Best Lydford Walks |
| Walk 1 (6.1 miles) | Walk 2 (6.8 miles) | Walk 3 (2.3 miles) |
| Dartmoor & Lydford Castle | Wheal Jewell reservoir | Lydford Gorge |
Great walks from a village on the edge of Dartmoor beleaguered by the Vikings.
Lydford Castle's tower served as a prison for approximately 600 years, functioning as the primary gaol for the Dartmoor region until the completion of Dartmoor Prison at Princetown in 1809.
 | Battle Walks in Devon |
 | The Castle Inn ( Lydford) ,Fox & Hounds |
 | Lydford Castle Lydford Saxon Spring,Saxon Town Wall Viking Rune near the Church |
FAQs
How difficult are the walks?
All walks are fairly strenuous requiring sensible footwear.
Where can I park To start a walk In Lydford?
For Walks 1 & 2
Car Park in Lydford opposite pub
Car Park outside Lydford off A386
For Walk3: National Trust Car Park
Are there any pubs en route?
Walk 1 : Fox & Hounds
Is the walk suitable for wet weather?
You are very exposed on these moorland walks
Can I download the Lydford walking routes To my GPS?
Yes. The routes have downloadable GPX files for compatible GPS devices And mobile navigation applications, as well as FIT files for compatible sports watches.
Where can I find out more about GSX or FIT files?
Check out this link.
Walk 1 Dartmoor & Lydford Castle (6.1 miles)
Difficulty
A delightfully varied walk, not too strenuous, around Lydford with spectacular views of Dartmoor.
It also passes Bridestowe disused railway station, a spring and wall dating back to the Saxons and a large slab containing a Viking rune, both near the church.
This slab commemorates the Viking's unsuccessful siege of Lydford's castle and was given a thousand years later in 1997 by the friends of Scandinavia as a token of goodwill!
Apparently, the Lydford citizens were not deterred by the Vikings' display of pomp and might and were able to fend off numerous attacks.
The walk can start at Lydford or car park 2 - see below - and follows bridle paths and public footpaths.
There are some muddy stretches out of Lydford , particularly after heavy rainfall.
Fox & Hounds almost half way on junction with A386.
The Castle Inn , Lydford
 |
|
 |
|
 | what3words ///chefs.hopefully.friction |
Download Route
| Download GPX | Mobile or GPS | |
| Download FIT | Watches | |
| Google Earth | ||
Start of first walk
Walk 2 to Wheal Betsy & Reservoir (6.8 miles)
Difficulty
Wheal Betsy is a historic silver, lead, and copper mine, closed in 1877. It includes an engine house (maintained by the National Trust), wheel-pit, washing floor with buddles, and dressing waste tips.
A very pleasant moorland walk to a reservoir and the relics of an old lead & copper mine.
The Walk
A This walk starts south west of Lydford.
From the Car Park turn left and cross disused railway bridge.
Turn left onto public footpath and for a short time join the Dartmoor Way.
B Continue following a bridle path in a south easterly direction.
C Cross the A386 to Tavistock and continue along bridle path to Wheal Jewell reservoir.
DWheal Jewell reservoir was built to serve Mary Tavy power station.
Skirt the reservoir and at the end follow path in westerly direction.
EWheal Betsy, a historic lead and copper mine, lies just a short detour from the main route and is truly worth exploring.
Just before reaching Wheal Betsy, take a left-hand path and head eastward.
In the distance, you might catch a glimpse of the striking Brentor Church, perched elegantly atop a hill - see Mary Tavy Walk.
F Take gravel track on right back to the Car Park.
| 2nd National Trust Car Park coming from Lydford direction |
| SATNAV Postcode:EX20 4BH |
Download Route
| Download GPX | Mobile or GPS | |
| Download FIT | Watches | |
| Google Earth | ||
| Walks near Lydford | |
| Okehampton | |
 | Best pub walks to Okehampton Castle & Belstone. |
| Mary Tavy | |
 | A delightful walk to Brent Tor, with its church on top of a hill. |
| Elephant's Nest | |
 | A most enjoyable pub walk from Mary Tavy to the Elephant's Nest pub. |
Walk 3 Lydford Gorge (2.3 miles)
Difficulty
This popular and invigorating walk is NOT free unless you are a member of the National Trust.
There are some narrow stretches.and steep climbs.
Note: This walk can only be done in sections.
Check National Trust Website
| 1st National Trust Car Park coming from Lydford direction |
