Best attractions and places to see around Horrabridge, a village on the western edge of Dartmoor National Park in Devon, England, offer a blend of natural beauty and historical landmarks. The area provides opportunities for outdoor activities and exploration within the expansive Dartmoor National Park. Visitors can explore dramatic tors, ancient sites, and diverse wildlife, alongside historical engineering marvels.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
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The path along the water is a bit challenging. You have to climb at this point....
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A good few 'dings' of a bell will alert walkers in the tunnel if on your bike! If you don't have a bell - a big old 'Woo Woooo' will carry down the tunnel as well!
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A few lights in the tunnel brighten things up, but there are a few spots where visibility can be a little low.
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In June 2022, four of us cycled the entire Drake's Trail from Plymouth to Ilfracombe, spreading it out over three days. After stopping for tea and cakes at my brother in-law's near Yelverton, we headed into the Grenofen tunnel. As already mentioned here, it is only dimly lit and it is surprisingly chilly, the temperature contrast being even more noticeable on a warm day, and the ceiling is constantly dripping icy water! Definitely need your lights on and cycle very cautiously as pedestrians and other cyclists are often tricky to spot in the gloom! We stopped for the first night in Oakhampton, the second in Barnstable and the third in Ilfracombe before cycling back to Barnstable on the last day to get the train back to Exeter. It was a very pleasant tour and the first section as far as Tavistock follows the course of the old railway, so is off road and generally a gentle slope upwards, but after that the route sometimes takes to the road and is often steep and often quite narrow. Surface wise it is good all the way, suitable for road and off road bikes.
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Horrabridge is a gateway to numerous trails. The Plym Valley Trail is a popular traffic-free route through National Trust woodland, part of the Devon Coast to Coast cycle ride. You can also explore the Drake's Trail, which includes the historic Shaugh Tunnel and Gem Bridge, offering scenic views over the River Walkham.
Yes, the area boasts several historical points of interest. The Grenofen Tunnel, built by Brunel in the mid-1850s, is now a lit foot and cycle path. Nearby, Gem Bridge stands on the site of Brunel's original Walkham Viaduct. Other historical sites include St. John the Baptist Church in Horrabridge and the Merrivale Prehistoric Settlement on Dartmoor.
Horrabridge is on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, offering vast landscapes for exploration. The River Walkham flows through the village, leading to Double Waters where it meets the River Tavy. Nearby, Burrator Reservoir features guided routes and the scenic Burrator Waterfall. For a unique experience, Foggintor Quarry Lake (North Side) is known for its clear, cold water suitable for swimming.
Many trails are suitable for families, such as sections of the Plym Valley Trail and the Drake's Trail, which are traffic-free and offer easy cycling or walking. The Gem Bridge provides wonderful views and is accessible for families. Burrator Reservoir also offers pleasant walks and a discovery centre.
Yes, Foggintor Quarry Lake (North Side) is a popular spot for wild swimming, known for its clear, cold water. The Double Waters, where the River Walkham meets the River Tavy, is also a favored location for wild swimmers.
From Gem Bridge, you can enjoy wonderful views over the River Walkham valley. Pew Tor, to the west of Dartmoor, offers expansive views down to Tavistock, the Tamar Valley AONB, and north towards the Staple Tors and Great Mis Tor. Foggintor Quarry Lake (North Side) provides views of the Great Staple and Roos Tor.
Visitors appreciate the blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The traffic-free trails like the Plym Valley Trail and the unique experience of cycling or walking through the lit Shaugh Tunnel are highly rated. The stunning views from places like Gem Bridge and the opportunity for wild swimming at Foggintor Quarry Lake (North Side) are also popular.
Yes, there are various hiking routes. For moderate hikes, consider the "Gem Bridge & Double Waters loop" or the "Grenofen Bridge – River Markham loop" from Horrabridge. More challenging options include the "Pew Tor – King's Tor loop." You can find more details and routes on the Hiking around Horrabridge guide.
Horrabridge offers access to several mountain biking trails. Routes like the "Princetown Railway Track – Burrator Reservoir and Dam loop" and the "Gem Bridge – Grenofen Tunnel loop" are popular. Explore more options and their difficulty levels on the MTB Trails around Horrabridge guide.
Absolutely. The area features routes like the "Tavistock & Burrator Reservoir loop" and the "Shaugh Tunnel – Plym Valley Trail loop." These routes often incorporate scenic paths and historical features. For a comprehensive list, refer to the Cycling around Horrabridge guide.
Yes, Horrabridge village has traditional pubs like The Leaping Salmon and The London Inn, where you can relax and enjoy local cuisine. These establishments provide a good opportunity to refuel after exploring the nearby trails and attractions.
The spring and summer months generally offer the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and wild swimming. Autumn is also beautiful, especially for cycling over Gem Bridge when the trees are in their autumnal colors. Always check local weather forecasts before your visit, as Dartmoor weather can be changeable.


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