Wistman's Wood and Longaford Tor Circular
Devon
The Wistman's Wood and Longaford Tor circular covers 8 km from the quarry car park opposite Two Bridges Hotel, heading north along the West Dart River valley to one of Dartmoor's most extraordinary natural sites. Wistman's Wood is a National Nature Reserve containing one of three surviving ancient high-altitude oak woodlands on the moor — stunted, twisted oaks draped in thick moss and polypody fern, rooted among granite clitter boulders, with a damp, fungal atmosphere unlike anything in conventional woodland. From the wood, the route climbs northeast to Longaford Tor where panoramic views open across the heart of the national park, before returning south via Littaford Tors and Crockern Tor. The 100 metres of elevation gain is gentle across mostly open moorland.
Dogs should be kept under close control through the Wistman's Wood section of this dog friendly walk, as access into the reserve is restricted to protect the fragile ecosystem. The open moorland beyond the wood offers better off-lead running on the higher ground, with the peaty, bracken-scented air of central Dartmoor carrying strongly. However, high livestock presence across the moor — Dartmoor ponies, cattle and sheep — means leads must be ready throughout. The path from the car park to the wood is well-trodden and straightforward, but the circuit beyond Longaford Tor requires basic navigation with an OS map across open moor. The combination of ancient woodland atmosphere and high moorland exposure makes this one of Dartmoor's most distinctive walks.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 8.0 km (5.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 2 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Woodland, Moorland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- High
- Facilities
- Two Bridges Hotel (food and drink, dog friendly)
- Parking
- Two Bridges quarry car park, Two Bridges, Dartmoor, PL20 6SW. Free, limited to approximately 15 vehicles. Overflow parking available at Two Bridges Hotel at £5 (refundable on food and drink purchase)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wistman's Wood and Longaford Tor Circular dog friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome on this walk, which earns a 7/10 dog friendly rating. The high livestock presence across the moor , Dartmoor ponies, cattle and sheep , means you'll need to keep leads to hand throughout, and access into Wistman's Wood itself is restricted to protect its fragile ecosystem. Nearby Two Bridges Hotel is dog friendly and serves food and drink, making it a handy stop before or after your walk.
Can dogs be off lead at Wistman's Wood and Longaford Tor Circular?
Dogs need to be kept under close control through the Wistman's Wood section, where access into the National Nature Reserve is restricted. The open moorland beyond the wood , particularly on the higher ground around Longaford Tor , offers better opportunities for off-lead running, but with Dartmoor ponies, cattle and sheep grazing throughout the moor, you should always be ready to put the lead back on.
What should I know before visiting Wistman's Wood and Longaford Tor Circular with my dog?
The terrain around Wistman's Wood is boggy and rocky, with granite clitter boulders underfoot, so sturdy footwear is a good idea and it's worth keeping a close eye on your dog in that section. The full circuit beyond Longaford Tor crosses open moorland and requires basic navigation with an OS map. Parking at the quarry car park is free but limited to around 15 vehicles, with overflow available at Two Bridges Hotel for £5 (refundable against food or drink).
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