Accessible Dartmoor for families: buggy, pushchair & wheelchair-friendly walks

Dartmoor might be known for its rugged tors and boggy moorland, but it also holds hidden gems that are surprisingly accessible, even if you’re bringing a pushchair, buggy or wheelchair along for the adventure.

Whether you’re walking with a toddler, pushing a pram, or joining with a friend or family member who uses wheels to get around, it’s still possible to enjoy the beauty and wildness of Dartmoor without needing to scramble over rocks or tackle tricky climbs.

We’ve pulled together our favourite family-friendly walks that offer smoother ground, manageable gradients and a sense of freedom for everyone involved.

What makes a Dartmoor walk accessible?

There’s no single definition of an accessible route. Every family’s needs are different. But for this guide, we’ve focused on walks that offer:

• Well maintained paths with minimal roots, rocks or bog

• Gradual inclines with few, if any, stiles or gates

• Enough width for standard pushchairs or wheelchairs

• Clear parking and toilets nearby

This list is not exhaustive, and even some of the smoother trails can get muddy in winter, but it’s a solid starting point for those planning ahead.

For more technical access information, check out the official Miles Without Stiles map from Dartmoor National Park.

Our favourite accessible family walks on Dartmoor

We’ve picked some great options here that meet the key accessibility criteria and are perfect for families. These may not be our all-time favourites — Dartmoor Partner offers an annual subscription with access to 35 handpicked routes we absolutely love — but these still tick all the right boxes when it comes to smoother terrain, facilities, and inclusive access.

We’ll be expanding this list in the future, but for now, here are a few great options that are gentle, scenic and perfect for buggies and wheels.

1. Fernworthy Reservoir Loop

A peaceful trail around a quiet reservoir tucked into Dartmoor’s forests. Expect a mix of birdsong, shaded trees and moments where you’ll feel like you’ve left the world behind. It’s ideal for slower-paced walks with older toddlers or children exploring woodland paths.

• Type: Lakeside path with some forest sections

• Terrain: Mixed gravel and woodland

• Difficulty: A Trek

• Features: Woodland, lake views, wildlife

• Buggy friendly: Rugged buggy recommended

• Balance bikes: OK with supervision

• Swimming: Not suitable

• Moorland/Woodland: Woodland

• Surface: Mostly wide gravel path, uneven in small areas

• Why it works: Woodland shade, deer spotting, peaceful lake views

• Pushchair/wheelchair notes: Manual chairs may need support on inclines

• Facilities: Toilets and car park on site

2. Yarner Wood (first section only)

A gentle, welcoming woodland full of wildlife. This trail suits younger families, especially if you're just getting started exploring Dartmoor. Kids can listen out for birds, collect leaves, or spot butterflies under the tree canopy.

• Type: Woodland nature trail

• Terrain: Firm gravel and woodland paths

• Difficulty: A Doddle

• Features: Wildlife, nature trail, shaded

• Buggy friendly: Yes, for the first half

• Balance bikes: Ideal for beginners

• Swimming: Not suitable

• Moorland/Woodland: Woodland

• Surface: Firm gravel and woodland paths, well marked

• Why it works: Sheltered, gentle terrain, birds and butterflies

• Pushchair/wheelchair notes: First half is ideal, second half has steeper sections

• Facilities: Parking, visitor info, compost toilet near start

3. Granite Tramway at Haytor

This wide, historic tramway path delivers incredible views without the climb. It’s open and airy with wild ponies often grazing nearby, perfect for children with an eye for adventure and families after something unique but accessible.

• Type: Historical tramway route

• Terrain: Stone and gravel track

• Difficulty: A Trek

• Features: Open views, ponies, unique geology

• Buggy friendly: Wide and rugged buggy suitable

• Balance bikes: Suitable with care

• Swimming: Not suitable

• Moorland/Woodland: Open moorland

• Surface: Flat stone and gravel track

• Why it works: Incredible views, wild ponies, unique landscape

• Pushchair/wheelchair notes: Wide and level but bumpy in places

• Facilities: Car park and toilets at Haytor visitor centre

4. Parke Estate

A National Trust woodland estate near Bovey Tracey with a mix of surfaced and unsurfaced paths. While not fully accessible in all areas, the initial trails offer great family-friendly woodland exploring with flatter terrain and plenty of nature to spot.

• Type: Woodland estate with riverside sections

• Terrain: Gravel and woodland trails

• Difficulty: A Trek

• Features: River, woodland, nature spotting

• Buggy friendly: First section only, rugged recommended

• Balance bikes: Good early riding opportunities

• Swimming: Not suitable

• Moorland/Woodland: Woodland

• Surface: Mostly gravel, some muddy in winter

• Why it works: Family friendly, sheltered, good picnic spots

• Pushchair/wheelchair notes: Partial access, not suitable after rain

• Facilities: Parking, toilets, café (National Trust)

5. Foggintor Quarry and King’s Tor

One for adventurous spirits. The old quarry and wild expanse of moorland here are packed with drama. It’s not the easiest route under wheels, but for those who can manage it, the rewards are big skies, epic rocks and a real sense of Dartmoor’s grit.

• Type: Quarry ruins and open moorland

• Terrain: Old tramways and compacted moorland

• Difficulty: A Trek

• Features: Quarry, granite ruins, views

• Buggy friendly: Partially with rugged model

• Balance bikes: Experienced riders only

• Swimming: Wild swim opportunity in quarry (experienced only)

• Moorland/Woodland: Moorland

• Surface: Old tramways and compacted paths

• Why it works: Big views, dramatic landscape, great for confident walkers or rugged buggies

• Pushchair/wheelchair notes: Not fully accessible but parts are manageable with off-road buggies

• Facilities: Parking at the old railway sidings, pub nearby in Merrivale

What to bring for accessible adventures

• Off road buggy or wheels: Chunky tyres help with stability and grip

• Carrier as backup: Some families use carriers if paths get tricky

• Warm layers: Dartmoor weather turns quickly

• Snacks, drinks and a sit mat: Always good for energy and rest

• Change of clothes in the boot: Especially after wet or muddy days

You can also check out our kids kit guide for Dartmoor for clothing suggestions.

Looking to try a route before becoming a member? We offer a selection of free family walks to help you explore Dartmoor at your own pace.

Ready to discover even more family-friendly walks?

Explore all 35 Dartmoor Partner routes, including buggy and carrier notes, terrain details, and seasonal tips inside our members area. Join today and get full access for just £25 a year.

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