How long is the Dartmoor & South Devon Loop route?

This route takes 8 days taking in 7 stops.

Where does this route start and end?

The route runs from Exeter to Exeter in Devon, England.

When is the best time to travel this route?

The best time to travel this route is May to September.

How active is this route?

Activity level: Active. Moderately active — expect some walking and light physical activity.

What transport do I need for this route?

This route works best with a car.

What budget do I need for this route?

Mid-range spending — expect comfortable accommodation and a mix of dining options.

What type of accommodation suits this route?

Mixed accommodation works well along this route.

What is the pace of this trip?

Balanced — a good mix of sightseeing and downtime.

What type of trip is this?

This route is well-suited to: Scenic, Coastal, Nature, Classic road trip, Beach.

Dartmoor & South Devon Loop

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The route · 7 stops

5 overnight bases · 2 stops on the way

Exeter

1 night

A compact cathedral city that makes a welcoming gateway to Devon. Spend your first afternoon at the stunning twin-towered cathedral and walk the medieval underground passages before dinner along the vibrant Quayside. The city's central location makes it the ideal launchpad for the moor and the coast.A compact cathedral city that makes a welcoming gateway to Devon. Spend your first afternoon at the stunning twin-towered cathedral and walk the medieval underground passages before dinner along the vibrant Quayside. The city's central location makes it the ideal launchpad for the moor and the coast.

Recommendations

On to Dartmoor

Dartmoor

2 nights

The wild heart of Devon: granite tors, ancient clapper bridges, free-roaming ponies and skies with barely a light on the horizon. Base at Postbridge for two days on foot. Haytor Rocks is the easiest high-tor walk, while Grimspound Bronze Age settlement rewards a longer day out on the open moor.The wild heart of Devon: granite tors, ancient clapper bridges, free-roaming ponies and skies with barely a light on the horizon. Base at Postbridge for two days on foot. Haytor Rocks is the easiest high-tor walk, while Grimspound Bronze Age settlement rewards a longer day out on the open moor.

Recommendations

On to Plymouth

Plymouth

1 night

Devon's most underrated city earns one night. Walk Plymouth Hoe for views across the Sound to Drake's Island, find the Mayflower Steps in the Barbican, and spend an hour at the National Marine Aquarium. The Barbican's independent seafood restaurants make this a satisfying overnight stop.Devon's most underrated city earns one night. Walk Plymouth Hoe for views across the Sound to Drake's Island, find the Mayflower Steps in the Barbican, and spend an hour at the National Marine Aquarium. The Barbican's independent seafood restaurants make this a satisfying overnight stop.

Recommendations

On to Salcombe

Salcombe

2 nights

South Devon's most coveted coastal town: sparkling water, sheltered sandy coves and a pastel-coloured main street lined with seafood cafes. Use both days for South West Coast Path walks above the estuary, kayaking or sailing on the water, and day trips to North Sands and South Sands beaches.South Devon's most coveted coastal town: sparkling water, sheltered sandy coves and a pastel-coloured main street lined with seafood cafes. Use both days for South West Coast Path walks above the estuary, kayaking or sailing on the water, and day trips to North Sands and South Sands beaches.

Recommendations

On to Dartmouth

Dartmouth

1 night

Narrow medieval lanes drop steeply to one of England's finest natural harbours. Cross the river by ferry to Kingswear, visit 15th-century Dartmouth Castle where the Dart meets the sea, and watch tall ships in the estuary. A strong independent food scene makes this an easy night to look forward to.Narrow medieval lanes drop steeply to one of England's finest natural harbours. Cross the river by ferry to Kingswear, visit 15th-century Dartmouth Castle where the Dart meets the sea, and watch tall ships in the estuary. A strong independent food scene makes this an easy night to look forward to.

Recommendations

On the way

Brixham
Quick stop
Worth a stop on the drive: A working fishing port that has kept more grit than its English Riviera neighbours. The inner harbour is the most photogenic stop on the route: a horseshoe of colourful boats, fish merchants and old quayside buildings. Walk 15 minutes to Berry Head for sweeping views across Torbay and beyond.Worth a stop on the drive: A working fishing port that has kept more grit than its English Riviera neighbours. The inner harbour is the most photogenic stop on the route: a horseshoe of colourful boats, fish merchants and old quayside buildings. Walk 15 minutes to Berry Head for sweeping views across Torbay and beyond.
Recommendations
Exeter
Quick stop
The loop closes with a short motorway run up the A38 and M5. A final morning in the city is enough time for a coffee at the historic Guildhall Market before the train or drive home.The loop closes with a short motorway run up the A38 and M5. A final morning in the city is enough time for a coffee at the historic Guildhall Market before the train or drive home.

Dartmoor & South Devon Loop