Walks near Merrivale on Dartmoor
The best walks near Merrivale on Dartmoor start close to the door of the Dartmoor Inn. Follow ancient stone rows, climb a tor or stroll the old railway trackbed. Then come back for lunch or dinner by the fire.
Walks near Merrivale on Dartmoor
Merrivale puts you at the heart of Dartmoor National Park. Therefore you can set off on foot straight from the inn. Walk to prehistoric stone rows, tackle a tor with wide views or follow a gentle river through woodland.
Also, our team is happy to share tips on the best viewpoints and the best places to see Dartmoor ponies.
Easy walks near Merrivale on Dartmoor
If you want an easy walk near Merrivale on Dartmoor, start here. These routes suit most visitors, so they are a good first choice.
- Merrivale Circular Walk
About 3 miles and mostly flat. You pass Bronze Age stone rows, standing stones, burial chambers and hut circles that are about 4,000 years old. Visit the Merrivale prehistoric settlement. - Old railway trackbed
Level and flat, so it suits pushchairs. Therefore it is a good choice if you want an easy stroll. - River Walkham
Gentler riverside walks through woodland. - Vixen Tor
A tor wrapped in legend. It is a short walk from the inn, at about 2 miles there and back.
Tors and longer walks
For bigger views, head for the tors. Some of these are challenging, so allow plenty of time and check the weather first.
- Great Mis Tor and Staple Tors
Challenging hikes to the north with wide views across the moor. - Cox Tor
A 360 degree viewpoint over Dartmoor. - Princetown
Home to Dartmoor Prison, about 2 miles east. - Postbridge
Reached by marked trails and known for its clapper bridge.
Walking with your dog
Well behaved dogs are welcome at the inn. Dartmoor ponies, cattle and sheep graze freely nearby, so please keep your dog on a lead and give the animals plenty of space. Do not feed them.
Afterwards, dinner is waiting. We cook over an open fire, so it is the perfect end to a day on the moor.
Before you set out
Bring waterproofs and supportive waterproof boots, because the ground can be boggy.
Take a map and compass. Phone signal can be unreliable on the moor.
Winter conditions can be harsh. Read the Dartmoor Code on the Dartmoor National Park Authority website first.
Wild camping and leave no trace
Wild camping is allowed on Dartmoor in certain areas only. Check the Dartmoor National Park Authority camping map before you go, because the permitted areas can change. Also, please leave no trace wherever you walk or camp.
Only pitch where the official map allows it. Keep well away from roads and buildings.
Do not light fires or barbecues. Sparks can start wildfires on open moorland.
Pack out all your litter. Leave the site as you found it, so it is hard to tell you were there.
For more detail, read this guide to wild camping on Dartmoor from Visit Devon.
Check the firing times
Merrivale is one of three firing ranges on the north moor. You can walk there when no live firing is taking place. However, a red flag by day or red lamps at night mean live firing, so do not enter the area. Therefore check the Dartmoor firing programme on GOV.UK before you set out.
Walks near Merrivale on Dartmoor questions
Questions about walks near Merrivale on Dartmoor
What is the best easy walk near Merrivale?
The Merrivale Circular Walk is about 3 miles and mostly flat. Also, the old railway trackbed is level and suits pushchairs.
How long is the walk to Vixen Tor?
Vixen Tor is a short walk from the inn. It is moderate, at about 2 miles there and back.
Where can I see the Bronze Age stone rows?
The Merrivale Circular Walk passes stone rows, standing stones, burial chambers and hut circles that are about 4,000 years old. Therefore it is a good first walk if you love history.
Which walks are challenging near Merrivale?
Great Mis Tor and Staple Tors are challenging hikes to the north with wide views across the moor. Cox Tor is another good viewpoint, with a 360 degree view over Dartmoor.
Camping, dogs, safety and parking
Can I take my dog on these walks?
Yes, dogs are welcome on the moor. However, please keep your dog on a lead near ponies, cattle and sheep, because they graze freely nearby.
What should I wear and bring for walking on Dartmoor?
Wear layers and waterproofs with supportive waterproof boots, because the ground can be boggy. Bring a map and compass, as phone signal can be unreliable. Also pack water and snacks.
Can I wild camp near Merrivale?
Wild camping is allowed on Dartmoor in certain areas only, so check the Dartmoor National Park Authority camping map before you go. Also, please leave no trace, with no fires and all litter taken home.
How do I check the firing times at Merrivale?
Merrivale is one of three firing ranges on the north moor. Check the Dartmoor firing programme on GOV.UK before you set out. A red flag by day or red lamps at night mean live firing, so do not enter the area.
Where can I eat after a walk?
The Dartmoor Inn is right at the start and end of your walk. We serve lunch and dinner cooked over an open fire. Booking is advisable, so reserve early.
Is there parking for walkers?
Yes. Parking is free outside the inn, so you can leave the car by the door.
Also, more answers are in our Dartmoor Inn FAQs.