Tavy Cleave walk and the Castle Inn

The Tavy Cleave walk:

Our Tavy Cleave walk is one of the bigger adventures in the Dartmoor Partner collection.

This is not a gentle potter. It is wild, dramatic and properly memorable, with open moorland, steep sided valley views, flowing water and that brilliant feeling of being somewhere much more remote than the map might suggest.

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The landscape here has real atmosphere. The river cuts through the cleave, birds move through the valley, and the old leat adds a strong sense of Dartmoor’s working past. It is a walk full of sound and movement, with water beside you, rough ground underfoot and big tors rising around you.

At 5km, this one is best for families who are confident on uneven moorland terrain and happy with boggy patches, scrambly moments and a walk that feels like a proper challenge. On a sunny day, it can feel almost unreal. On a rough weather day, it is one to treat with respect.

The swim spot at the far end is the reward, but it is deep, cold and remote, so this is one for sensible choices, close supervision and proper preparation. Bring decent footwear, warm layers, snacks and a towel if you are planning to dip.

View Route

The food and drink stop:

After the walk, head to The Castle Inn in Lydford.

The Castle Inn is a lovely fit for this pairing because it gives you a proper village pub landing point after one of Dartmoor’s wilder walks. It has food, drink, rooms, a large garden to the rear of the pub and views towards the Saxon castle next door, which makes it feel rooted in the village rather than just another stop off. They are also dog friendly throughout the pub and restaurant.

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This is a great one when you want the walk to feel big and adventurous, but the finish to feel easy, warm and well earned. Think muddy boots, tired legs, good pub food and a proper sit down after a route that gives you plenty to talk about.

It also works well if you want to make more of the area. Lydford has that brilliant edge of Dartmoor feel, with history, river valleys and moorland access all close by, so The Castle Inn makes a useful base for food, drinks or even staying over if you are planning a fuller Dartmoor break.

View Pub

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Enjoy

Dartmoor Partner