Family Walks on Dartmoor
Routes with enough interest for all ages — and not too much bog.
The best family walks on Dartmoor balance something real — actual moorland, granite, water, wildlife — with manageable distances and predictable underfoot conditions. The moor isn't a theme park, and that's the point: it's genuinely wild, which is more interesting to children than a manicured trail.
The routes here work well for children from about age 6 upwards, depending on fitness and enthusiasm. Most include a natural reward: a tor to scramble on, a stream to paddle in, a waterfall to reach, or open ground to run across.
Parking is available at all starts. A few have toilets and a café nearby — noted where relevant.
Who this page is for
- Families with children aged 5–12 who want a proper outdoor day rather than a theme park
- Parents who want short routes (under 8km) with clear paths and a memorable highlight at the end
- Mixed-ability family groups where some want a longer walk and others need a shorter option
- People bringing grandparents and young children on the same walk — these routes are chosen for broad accessibility
About this area
Haytor is the classic family destination on Dartmoor — a manageable walk to an iconic granite tor with easy terrain. Becky Falls in the Bovey Valley is excellent for younger children. The Dart valley between Dartmeet and Hexworthy has riverside paths that are endlessly entertaining for kids who'll spend most of the time throwing stones in the river.
Safety on this terrain
Keep children within sight on the open moor — it's easy to lose sight of each other in broken terrain. Streams are generally safe but can rise fast after rain. Dartmoor ponies are wild animals; do not feed or approach them closely, especially mares with foals. Supervise children near any standing water.
When to go
Spring (Apr–May)
Lambs in the fields, birdsong, wildflowers in the valley woods. Ground can still be wet in early April.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Streams are lower and safer for paddling. Pack sun cream and plenty of water — there's little shade on the open moor.
Autumn (Sep–Oct)
Conkers, fungi, turning leaves. Shorter days mean you need to plan carefully for longer routes.
Winter (Nov–Mar)
Stick to valley routes and lower ground. Waterfalls are spectacular after heavy rain.
Explore more
Plan your visit
Use the interactive map to explore routes, check conditions, and plan your day across all three moors.
Open the map