Best family walks on Dartmoor this autumn and winter
- Jack Dicker
- Sep 30
- 3 min read
Best family walks on Dartmoor: adventures with kids
Dartmoor is one of the best places to explore with children. With wide open moorland, magical woods, abandoned quarries and breathtaking views there’s no better backdrop for a family adventure.
Autumn and winter bring something extra special: golden leaves, mist rolling across the tors and cosy pubs waiting at the end of a walk. But when you’ve got kids in tow, finding the right Dartmoor walk can be tricky. Will the route be suitable? How far will little legs manage? Is there somewhere nearby for lunch?
That’s exactly why we started Dartmoor Partner and why we’re really happy to suggest 2 new walks for you to try out this Autumn/Winter season.
Dartmoor Partner makes family walks easy
Created by Dartmoor-based parents Jack and Isla, Dartmoor Partner was designed to take the stress out of family adventures and get more families out exploring with their kids.
Here’s what makes it stand out and why so many families are joining us:
● 35 hand-picked family walks - Each route is tested for suitability with kids of different ages
● Clear instructions and start points - What3Words navigation, parking info and step-by-step guidance so you never get lost
● Difficulty ratings - From “A Doddle” to “A Challenge” so you know exactly what to expect
● Extended route options - Many walks have longer variations if your family wants more adventure
● Stories and highlights - Local legends, wildlife, viewpoints and hidden gems make each walk more than just a stroll
● Free sample walks - Try two routes before you join.
Membership costs just £25 per year, giving you unlimited access to the full collection of 35 Dartmoor family walks plus their extended options. New walks and route updates are added throughout the year, with all profits supporting our running costs, future walk development, and donations to Dartmoor charities like Moor Trees and the Dartmoor Preservation Association. We’ve also recently launched an interactive map exclusively for Supporter Members, making it even easier to browse, choose and plan your next family adventure.
Two of our favourite autumn and winter walks on Dartmoor
1. Yarner Wood - A gentle woodland adventure
Yarner Wood is a wonderful choice for younger children. The paths are gentle and easy underfoot, winding through trees alive with birdsong. In autumn, it’s bursting with fungi and fallen leaves - perfect for collecting treasures.
● Difficulty: A Doddle 1/3
● Terrain: Woodland paths, some tree roots
● Why we love it: Calm, sheltered, great for toddlers or first adventures
● Nearby food: Ullacombe Farmshop - family-friendly with hearty meals and homemade cakes.
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2. Foggintor Quarry and King’s Tor - Dramatic moorland views.
Older kids and adventurous families will love this dramatic walk. Explore the atmospheric granite quarry before climbing up to King’s Tor for sweeping Dartmoor views. On a crisp bright day, it’s truly breathtaking.
● Difficulty: A Trek 2/3
● Terrain: Old tramways, quarry ruins, open moorland
● Why we love it: Wild, dramatic landscape with a real sense of adventure
● Nearby food: The Dartmoor Inn, Merrivale - cosy and welcoming after braving the moor
Explore more family walks on Dartmoor
These are just two of the 35 family-friendly Dartmoor walks available through Dartmoor Partner. Whether you’re after toddler-friendly woodland trails, buggy-friendly paths or longer hikes for teens, there’s a route to suit every season.
For us, Dartmoor Partner has turned the moor into an endless playground - always something new to explore, always a stress-free plan ready for the next family adventure.
Ready to explore? Join Dartmoor Partner today and discover the best family walks on Dartmoor this autumn and winter.
This project is proudly rooted in accessibility and family connection. Every membership supports the development of new walks and partnerships with charities working to protect Dartmoor and make it more inclusive for everyone.
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