Dartmoor
Tavy Cleave Golden-Hour Loop
A rewarding circular walk into Tavy Cleave, one of Dartmoor's most striking river gorges, with a rocky riverside path, open-top views and a golden-hour finish.
3moors Verified
This route has been reviewed and prepared by 3moors using mapping, terrain analysis, local knowledge and editorial review.
About this walk
Tavy Cleave feels bigger than it looks on the map. The River Tavy cuts a deep, dark line through the moor here, twisting below steep, broken slopes and granite outcrops. The first half of the route keeps you close to the gorge, where the path narrows and the river provides a constant backdrop. Then comes the climb — short, punchy, and well worth it — onto the higher ground near the tors. Up top, the mood changes completely. What was tight and rugged becomes open and expansive, with broad views across the moor and back down into the cleave. Hit this one in late-day light and the bracken, granite and river all start working together.
Who this walk is for
Who this walk is for
- ✔Moderate walkers looking for big scenery without a full-day commitment
- ✔Photographers and golden-hour chasers
- ✔River gorge and tor enthusiasts
- ✔Dogs welcome, with care
- ✖Narrow rocky sections — not suitable for very young children near the gorge edge
- ✖Check Willsworthy Range firing notices before visiting
The Experience
• Effort: Moderate, with one steeper pull • Highlight: River gorge views and tors above the cleave • Best time: Late afternoon into golden hour • Feel: Rugged, atmospheric, very photogenic
Elevation Profile
Illustrative profileRoute Summary
Start at Lanehead car park near Willsworthy. Follow the path south-east towards the River Tavy. Join the riverside path into Tavy Cleave. Keep the river on your left as the path narrows. Climb right up to the higher ground near Ger Tor / Hare Tor area. Follow the broader paths across the open top. Take optional tor detours if conditions are good. Descend on the wide track back to Lanehead.
Landscape & History
Tavy Cleave is one of Dartmoor's finest river gorges — a place where the River Tavy has carved through ancient granite over thousands of years, creating a narrow, dramatic valley with steep broken slopes and rock outcrops.
The higher ground above the cleave gives access to the broader moorland landscape, with views across to Ger Tor and Hare Tor. The whole area sits within the Willsworthy Range, used by the military for training. Access is generally good when firing is not taking place — always check the range access notices before setting out.
Photography: Late afternoon light is transformative here. The bracken, granite and river all respond well to warm, low light. Golden hour shots back down into the cleave are particularly rewarding.
Safety & Conditions
Weather
Moor weather changes fast — carry layers and navigation even on short routes. Wind and rain can arrive quickly on the open tops.
Navigation
Limited waymarking. OS Explorer OL28 or a downloaded GPX recommended. Check Willsworthy Range firing notices before setting out.
Livestock & Wildlife
Keep dogs under control. Steep drops beside the river — keep back from edges, especially on narrow sections.
Footwear
Good boots recommended. Rocky riverside path can be slippery. Expect wet ground after rain, tussocky grass and occasional boggy patches.
Variations
Shorter: Out-and-back into the cleave without climbing to the tops. Longer: Add extra tor detours on the higher ground. Photo version: slow it down and time for late-afternoon light.
Access & Parking
Start and finish at Lanehead car park near Willsworthy. No facilities at start. Nearest services in Mary Tavy or Tavistock. Check Willsworthy Range access and firing notices before setting out.
3moors Community
Recent conditions or questions about this walk?
Join the 3moors Community to ask about path conditions, parking, wildlife sightings and local tips.
Join the 3moors CommunityDiscussion takes place in our Facebook community.
Join the 3moors Community for path conditions & local tips.
JoinWildlife you might see
Common sightings along this route — based on habitat and recent reports
Peak seasonOtter
mammal
Season approachingCommon Sandpiper
marine-life
Curlew
bird
Season approachingBilberry
plant
Peak seasonMoorland Fungi
fungi
Recent sightings on this walk
Real sightings submitted by walkers on this route
History along the route
Walk information is based on direct experience and local knowledge. Conditions on the moor can change — always use your own judgement.
More walks to explore
All walks
Buckfast Abbey Riverside Walk
A gentle riverside walk from Buckfast Abbey along the River Dart with woodland, wildlife and peaceful views.
Fingle Bridge Woodland Walk
A peaceful Teign Gorge walk through ancient woodland, river bends and one of Dartmoor’s quieter corners.
Grimspound Bronze Age Settlement Loop
Walk through a 3,000-year-old settlement in Dartmoor's wild heart.