How to start exploring Dartmoor as a family (even if you’ve never been)

A gentle guide for curious beginners, cautious parents, and first-time wanderers.

How to start exploring Dartmoor as a family

We get it. Dartmoor can feel like a big, wild mystery.

You search for “things to do on Dartmoor with kids” and suddenly you’re staring at photos of vast moorland, dramatic tors, and misty paths that disappear into nowhere. And if you’ve never been before, it’s easy to think: “That looks beautiful... but where on earth do we start?”

That’s where we come in.

We’ve been walking Dartmoor with our kids for years through sun and sideways rain, with muddy socks and magical discoveries and we’ve built Dartmoor Partner to help families like yours feel confident stepping into it all. So here’s a gentle, no-fuss guide to get you started.

1. You don’t need to be “outdoorsy” to enjoy it

We know the feeling—scrolling past photos of people in waterproof trousers with walking poles, looking like they’ve been exploring since the age of four. But here’s the truth: Dartmoor doesn’t care what you’re wearing or how many trail badges you’ve earned. It welcomes everyone, no matter their experience.

You don’t need to know the names of the birds, or have grown up hiking. You just need a bit of curiosity, the willingness to get a little muddy, and a mindset that says, "Let’s give this a go."

That’s where real adventure starts. Not with gear but with the decision to try. There’s a strange myth that you need a rucksack full of gear and a background in hiking to enjoy Dartmoor. Not true.

You just need:

• A bit of curiosity

• Sensible footwear

• Snacks (always snacks)

• A walk that matches your energy

Our collection is designed exactly for this - short family walks across Dartmoor that don’t require a compass, a full waterproof kit, or a marathon-level mindset. Just some time together and an open mind.

2. Choose walks that are made for families

Not every “easy” walk is actually easy. We learned this the hard way. That’s why we’ve created a route system that makes sense for parents. Each of our 35 routes includes:

• Whether it’s buggy-friendly or better for carriers

• If there’s water, woodland, or open moor

• Good spots for snacks or a picnic

• Clear parking directions and route maps

• Optional “extended” versions if you’re feeling up for more

• And difficulty labels: A Doddle, A Trek, or Challenging

You’ll know exactly what you’re heading into before you leave the car park.

3. Start small and go slow

This might be the most important tip of all. There’s no need to aim high. Some of the most memorable walks we’ve taken with our children were short loops through woodland, or out-and-back rambles to a rock with a nice view.

Going slow gives kids the chance to notice more. To connect. To build confidence. It turns a walk into an experience, not a task. And for first-timers, that sense of success is everything. It makes them want to come back.

You’ll likely find that the slowest walks are the ones you talk about for weeks afterwards. You don’t have to tick off a tor or cover miles. Some of our favourite moments have happened on walks that lasted less than an hour. That’s the magic of Dartmoor - it offers just enough adventure in even the smallest loops.

Let your child lead. Pause when they stop. Follow the stream. Climb the rock. Sit in the grass. These are the things they’ll remember - not the distance.

4. Don’t wait for perfect weather

If you’re planning your first Dartmoor family walk on holiday, don’t let the forecast stop you. Dartmoor’s beauty isn’t reserved for sunny days.

We’ve had some of our most memorable outings in the drizzle. Just bring waterproofs, spare socks, and something warm in the car for after. The weather often changes mid-walk anyway.

And kids? They’re usually less bothered than we are.

5. Let the moor do its thing

You don’t need to become an entertainer. Dartmoor is full of natural prompts that invite exploration without any effort from us.

There’s magic in the smallest discoveries: a beetle scuttling across a path, the way light filters through a canopy of trees, the soft squelch of a mossy patch underfoot. These are the kinds of moments children remember - their own discoveries, made in their own time.

And if you’re lucky, you might even spot wild ponies or deer. We’ve seen both on more than one occasion, often when we’ve slowed right down or paused to eat.

Sometimes, doing less opens up more. You don’t need to entertain, teach, or plan every moment. Dartmoor does that for you.

There’s wildlife, history, stone circles, rustling woods, and giant granite playgrounds around every corner. And if you bring a hammock or a favourite teddy? Even better.

The land itself brings calm, curiosity, and confidence. You just need to show up.

Still feeling unsure?

That nervous feeling is completely normal. The moor looks wild because it is wild - but that’s what makes it so special.

The trick is to take it one gentle step at a time. Pick a short, well-loved route. Dress comfortably. Don’t worry if you forget something or take the wrong turn - half the fun is in the adventure.

And if you ever feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to begin, that’s exactly why we’re here.

Dartmoor Partner was created to take away that pressure and help families like yours walk with confidence - even if it’s your very first time. That’s totally normal. Dartmoor is wild. It’s different. And that’s part of what makes it so powerful.

We built Dartmoor Partner to take away the overwhelm and give you a simple starting point. No guesswork. Just walks that work - for first-timers, cautious parents, and kids who are still figuring out how to balance on a rock without falling off.

If you’ve never explored Dartmoor before, start with one of our ‘A Doddle’ routes. Short, safe, and designed for wobbly legs and wandering minds.

35 ROUTES MEMBERSHIP