Running for just over 100 miles/160km between Ivybridge in the south and Lynmouth in the north, this famous path links the two National Parks of Dartmoor and Exmoor. The route covers a wonderful diversity of scenery including a wild and remote stretch of Dartmoor and some of the most beautiful sections of the valley of the River Dart. After some delightfully unspoilt parts of central Devon, the trail reaches Exmoor and its deep wooded valleys, with magnificent views from the high moorland.
Walking is easy with just one or two challenging stretches and the route is comprehensively way-
marked, apart from the open moorland sections which require navigational skills
The Two Moors Way was set up in 1976 by Joe Turner and this 119 mile walk linking Exmoor and Dartmoor National Parks gives a beautiful five to seven day walk for the intrepid walker.
The Two Moors Way symbol
Two Moors Way is
a wonderful walk that links Dartmoor to Exmoor.
The 103 mile Two Moors Way footpath - the oldest regional footpath in
Devon - starts at Ivybridge, runs across Dartmoor and mid-Devon and,
crossing some of the wildest parts of Exmoor, finishes its journey at
Lynmouth.
In the past quarter of a century the Two Moors Way has attracted thousands
of walkers from all over the world.
The idea of a long-distance route across Devon dates back to the 1960s.
Originally there was much opposition from landowners and a path using
existing rights of way was created instead of a totally new route.
A "packhorse" service
has now been established, transporting walker's packs between their
nightly stops. The information centres at Ivybridge and Lynmouth provide
logging-in facilities for travellers.
The Dartmoor section of the route winds across the wilderness of southern
Dartmoor, from Ivybridge to Holne, before following the spectacular and
beautiful Dr Blackall's Drive and the great ridgeback of Hameldon. Following
footpaths to Chagford Bridge it leaves Dartmoor at Drewsteignton.
The mid-Devon section is gentler and pastoral, using ancient footpaths
and bridleways linking settlements such as Morchard Bishop, Black Dog
and Witheridge.
The path enters the Exmoor National Park at Anstey Common and winds
through beautiful river scenery and lonely moorland before making a spectacular
descent into Lynmouth via Myrtleberry Hangings.
While the ability to use a map and compass is necessary on the moorland stretches, the Two Moors Way is recognised as a good first step for ramblers
who have never walked a long-distance path before.
The variety of scenery, pretty villages, ancient monuments and old churches provides a wonderful introduction to the heart of Devon, both for visitors
and local walkers.
The Two Moors Way can be walked in a week by any reasonably fit person,
or explored in a series of day walks. Spending longer on the route would
give an opportunity to really explore the lovely countryside and historic
villages along the way.
An official guide has been published by the Two Moors Way Association.
This details the entire route at an approximate scale of 1:18,000 with
accompanying instructions where clarification is required.
This book is available in local
shops and Tourist Information Centre, or may be purchased from the
Two Moors Way Association, "Coppins",
the Poplars, Pinhoe, Exeter, EX4 9HH, price £4.95 including p&p.
The Two Moors Way Association also maintains an updated list of accommodation
on or near the route. Details of a packhorse service for luggage carrying
are also available. A copy of the most recent list may be obtained from
the above address, price 50p plus a stamped addressed A5 envelope.
Relevant OS maps
For an overview of the route, the Ordnance Survey's 1": 1 mile scale
Touring Maps covering Dartmoor (Touring Map 1) and Exmoor (Touring Map
5) between them cover the whole of the Way.
The route is covered at a scale of 1:25,000 by the following maps:
Outdoor Leisure no. 28
Dartmoor Explorer no. 113
Okehampton Explorer no. 114
Exeter and the Exe Valley Explorer no. 127
South Molton and Chulmleigh (1 km only)
Outdoor Leisure no. 9 Exmoor.
The Two Moors Way runs between Ivybridge in South Devon and Lynmouth on the North Devon Coast and is approximately 102 miles long and links Dartmoor and Exmoor.
From the south it enters Somerset at Anstey Common and winds through beautiful river scenery and lonely moorlands across Exmoor following the east bank of the River Barle through a beautiful wooded valley. After Withypool the Way keeps mainly to high ground dipping to cross and re-cross the Barle.
Before leaving Somerset, to make a spectacular descent into Lynmouth, the route coincides for some of its length with the Tarka Trail.
publications detailing the "The Two Moors Way" are available from bookshops and Tourist Information Centre in Somerset and Devon. Or contact the Two Moor s Way Association. Coppins. The Poplars. Pinhoe, Exeter. EX4 9HH. www.devon.gov.uk/prow/twomoors |
)
)
)