The best walks and hikes around Inwardleigh

There are over 280 hiking trails around Inwardleigh, offering a wide variety of options for all skill levels. These routes explore the diverse landscapes from tranquil river valleys to the rugged Dartmoor National Park.

Hiking around Inwardleigh is unique due to its direct access to Dartmoor National Park, featuring dramatic landscapes, ancient woodlands, and distinctive granite tors like Yes Tor and West Mill Tor. The area also offers peaceful countryside paths along the River Lew and the historic Meldon Viaduct.

The trails around Inwardleigh are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 700 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the varied terrain, from gentle woodland walks to challenging summit ascents, and the stunning views across Dartmoor.

Yes, Inwardleigh offers many easy hiking trails perfect for beginners or families. For example, the Abbeyford Woods – Stick Shelter in the Forest loop from Abbeyford Woods is an easy 3.2-mile trail with accessible paths through woodland. Another gentle option is the Handmade Forest Shelter loop from Okehampton.

Absolutely. For those seeking a challenge, the region provides demanding routes, particularly within Dartmoor National Park. The West Mill Tor – Yes Tor summit loop from Okehampton is an 11.4-mile trail that leads through rugged Dartmoor terrain, offering significant elevation gain and panoramic views from prominent granite tors.

Yes, many of the trails around Inwardleigh are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Popular circular routes include the easy Abbeyford Woods – Stick Shelter in the Forest loop and the moderate Meldon Viaduct – Meldon Quarry Lake loop from Okehampton.

Hiking around Inwardleigh offers access to impressive natural landmarks and viewpoints, primarily within Dartmoor National Park. You can explore iconic granite tors such as Yes Tor summit (the second-highest point in Dartmoor) and West Mill Tor, both offering stunning vistas of North Devon and Cornwall.

Many trails in the Inwardleigh area, especially those outside the most sensitive areas of Dartmoor, are dog-friendly. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, particularly when livestock is present or during ground-nesting bird seasons, to protect wildlife and farm animals.

The best time to hike in Inwardleigh is generally from spring to autumn (April to October) when the weather is milder and the days are longer. Summer offers the warmest conditions, but spring and autumn provide beautiful scenery with fewer crowds. Winter hiking is possible but requires appropriate gear for potentially wet and windy conditions, especially on the exposed Dartmoor tors.

While Inwardleigh itself is a serene village, the nearby town of Okehampton serves as a better hub for public transport access to various trailheads, particularly those leading into Dartmoor National Park. It's advisable to check local bus schedules for routes connecting to specific starting points.

Parking is available at various points around Inwardleigh and near popular trailheads, especially those leading into Dartmoor National Park. For routes like the Meldon Viaduct – Meldon Quarry Lake loop, parking can often be found near the Meldon Reservoir or in Okehampton, which serves as a common starting point for many walks.

Inwardleigh and the surrounding area offer options for refreshments and accommodation. You'll find local pubs and cafes in nearby villages and towns like Okehampton, which also provides a wider range of accommodation choices, from B&Bs to hotels, perfect for hikers looking to extend their stay.