Dartmoor
Blackdown Hills — Dumpdon & Hartridge Ridge Circuit
A rewarding circular walk in the Blackdown Hills linking Dumpdon Hill and Hartridge Common, with open ridge walking and quiet Devon lanes.
3moors Verified
This route has been reviewed and prepared by 3moors using mapping, terrain analysis, local knowledge and editorial review.
About this walk
This is a different kind of South West walk. No dramatic cliffs. No famous tors. Just space, quiet, and depth. You begin with the short but sharp climb onto Dumpdon Hill, where the remains of an Iron Age hillfort sit above the surrounding countryside. The views stretch further than you'd expect — across Devon and out towards Dartmoor on clear days. From there, the walk flows through lanes and fields to Luppitt, before climbing again onto Hartridge Common. This is the heart of the route — a long, airy ridge with open turf, skylarks overhead, and wide, uninterrupted views. The return softens back into classic Devon: sunken holloways, hedgebanks, and quiet lanes guiding you home.
Who this walk is for
Who this walk is for
- ✔Walkers wanting a quieter alternative to moorland routes
- ✔Those who enjoy ridge walking and big views
- ✔History enthusiasts (Iron Age hillfort)
- ✔Dogs welcome (lead near livestock)
- ✖Long day — not suitable for beginners without experience
- ✖Muddy after rain — boots essential
The Experience
• Effort: Full-day walk with steady climbs • Highlight: Dumpdon Hill + Hartridge ridge • Experience: Quiet countryside, big skies, hidden lanes • Best for: Walkers wanting something less crowded
Elevation Profile
Illustrative profileRoute Summary
Start at Dumpdon Hill (NT) car park. Climb onto Dumpdon Hillfort. Follow green lanes north towards Luppitt. Pass St Mary's Church. Climb east onto Hartridge Common. Follow ridge northwards along the high ground. Descend west via bridleways towards Combe Raleigh. Continue via lanes and holloways. Loop back beneath Dumpdon Hill. Return to car park.
Landscape & History
Dumpdon Hill is topped by a well-preserved Iron Age hillfort, one of the more accessible examples in Devon. The elevated position gives commanding views across the surrounding countryside — its strategic value in the Iron Age is immediately apparent.
The Blackdown Hills sit on the Devon–Somerset border and have an AONB designation reflecting their character: a high plateau of rolling farmland, ancient lanes, and preserved hedgerow systems. The area is quieter than Dartmoor or Exmoor and retains a genuinely rural, unvisited quality.
Holloways — deeply sunken lanes carved over centuries by foot, hoof and wheel — feature prominently in the return leg. These ancient routes are characteristic of the Blackdowns and give the landscape a particular depth. Hartridge Common offers open ridge walking above the surrounding farmland, with long views west towards Dartmoor and south towards the coast on clear days.
Safety & Conditions
Weather
Exposed on the ridge in strong wind. Wet underfoot in holloways and field paths after rain. Navigation required on open sections.
Navigation
Waymarking partial — carry OS Explorer 115 or 128 and/or GPX. Route uses green lanes, bridleways and field paths. Some junctions unmarked.
Livestock & Wildlife
Livestock in fields throughout. Dogs must be kept on lead near sheep and cattle. Farmland route — respect field boundaries.
Footwear
Good waterproof boots essential. Holloways become very muddy after rain. Ridge turf can be slippery when wet.
Variations
Shorter (15–16 km): Cut west earlier from Hartridge. Longer (+3–5 km): Extend north ridge or add Offwell Woods. Alternative: Dumpdon Hill + Luppitt loop only.
Access & Parking
Start and finish at Dumpdon Hill National Trust car park. No facilities on route. Nearest services in Honiton. Carry food and water for the full day.
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Wildlife you might see
Common sightings along this route — based on habitat and recent reports
Peak seasonPeregrine Falcon
bird
Peak seasonHerring Gull
marine-life
Fox
mammal
Season approachingBilberry
plant
Peak seasonMoorland Fungi
fungi
Recent sightings on this walk
Real sightings submitted by walkers on this route
Walk information is based on direct experience and local knowledge. Conditions on the moor can change — always use your own judgement.
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