Dartmoor: Becky Falls and Manaton Circular
Devon
This is one of east Dartmoor's most rewarding short days, leaving the green at Manaton to climb over the granite stack of Bowerman's Nose and on to the dramatic medieval ruins below Hound Tor, before returning down through ancient oak woodland near the privately owned Becky Falls attraction. It is a dog friendly walk that mixes open moor and woodland in a single satisfying loop.
Becky Falls itself is a private attraction with its own dog welcome and admission, so this route uses the public footpaths in the woodland nearby rather than entering the falls site. Sheep, cattle and Dartmoor ponies graze freely on the moorland sections, and on access land dogs must be on a short fixed lead of no more than 2 metres between 1 March and 31 July. Underfoot is a mix of woodland track, granite-strewn moor and short stream crossings, with a couple of short steep climbs to the tors. Parking is on the green at Manaton, with the Kestor Inn dog friendly for a finish.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 7.7 km (4.8 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 2 hr 45 min
- Walk Type
- Moorland, Woodland, Waterfall
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- Kestor Inn at Manaton for food and drink, plus a paid cafe at the Becky Falls attraction.
- Parking
- Free informal parking on Manaton village green, please park considerately.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dartmoor: Becky Falls and Manaton Circular dog friendly?
Yes, this circular walk earns a solid 8 out of 10 for dog friendliness, mixing open moorland with ancient oak woodland in a loop that suits most dogs well. The Kestor Inn at Manaton is dog friendly too, making it a great place to round off the day.
Can dogs be off lead at Dartmoor: Becky Falls and Manaton Circular?
It depends on the time of year and where you are on the route. On the open access land sections, dogs must be kept on a short fixed lead of no more than 2 metres between 1 March and 31 July, as sheep, cattle and Dartmoor ponies graze freely across the moor. Outside of that period, and on woodland paths, there is more freedom, though you should always keep livestock in mind.
What should I know before visiting Dartmoor: Becky Falls and Manaton Circular with my dog?
The route crosses granite-strewn moorland, woodland tracks and a couple of short stream crossings, with some steep climbs to the tors, so it suits a reasonably fit and surefooted dog. Becky Falls itself is a private attraction with its own separate admission, and this walk uses the public footpaths through the nearby woodland rather than entering the site. Parking is free and informal on Manaton village green, so arrive considerately, and the Kestor Inn is on hand for food and drink at the end.
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