Avon Dam Reservoir Circular Walk
Devon
Avon Dam sits high on the southern fringe of Dartmoor, reached by a track that follows the River Avon upstream through a narrowing valley before the reservoir appears, held in place by a concrete dam wall with open moorland rolling away above. This 6.4 km circular loops the reservoir and extends onto surrounding moorland where granite tors and rough grass replace the contained valley below. The 293 m of elevation gain makes this a proper climb despite the modest distance, and the upper sections feel genuinely remote with wide views across southern Dartmoor. The paths are clear but the terrain is rough in places, particularly on the moorland extension.
This is a rewarding dog friendly walk for fit dogs who enjoy working ground with texture and space. The reservoir provides drinking water and the river on the approach is accessible for cooling off. The open moorland above the dam offers excellent off-lead potential in theory, though Dartmoor livestock grazing is extensive and ponies, sheep and cattle are common, so leads should be carried and used where animals are visible. The rough, uneven ground suits dogs comfortable on natural terrain rather than surfaced paths. The climb is sustained enough to tire most dogs properly, making this a good option when a short but physical outing is needed. Parking is limited at the end of the access lane.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 6.4 km (4.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 2 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Peak, Moorland, Reservoir
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- High
- Facilities
- None on site
- Parking
- Free parking at Avon Dam car park near Shipley Bridge
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Avon Dam Reservoir Circular Walk dog friendly?
Avon Dam scores 8 out of 10 for dog friendliness, and it's a genuinely great choice for the right dog. The route offers river access for cooling off on the approach, drinking water from the reservoir, and plenty of open moorland with real space to explore. It's best suited to fit, confident dogs who are happy on rough, uneven terrain rather than smooth paths.
Can dogs be off lead at Avon Dam Reservoir Circular Walk?
The open moorland above the dam offers good off-lead potential in the right conditions, but Dartmoor livestock grazing is extensive throughout the area. Ponies, sheep and cattle are commonly encountered, so it's important to keep leads to hand and put them on whenever animals are visible. Responsible off-lead time is certainly possible here, but it does require staying alert.
What should I know before visiting Avon Dam Reservoir Circular Walk with my dog?
This is a short but physically demanding walk , 6.4 km with 293 m of elevation gain , so it's worth making sure your dog is fit enough for a sustained climb over rough moorland terrain. There are no facilities on site, so bring everything you need including water, though the river and reservoir do provide natural drinking spots along the way. Parking is limited at the end of the access lane near Shipley Bridge, so an early arrival is advisable, especially on busy days.
What’s Nearby?
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