Is it possible to hike the moors in Dartmoor without having a car?

I'm interested in doing some hikes in Dartmoor -- single day hikes, for the most part, to see the moors and tors and the like. However I do not have a car, nor am I able to rent one (I have no driver's licence.)

Most of the people I've talked to have told me about hikes, but they all seem to involve first getting to a somewhat remote carpark and going from there. Are there any hikes of moderate difficulty accessible by public transit, or that start within reasonable walking distance from a town? Or are the only options expensive "guided" hikes?

(If the answer varies seasonally, the target season is now: mid-to-late summer starting from mid-July.)

uk hiking

Best Answer

Yes, there are a number of bus services that cross or pass into Dartmoor, including the "Haytor Hoppa" (bus service 271) which appears to be designed for the purpose - it's website includes a number of self-guided walks going to and from bus stops.

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How do I get to Dartmoor without a car?

Exploring dartmoor without a car It's easy to reach Dartmoor from anywhere by train now that the new Dartmoor Line is open from Exeter to Okehampton. Once here you can hire a bike from next door to Okehampton Station and head off on The Granite Way and beyond.

Can you walk anywhere in Dartmoor?

Access Land One of the special qualities of Dartmoor National Park is the freedom to roam across 47,000 hectares of unenclosed common land and open country. On the open moor you are free to choose your own walking route and there is no need to keep to footpaths.

Can you get lost on Dartmoor?

Most of the Dartmoor trails are waymarked, but not all. It is very possible to get lost on on the moors, many have died before they were found. Sat nav gadgets have revolutionized car travel and are now setting their sights on walking/cycling routes.

HIKING DARTMOOR NORTH TO SOUTH IN A DAY (EPIC 33 MILE SOLO HIKE)

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Images: Uriel Mont, Craig Adderley, Uriel Mont, Dziana Hasanbekava