Rippon Rifle Range walk and the Moorland Hotel
The Rippon Rifle Range walk:
Our Rippon Rifle Range walk is one of the strangest little adventures in the collection, in the best possible way.
This is part woodland wander, part moorland outing, part forgotten time capsule. The old rifle range gives the whole walk a very different feel from the usual tors, rivers and open tracks. Ivy covered concrete, red brick structures, mossy walls and half hidden doorways make it feel like Dartmoor has quietly swallowed a piece of wartime history.
It is a brilliant one for curious children. There is plenty to look at, lots of “what was this?” energy, and that slightly secret feeling you get when a place feels hidden under the trees. It has a real sense of story, without needing to be a long or difficult walk.
The wider landscape opens things up too, with open moorland, distant views and nearby tors giving the route a proper Dartmoor edge. On misty days it can feel mysterious and cinematic. On clear days, it is peaceful, open and surprisingly gentle.
This is also a good option for buggies and balance bikes, which makes it a handy choice when you want something unusual, accessible and memorable. Just keep children close around the old structures. They are fascinating, but they are still old, uneven and not built for climbing.
The food and drink stop:
After the walk, head to The Moorland Hotel, one of our Dartmoor Partner hospitality partners.
The Moorland Hotel sits beneath Haytor, with open moorland around it and Bovey Tracey only a short drive away. It is well placed for this part of Dartmoor, especially if you want to turn a curious little walk into a fuller family day out.
The hotel has stylish and comfortable rooms, relaxed spaces to settle into, modern British dining, bar meals, Sunday roasts, afternoon tea and seasonal events. Dogs are welcome in the bar, and dog friendly rooms are available on request, which makes it a useful stop for walkers and four legged family members too.
This pairing works nicely because Rippon gives you something unusual and outdoorsy, while The Moorland Hotel gives you a warm, easy place to land afterwards. It is the sort of stop that suits lunch, drinks, cake, a Sunday roast or a slower afternoon after exploring one of Dartmoor’s more curious corners.
Think hidden history, muddy boots, moorland views, then somewhere comfortable to sit down and refuel properly.
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Enjoy
Dartmoor Partner
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