Elevated Moorland Traverses with That Edge Feeling
Think Dartmoor is all about soggy streams and rock piles? Think again. This ancient landscape hides a secret: ridgetop-like traverses—expanded runs of tors and upland paths that give you big-sky drama without serious altitude. These ridge-style walks deliver real sense of scale, sweeping views, and solitude—even on the most peaceful fell days.
This guide highlights the best of Dartmoor’s elevated routes—links of tors, skyline tracks, and exposed ridgelines that feel like mountain hiking, Dartmoor-style.
1. High Willhays & Yes Tor Loop
- Main Features: Dartmoor’s two highest tors, off-road moorland
- Distance & Time: ~11 km / 4–5 hours
- Route Type: Loop from Meldon Reservoir
- Why It’s Ridge-Style: Gradual ridge-like ascent across wide plateau to peak tors
- Top Tip: Keen navigators only—paths fade fast in mist; take a compass and map
2. Riddon Ridge from Bellever
- Main Features: A chain of small tors and hillocks
- Distance & Time: ~8 km / 3–4 hours
- Route Type: Linear or loop
- Why It’s Ridge-Style: Open elevated traverse with consistent height and tor views
- Top Tip: Start early to dodge crowds at Bellever and capture calm reflections in nearby ponds
3. Tavy Cleave & Ger Tor Ridge
- Main Features: Steep river-cleave valley with adjoining ridge
- Distance & Time: ~14 km / 5–6 hours
- Route Type: Linear—Tavy Cleave up, Ger Tor ridge back
- Why It’s Ridge-Style: Dramatic hanging valley, then elevated return on skyline ridge
- Top Tip: Cloak fog and face-wrecking wind are common—pack layers and stave off early!
4. Belstone Ridge to Oke Tor
- Main Features: Open northern edge, distant moorland panoramas
- Distance & Time: ~10 km / 4–5 hours
- Route Type: Loop
- Why It’s Ridge-Style: Linear high-ground traverse with step-down summit tors
- Top Tip: Watch your nav—paths aren’t always obvious, and terrain is rolling
5. Great Mis Tor to Cox Tor Traverse
- Main Features: Classic tor chain with deep valley views
- Distance & Time: ~13 km / 5–6 hours
- Route Type: Linear ridge walk with a loop back via valleys
- Why It’s Ridge-Style: Successive tors create a small mountain ridge feel
- Top Tip: Perfect afternoon route—sun dips in the west for golden photos
6. Hameldown Ridge from Widecombe
- Main Features: Elevated skyline above Widecombe-in-the-Moor
- Distance & Time: ~12 km / 4–5 hours
- Route Type: Ridge loop
- Why It’s Ridge-Style: Kilometer-long high traverse with big moor views
- Top Tip: Open moorland means no shelter—start early if weather’s looking rough
Final Thoughts
Dartmoor’s ridges aren’t Everest-style, but they create the same sense of openness, exposure, and remote beauty—on foot, not crampons. With proper navigation skills and weather prep, these trails pack drama, quiet, and lofty views into a full day’s adventure.
Photo by Terry Montague on Unsplash
