The best walks and hikes around Shaugh Prior

Yes, many trails in the area are loops. For a moderately challenging circular route with great views, consider the Cadover Bridge – Dewerstone Rock Viewpoint loop from River Meavy. It covers about 4.3 miles (6.9 km) and takes you through woodland and up to the impressive Dewerstone Rock viewpoint.

The main car parks that serve as popular starting points for walks are at Shaugh Bridge and Cadover Bridge. Both provide direct access to trails along the River Plym and up onto the moor. Arriving early is recommended, especially on sunny weekends, as they can fill up quickly.

Definitely. For a shorter, more accessible walk that's great for families, the Cadover Bridge – Dewerstone Rock Viewpoint loop from Shaugh Prior is an excellent choice. It's around 3.1 miles (5 km) long with minimal elevation gain, making it manageable for most abilities while still offering lovely woodland scenery.

Yes, the area is generally very dog-friendly. However, you will be walking in Dartmoor National Park, where you'll likely encounter livestock such as sheep and ponies. It is essential to keep your dog under close control at all times, and on a lead when near animals.

For experienced hikers seeking a challenge, the Dewerstone, Sheeps Tor & Burrator loop from Shaugh Prior is a demanding option. This 11.8-mile (19 km) route involves significant climbing and crosses open moorland, connecting several of the area's key tors and landmarks.

The trails around Shaugh Prior are rich with history. You can explore the area's industrial past by following paths that pass the ruins of old china clay works, particularly near Shaugh Bridge. Many routes also cross moorland dotted with Bronze Age remains like stone rows and settlements.

Most walks in this guide follow or cross the River Plym, offering continuous waterside scenery. The River Plym – Dewerstone Rock Viewpoint loop from River Meavy is a great example that combines river paths with views from the tors above. For a true waterfall, you would need to venture further into Dartmoor to places like Shavercombe Falls.

The hiking routes here are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the stunning mix of scenery, from the wooded Plym Valley to the wild, open moorland. The views from Dewerstone Rock are a frequently mentioned highlight.

Shaugh Prior walks offer a mix of rugged moorland, industrial ruins, and steep-sided river valleys like the Plym. The terrain can be more varied and challenging. In contrast, walks around Burrator Reservoir are typically focused on the path circling the water, offering more level, forested trails with consistent reservoir views.

Yes, the River Plym is a popular spot for a dip, particularly around Cadover Bridge. On warm days, you'll often find people enjoying the water in the shallower, slower-moving sections of the river. Always be cautious of currents and submerged rocks.

You can expect a lot of variety. Lower-level walks in the Plym Valley feature well-defined woodland paths, which can be muddy and rocky in places. As you climb onto the open moorland towards the tors, the trails become more exposed and uneven, often crossing grassy or heathery ground.