending a ravishing ridge, through classic little Exmoor fields, to the middle of Withypool.

Withypool to Hawkridge(6 miles): the ravishing Barle Valley below Withypool, laughs its way through beech woods and meadows, past the famous prehistoric Tarr Steps, where it crosses the river to climb and traverse to Hawkridge. A gorgeous but (the first half, particularly) well-known walk, so you won't be alone.

Hawkridge to Knowstone (8 miles). The path drops along a lovely ridge back to the Barle river and wends its way down, eventually, to Dulverton. Thyence on the Knowstone [more].

Dartmoor: a tough, bleak place up top, peppered with its famous rocky tors. Its flanks are home to verdant pastures and wooded valleys.

Ivybridge to Holne (15 miles); to Hambledown (7 miles);

Chagford (7.5, 9.5 miles); to Drewstiegnton (4 miles),

The 32 mile middle section between the moors (Drewsteighton to Morchard Bishop to Witheridge to  Knowstone) can be covered in a couple of days. This is a quiet and surprisingly remote area of farmland and wood and hamlets, with the lovely Bradford Moor and the two SSSI’s of the Knowstone Moors to enjoy.

See www.twomoorsway.org for detailed information. Cicerone’s The Two Moors Way by Sue Viccars is the book.

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