Bellever Forest and Bellever Tor Circular
Devon
Bellever Forest sits in the heart of Dartmoor, a block of conifer plantation that opens abruptly onto open moorland where Bellever Tor rises to 443 m with a full panorama across the national park. This 5.1 km circular from the Forestry England car park follows plantation tracks south through the forest before climbing onto the moor for the short ascent to the tor, passing Bronze Age cairn circles, burial cists and the Lakehead Hill stone rows along the way. The return drops through the forest edge and follows the ancient Lych Way track back to the start. The 186 m of climbing is gentle and well spread, and the paths are established throughout.
Dogs get a genuinely varied dog friendly walk here. The forest carries the deep resinous scent of Scots and Sitka spruce, changing sharply to open moorland air as the treeline ends and the wind brings the damp, peaty smell of high Dartmoor. The East Dart River runs along the eastern edge of the forest and is easily reached from the car park for a pre- or post-walk paddle. Dartmoor ponies graze freely through the forest and onto the tor, so leads are required in their presence and awareness of livestock is needed throughout. The summit delivers a rewarding 360-degree view and the gentle gradients make this accessible for dogs of most sizes and abilities. A walk that combines forest, moorland and ancient history in a compact and satisfying package.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 5.1 km (3.2 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 1 hr 45 min
- Walk Type
- Peak, Woodland, Moorland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- High
- Facilities
- Toilets at car park (open 9.30am–5pm); picnic area by the East Dart River
- Parking
- Bellever Forest car park, Bellever, Dartmoor, PL20 6TP. Pay and display; £1 for up to 2 hours. Card or contactless at machines, or RingGo app
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bellever Forest and Bellever Tor Circular dog friendly?
Bellever Forest and Bellever Tor Circular scores 8 out of 10 for dog friendliness, and it's easy to see why , the route offers a genuinely varied experience for dogs, moving through scent-rich conifer forest before opening onto moorland. The East Dart River runs along the eastern edge of the forest and is easy to reach from the car park for a paddle before or after the walk.
Can dogs be off lead at Bellever Forest and Bellever Tor Circular?
Dogs can enjoy good freedom on much of this route, but leads are required whenever Dartmoor ponies are nearby , and as they roam freely through both the forest and up onto the tor, you'll want to stay alert throughout. The picnic area near the car park is a particular spot to keep dogs on lead, as ponies regularly graze there.
What should I know before visiting Bellever Forest and Bellever Tor Circular with my dog?
The walk is 5.1 km with 186 m of gentle, well-spread climbing on established paths, making it accessible for dogs of most sizes and fitness levels. Parking is pay and display at Bellever Forest car park (£1 for up to 2 hours, card or RingGo accepted), and there are toilets on site open from 9.30am to 5pm , useful to know if you're planning a longer visit around the river.
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Bellever Forest Car Park, Postbridge, Yelverton, PL20 6TP, United Kingdom
50.5750, -3.8986
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