Shilley Pool walk and the Mill End Hotel
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
The Shilley Pool walk:
Our Shilley Pool walk is a short Dartmoor adventure with a proper reward at the end.
This is one of those routes that proves you do not need to walk for miles to find somewhere memorable. A gentle climb brings you out into open moorland, with marshy ground, sheep, granite boulders and that lovely north moor feeling of space around you.
This is one of those routes that proves you do not need to walk for miles to find somewhere memorable. A gentle climb brings you out into open moorland, with marshy ground, sheep, granite boulders and that lovely north moor feeling of space around you.
The real pull here is Shilley Pool itself. Smooth granite, clear water and a natural rock slide make it feel like a proper Dartmoor playground, especially on a warm day when everyone is ready for a splash. It is exciting, simple and full of that “how is this just here?” feeling that makes Dartmoor so good for families.
It is still a wild spot, so care matters. The rocks can be slippery, the pool floor is uneven, and the water can be cold even when the sun is out. There is not much shade either, so this is one to treat sensibly in both hot weather and heavy weather.
This is a lovely choice for families who want a short walk with a big little adventure at the end. Bring boots, towels, snacks and a bit of patience for muddy feet.
The food and drink stop:
After the walk, head to Mill End Hotel, one of our Dartmoor Partner hospitality partners.
Mill End Hotel sits near Chagford on the banks of the River Teign and is a lovingly restored 15th century flour mill. It has 21 individually decorated rooms and an award winning 2 AA Rosette restaurant, with afternoon tea, lunch, monthly Sunday roast and fine dining dinner service. It is also dog friendly, with dedicated dog friendly rooms, dining areas and even a doggy boot room for muddy paws.
This pairing works well when you want the walk to feel playful and outdoorsy, but the stop afterwards to feel calm, comfortable and a little bit special. Think wild water, muddy boots, tired children and then somewhere properly welcoming for food, drinks or afternoon tea.
Mill End is also a lovely option if you want to turn a quick Dartmoor outing into more of a treat. The hotel setting, riverside feel and polished food offer make it a good fit after a short but memorable adventure.
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Enjoy
Dartmoor Partner
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