The Two Moors Way was officially opened on 29 May 1976. In 2005 the Two Moors Way was linked with the Erme–Plym Trail from Ivybridge to Wembury on the south Devon coast to create a cross-county coast-to-coast route of over 115 miles.
Author's time : 9 days
Distance : 132.53mi
Vertical gain : 13402ft
Vertical drop : 13481ft
Highest point : 1729ft
Lowest point : 0ft CThis walk needs several days, please find the details below.
This stage is really an add-on to the official route. There is an option to use the Erme-Plym Trail that is, in itself, an add-on to the original Two Moors Way. This will take you straight to Ivybridge through Brixton and Yealmpton. However, this route takes you along the coast to Wembury. The ferry option reduces the road walking considerably.
Go for a swim, paddle your feet, pick up a stone or just take a photo. Whatever you do at the beginning of the walk, from here on, the route drives inland towards the higher ground of The Dartmoor National Park. It weaves its way through Brixton, Yealmpton and Ermington before reaching Ivybridge, using the Erme-Plym Trail.
Stage 3 takes us right into the Dartmoor National Park and is where the original Two Moors Way starts. Once out of Ivybridge, past the old Stowford Paper Mill and out onto the moors, you really feel that you're on a long-distance trail. Look out for the MW signs as you work your way across the tops, through Scorriton to reach Holne.
This stage has a sting in the tail as an option for all those YHA lovers. The Two Moors Way goes about 5 miles east of YHA Dartmoor at Bellever but that shouldn't stop you from staying there. The extra few miles at the end of this stage and the journey back to the Two Moors Way at the beginning of the next stage are in no way laborious, rather a bonus.
This stage is the last part of the Two Moors Way in Dartmoor National Park. First, it retraces steps back to Bennet's Cross to join the trail and then avoids the high ground to the west by heading for the Teign Valley. There are a mix of landscapes and a real high point at Hunter's Tor near Castle Drogo.
Stage 6 is a tricky navigational test as we leave the Dartmoor National Park and head into Mid Devon. The route crosses the A 30, the main Exeter to Barnstaple rail line and the busy A 377. There's plenty to keep you occupied and some pretty hamlets to go through (avoiding some interesting villages, so you might be tempted to go off-route at some point).
There are basically two parts to the seventh stage; Morchard Bishop to Witherage and then Witherage to Knowstone, both 8 milers and through interesting Mid Devon agricultural landscape. We follow the River Datch for a while to reach Washford Pyne, then follow the Little Dart River. We meet the Ridge and Valley Walk at Witherage and, cross over the A 371.
Stage 8 takes us into Exmoor National Park and back to some high ground but mostly it's a riverside walk along the River Barle that is a tributary to the River Exe that flows all the way to the south Devon coast at Exmouth. The route goes over Tar Steps near Hawkridge and has the option of finishing at Withypool or continuing to Exford to stay at the YHA.
The final stage is a bit longer than the others but it is a pleasant walk without too many climbs. First of all, it retraces steps back to Withypool, then follows the River Barle to Simonsbath. From there it's over The Chains to meet the Tarka Trail and descend the Cheriton Ridge and along the East Lyn River to end up in Lynmouth.
The Plymouth to Wembury stage is a bit of an add-on to get to the start of the walk and enjoy a bit of the coast. Trains and buses connect Plymouth with the rest of Britain and the cross-channel ferries also bring folk in from other places. So, leave your car at home and step onto the trail ready to go.
Visorando and this author cannot be held responsible in the case of accidents or problems occuring on this walk.
After the death in 2004 of the creator of the Two Moors Way, Joe Turner, Dartmoor sculptor Peter Randall-Page created two halves of an inscribed granite boulder as a testament to Joe and now sit on the edge of Dartmoor and Exmoor, facing each other across 30 miles of rolling Mid Devon countryside. Remember, enjoy the route and look out for wildlife along the way. Don't rush, just enjoy the journey and make the most of the moment.
11.12mi
+709ft
-778ft
5h45
Easy 
Starting point in Plymouth - Devon This stage is really an add-on to the official route. There is an option to use the Erme-Plym Trail that is, in itself, an add-on to the original Two Moors Way. This will take you straight to Ivybridge through Brixton and Yealmpton. However, this route takes you along the coast to Wembury. The ferry option reduces the road walking considerably.
14.5mi
+1542ft
-1358ft
8h00
Average
Starting point in Wembury - Devon Go for a swim, paddle your feet, pick up a stone or just take a photo. Whatever you do at the beginning of the walk, from here on, the route drives inland towards the higher ground of The Dartmoor National Park. It weaves its way through Brixton, Yealmpton and Ermington before reaching Ivybridge, using the Erme-Plym Trail.
7.68mi
+719ft
-715ft
4h10
Average
Starting point in Wembury - Devon A circular walk taking in one of the easier stretches of the South West Coast path between Wembury and Bovisand, with a circular return along lanes and paths via Staddiscombe. Most of the gradients are gentle, with a few steep sections. Can be combined with a walk to Warren Point for a longer route.
3.43mi
+528ft
-528ft
2h00
Easy
Starting point in Wembury - Devon A circular walk on well-marked paths through the countryside and along the coast path from Wembury to Warren Point, with views of the coast and Yealm estuary.
8.5mi
+587ft
-587ft
4h25
Average
Starting point in Buckland Monachorum - Devon The Devon village of Yelverton is the start and end point for this walk that includes a circuit of the Burrator Reservoir. The route includes some typical country lanes of the area and views to some of Dartmoor's Tors.
5.03mi
+738ft
-748ft
2h55
Average
Starting point in Cornwood - Devon Varied walk including ancient forest, a Quarry lake and open moorland. Fabulous views across to Plymouth Sound.
For more walks, use our search engine.
The GPS track and description are the property of the author.
Back to starting point : No
Walking
Area : 
Location : 
Arrival : N 51.232026° / W 3.831142°