Best Dartmoor Dog Walks UK 2026 + Parking Pub Stops

Best Dartmoor dog walks UK 2026: tor circuits, river valleys, woodland walks - with parking, dog-friendly pubs, and seasonal grazing rules.

Granite tors on Dartmoor with dog walking countryside
Updated How we review →
By Rob Griffiths17 June 2026 · 7 min read

Dartmoor is one of the UK's best year-round dog walking destinations - vast open moorland, ancient woodlands, shallow rivers and granite tors with no seasonal beach-style restrictions. This guide picks five walks for any party size and energy level, with parking, dog-friendly pubs and the local grazing rules you need to know.

1. Haytor circuit - the iconic Dartmoor walk

3 miles, easy, Haytor Vale car park.

Why Haytor:

  • The most-photographed Dartmoor tor - granite outcrop visible for miles.
  • Family-friendly: well-marked paths, gentle climb, panoramic views.
  • Parking at Haytor Vale (free, often busy weekends).
  • Short walk to second tor (Saddle Tor) for a longer 4-mile circuit.
  • Year-round access for dogs.

Practical details:

  • Distance: 3 miles round trip from Haytor Vale.
  • Parking: Haytor Vale, EX13 9XJ.
  • Toilets: at the visitor centre.
  • Dog rules: leads required when livestock visible (sheep grazing March-October typically).

Dog-friendly pub:

  • Rock Inn (1 mile drive) - dog-friendly outside seating, food served.

Best for: First-time Dartmoor walkers, families, dogs of all ages.

2. Wistman's Wood - ancient stunted oak woodland

3 miles, easy-medium, Two Bridges car park.

Why Wistman's Wood:

  • Ancient stunted oak woodland - unique on Dartmoor.
  • Recently became famous through Tom Cox's writing + Instagram photographs.
  • Moss-covered moss-covered boulders create a fairytale atmosphere.
  • Year-round access; magical in autumn fog.

Practical details:

  • Distance: 3 miles round trip from Two Bridges car park.
  • Parking: Two Bridges Hotel layby (free, limited spaces).
  • Path: marked, mostly grass with some boggy sections.
  • Dog rules: leashed through grazing areas (look for sheep + cattle); off-lead through woodland (dogs must be under voice control).

Dog-friendly pub:

  • The Two Bridges Hotel (at the car park) - dog-friendly bar serving food + drinks, perfect post-walk stop.

Best for: Atmosphere-seekers, photographers, dogs comfortable on lead through grazing areas.

3. Bellever Forest - woodland trails near Postbridge

2-5 miles options, easy, Bellever car park.

Why Bellever:

  • Forestry woodland with multiple marked trails.
  • Sheltered from wind - good for elderly dogs or poor-weather days.
  • Bellever Tor accessible from the woodland.
  • Mostly off-lead-friendly (no grazing in core forest area).

Practical details:

  • Trails: short (2 miles), medium (3 miles), long (5 miles).
  • Parking: Bellever car park, PL20 6TU.
  • Toilets: at the car park.
  • Surface: forestry tracks (good for prams + less-mobile dogs).

Dog-friendly pub:

  • The Warren House Inn (3 miles drive) - dog-friendly pub on the moor, food + drinks.

Best for: Sheltered walking, elderly dogs, multi-generation parties.

4. Burrator Reservoir circuit - mostly flat lakeside

4 miles, easy, Burrator car park.

Why Burrator:

  • Reservoir circuit with woodland on one side, moor on the other.
  • Mostly flat - good for less-mobile dogs and senior walkers.
  • Multiple parking options around the circuit.
  • Water access for confident swimming dogs.

Practical details:

  • Distance: 4 miles full circuit (~2 hours).
  • Parking: Burrator main car park (PL20 6PE) or alternative laybys.
  • Toilets: limited; nearest at Yelverton (3 miles).
  • Surface: mix of tracks + a small section of road.

Dog-friendly pub:

  • The Burrator Inn (Dousland) - dog-friendly food + drinks, 10-minute drive.

Best for: Multi-pace parties, dogs that swim, longer day-walks at gentle pace.

5. Fingle Bridge to Castle Drogo - riverside woodland

3 miles, easy-medium, Fingle Bridge Inn.

Why Fingle Bridge:

  • Riverside woodland walk along the Teign valley.
  • Castle Drogo (National Trust) at one end for a pub-and-castle day.
  • Shallow river access for dog swimming.
  • Sheltered from wind, good for poor-weather days.

Practical details:

  • Distance: 3 miles round trip (longer via Castle Drogo grounds).
  • Parking: Fingle Bridge Inn car park (limited, busy weekends).
  • Surface: woodland path, some root sections.
  • Riverside: shallow Teign suitable for confident swimming dogs.

Dog-friendly pub:

  • The Fingle Bridge Inn (at the start) - dog-friendly bar + outdoor seating overlooking the river. Recommended for a post-walk pint.

Best for: Water-loving dogs, history fans (Castle Drogo extension), all weather walks.

Best dog-friendly pubs on Dartmoor

Post-walk stops.

Fingle Bridge Inn (Drewsteignton):

  • Dog-friendly bar + outdoor seating overlooking the Teign.
  • Hearty pub food, real ales.
  • Walking distance from the Fingle Bridge walks (no driving needed).

The Two Bridges Hotel (Two Bridges):

  • Dog-friendly bar serving food + drinks.
  • At the Wistman's Wood walk start - perfect post-walk warmer.
  • Open year-round, fire in winter.

Warren House Inn (Postbridge):

  • Famous Dartmoor pub at 1,425 feet elevation.
  • Dog-friendly bar + outdoor seating.
  • Dogs welcome with the hearty roast lunches.

Rock Inn (Haytor Vale):

  • Country pub near Haytor walks.
  • Dog-friendly outside seating.
  • Food and drinks served year-round.

The Burrator Inn (Dousland):

  • Village pub near Burrator Reservoir.
  • Dog-friendly food + drinks.
  • Quieter alternative to the busier Two Bridges stop.

Where to stay near Dartmoor with dogs

Pet-friendly accommodation.

Several of our published pet-friendly properties sit within easy reach of Dartmoor:

  • Shepherd's Lodge (Devon Hut) - paw 4.9/5, rural location with off-lead space, near Dartmoor.
  • Apple Hut Paignton - paw 5.0/5, rural countryside, hot tub, near Dartmoor + coast.
  • Rose Lodge Gillingham Dorset - paw 5.0/5, on-site pitch-and-putt + safe off-lead, 90 min drive to Dartmoor.
  • Morocco House Dartmouth - paw 5.0/5, river-view base for South Devon + Dartmoor day trips.
  • The Cottage Plymouth area - paw 5.0/5, quiet peaceful base, 30 min drive to Dartmoor.

See our full Devon listings for more options including Plymouth, Brixham and Dartmouth.

Q01Can dogs go off-lead on Dartmoor?
Dogs can be off-lead on open moor areas where there are no livestock, but MUST be on leads near sheep, cattle, ponies (which graze year-round on Dartmoor). From March to July, leads are recommended even when no animals visible because of ground-nesting birds. Sheep worrying is a criminal offence in the UK with potential fatal consequences for the dog.
Q02What's the best easy Dartmoor walk with a dog?
Haytor circuit (3 miles) is the most accessible easy Dartmoor walk - gentle climb, well-marked paths, parking at Haytor Vale, dog-friendly Rock Inn pub a mile away. Burrator Reservoir (4 miles flat) is another easy option suitable for less-mobile dogs. Bellever Forest woodland trails are sheltered alternatives in poor weather.
Q03Are Dartmoor pubs dog-friendly?
Most Dartmoor pubs are dog-friendly. Recommended: Fingle Bridge Inn (Drewsteignton, riverside), The Two Bridges Hotel (Two Bridges, at Wistman's Wood walk), Warren House Inn (Postbridge, high moor), Rock Inn (Haytor Vale), Burrator Inn (Dousland). All have dog water bowls + outdoor seating.
Q04When do I need to put my dog on a lead on Dartmoor?
Always near visible livestock (sheep, cattle, ponies year-round). Always during March-July ground-nesting bird season. Always where the National Park signs require it. As a default rule on Dartmoor: lead unless you can see clearly there is no wildlife or livestock within recall distance. Sheep worrying carries criminal penalties.