Scorhill and Gidleigh loop

This is one of our favourite walks to do in Dartmoor when we are pet sitting nearby with Floki, the Bernese Mountain Dog. The route takes you through forests, over streams, up onto the moors and down quiet country lanes. It’s a fantastic walk to get a good taste of wild Dartmoor, heading off the beaten track and away from hoards of people.

We’ve started this walk at the small car park outside Scorhill Farm, at the end of the lane that goes through Gidleigh. There is another small car park at Batworthy corner, and another seasonal car park on the same road. As this route is a circular one, you can choose where you’d like to start!

The highlight of this walk is Scorhill stone circle. It’s said to be ‘one of the finest in Dartmoor’ and consists of 23 standing stones – although it is speculated that when it was constructed during the Bronze Age there would have been around 60-75 stones. Nobody knows for sure the purpose of the stone circle but it was probably used for some sort of astrological ceremony. If you stand in the centre of the circle at sunset on Midsummer’s day, then the sun will hit the peak of the largest rock.

Further along the route, you’ll see some lovely clapper bridges that cross the Walla Brook and North Teign river. Take a short detour here to follow the river down to the Tolmen Stone – a large rock standing in the river that has a hole large enough for you to fit through it. There are several old wives’ tales about the hole, as some say it has healing properties for anyone that can fit through!

This route is a fantastic introduction to Dartmoor and is suitable for dog walking, but be aware that the moors have free ranging sheep, horses and cattle so make sure to always keep your dog under control. There are several rivers for dogs to have a quick dip or to get some water but there are no poo bins along the walk – make sure to pick up after your dog and take bags with you. The route can be very exposed in sections as there is little tree cover in the first half of the walk, and the terrain is over moorland so can become boggy in bad weather. Although there is a worn path, it isn’t paved or way marked so make sure you’re prepared and know where you’re going! There are a couple of steeper inclines along the way, but otherwise the route isn’t a taxing one.

For some food or drink after your walk head to nearby Chagford, where you have the delights of the local pubs and cafes. We recommend checking out The Birdcage Cafe for homemade cakes and a cosy atmosphere, or The Three Crowns for classic pub favourites served to a restaurant standard.