There’s something about Dartmoor that calls to the soul — the wind-whipped tors, the ancient granite outcrops, the whispers of myth and legend carried across the heather. If you’re craving a day out that stirs the senses and slows the pace, this Dartmoor day trip itinerary is just the ticket. From Fingals, you’re only a short 30-minute drive from the edge of the moor, making it the perfect destination for a full day of exploring – and a gentle return to comfort when you’re done.
So, if you’re staying with us and craving a little adventure beyond the garden gate, lace up your boots, pack your appetite, and let us guide you through a Dartmoor day trip itinerary that promises windswept wonder, hearty food, and moments of stillness among the moorland hills.
Morning: Into the Heart of the Moor
Start Point: Fingals
Set off after a leisurely breakfast — you’re on Devon time now. From Fingals, head northwest past Totnes and Ashburton, where rolling fields begin to rise into rugged moorland. Make your first stop at Haytor Rocks, one of Dartmoor’s most iconic landmarks.
Haytor Rocks
Towering granite outcrops greet you at Haytor, where panoramic views sweep across Dartmoor and, on a clear day, all the way to the coast. It’s an easy walk from the car park, and the reward is a wild, windy view that will have your heart singing. Perfect for a bracing breath of fresh air — and a photo or two, of course.
If you’re feeling sprightly, extend your walk along the Haytor Granite Tramway, where the old tracklines from the 19th-century granite industry still lead into the hills. It’s a gentle loop of history and heather.
Midday: Wild Woods and Local Flavours
Next Stop: Becky Falls
From Haytor, take the scenic drive to Becky Falls, a lush, moss-covered ancient woodland with cascading waterfalls and leafy glades. There’s a small entrance fee, but it’s worth it for a shaded ramble through Dartmoor’s wilder side. Choose from several walking routes, from short family strolls to more challenging scrambles.
Lunch Recommendation: The Rugglestone Inn, Widecombe-in-the-Moor
By now, you’ve earned a good lunch, and there are few places more charming than The Rugglestone Inn. Nestled in the village of Widecombe-in-the-Moor, this thatched pub serves up local ales, home-cooked meals, and — if you’re lucky — seats in their sunny garden. Try the ploughman’s with West Country cheese or a bowl of their rich Devon beef stew. It’s comfort food at its rustic best.
While you’re in the village, pop into St Pancras Church, affectionately known as the Cathedral of the Moor. Its lofty tower has kept watch over this valley since the 14th century.
Afternoon: Tors, Tales & Moorland Mystery
Post-Lunch Walk: Hound Tor & the Abandoned Village
Just a short drive from Widecombe lies Hound Tor, shrouded in legend and said to have inspired Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Hound of the Baskervilles. Scramble to the top and you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views and dramatic skies.
At the foot of Hound Tor lie the remains of a deserted medieval village, where moss-covered stone walls and ancient hearths hint at a once-bustling farming hamlet. It’s eerily beautiful — a place where time feels suspended.
Optional Add-On: Cream Tea with a View
If time allows (and when doesn’t it, in Devon?), wind your way to Holne and visit Holne Community Tea Room. It’s run by volunteers and offers generous cream teas, homemade cakes, and a warm welcome. Sit outside if the weather allows, and sip your tea while watching the moors roll on forever.
Evening: Sunset at Brentor or a Riverside Return
Option 1: Brentor Church
For a fitting end to your Dartmoor day trip itinerary, drive to Brentor and climb the short path to St Michael de Rupe Church — a tiny 13th-century chapel perched atop an extinct volcano. If the timing’s right, the sunset from here is breathtaking — a blaze of gold over sweeping hills.
Option 2: Back to Fingals for Wine & Wildlife
Or, if you prefer your evenings slow and soulful, return to Fingals in time to pour a glass of something lovely and settle into the garden. Watch the shadows stretch across the lawn, listen for owls in the valley, and perhaps spot a deer at the edge of the trees. After a day in the wild, there’s nothing quite like coming home.
Tips for Your Dartmoor Day Trip
- Footwear: Good walking shoes or boots are essential — Dartmoor terrain can be unpredictable.
- Weather: Dartmoor weather changes quickly. Pack layers and a waterproof just in case.
- Parking: Most main sites have pay-and-display car parks. Bring change or use contactless apps.
- Dogs: Most walks are dog-friendly but keep pups on a lead near livestock.
- Phone signal: Coverage can be patchy — download your route or map in advance.
A Day to Remember
A day on Dartmoor is more than a tick on a travel list — it’s a balm for the soul. Whether you walk the tors, dip your toes in a woodland stream, or sit in a quiet pub nursing a pint, this wild corner of Devon has a way of grounding and lifting you in equal measure.
And the best part? At the end of it all, you’ve still got Fingals waiting — a cosy retreat to return to, where the only thing wilder than the moors is your dreams.