What to wear for family walks on Dartmoor this autumn and winter
- Jack Dicker
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 10 hours ago
Knowing how to dress your children well before heading out is half the battle. That’s why we’re starting with this quick-reference table below, it gives you a feel for how to layer up based on the weather. If you only take one thing away from this guide, let it be this: when kids are warm, dry and comfy, they’ll love walking, exploring and being part of the adventure.
Seasonal kit table
Weather and season | Layers | Extras | |
Dry autumn day | Base + mid + waterproof | Boots, hat, light gloves | |
Wet and windy | Base + fleece + insulated layer + shell + overtrousers | Waterproof gloves, buff, warm socks | |
Freezing day on the moor | Thermal base + fleece + down or heavy insulated jacket + shell | Double socks, glove liners, insulated hat |
Think of it as your Dartmoor dressing cheat sheet.
What to wear for family walks on Dartmoor this autumn and winter:
The golden rule: layer like an onion
The best way to stay warm is through layering:
Base layer: sits next to the skin and wicks sweat
Mid layer: adds warmth and traps heat
Outer layer: protects from wind and rain
Overtrousers: optional but brilliant in winter or wet conditions
Extras: boots, gloves, hats, warm socks and waterproof bags
Avoid cotton. It holds water and cools the body fast. Choose technical fabrics, wool or fleece instead.
Useful reading:
Top kit picks for kids this season
Here's a quick glance at our favourite go-to items for autumn and winter family adventures:
Footwear: Columbia Firecamp Mid / Scarpa Terra Kids GTX / Vivo Tracker II
Base layer: Patagonia Capilene / Isbjörn of Sweden Husky Set
Mid layer: Helly Hansen Junior Champ / North Face Glacier Fleece
Outer layer: Columbia Watertight Jacket / Dare2B Unstoppable Coat
Overtrousers: Berghaus Packable / Dry Kids Dungarees
Extras: Merino socks, fleece gloves, neck buffs, waterproof mitts
We're often asked what to wear for family walks on Dartmoor this autumn and winter so keep scrolling for full reviews, price ranges and links.
Best footwear for Dartmoor
Your feet take the biggest beating on Dartmoor. Wet grass, boggy trails and sharp rocks mean proper footwear is essential. Look for:
Waterproof or water-resistant
Good ankle support
Durable sole with grip
Top kids’ walking boots and wellies
Boot | Price | Notes |
£25–£35 | Lightweight and waterproof, ideal for everyday walking | |
£40–£50 | Waterproof, great grip, warm and well rated | |
£100+ | Premium leather boot with Gore-Tex, brilliant for serious hikes | |
£95+ | Minimal design, waterproof, great for foot development | |
£30–£40 | Good budget-friendly boot with ankle support |
Base layers (next to skin)
These are essential on colder days and should wick moisture away from the body. Avoid cotton. Look for merino wool, bamboo or soft technical synthetic blends.
Our top picks for base layers
Brand | Price | Notes |
£35–£50 | Soft, technical, fair trade and long-lasting | |
£60–£70 | High-end performance merino/synthetic blend | |
£10–£15 | Affordable and decent synthetic option | |
£8–£12 | Great value, cosy, synthetic thermal top | |
£10–£15 | Widely available, popular starter option |
Mid layers (for warmth)
This is where you trap the heat. Fleece is best, with breathable insulation options for colder days.
Our favourites for warmth
Brand | Price | Notes |
£35–£40 | Soft fleece, great fit, half-zip | |
£30–£40 | Popular and reliable with good fit for layering | |
£35–£45 | Technical and warm, ideal for active walking | |
£8–£15 | Budget-friendly, great for layering | |
£8–£12 | Lightweight fleece for everyday layering |
Outer layers (jackets and waterproofs)
This is your shield against Dartmoor’s wind and rain. A good jacket should be waterproof, breathable and long enough to cover the hips.
Best waterproof jackets for kids
Brand | Price | Notes |
£40–£50 | Lightweight, packable, dependable | |
£25–£35 | Great for everyday Dartmoor use | |
£40–£50 | Bright colours, good coverage | |
£35–£45 | Stylish and waterproof with nice detailing | |
£30–£45 | Lovely design, waterproof with storm flap |
Overtrousers and waterproof trousers
Mud, puddles, bogs — Dartmoor has them all. Overtrousers keep your child’s core layers dry and clean.
Waterproof trousers worth packing
Brand | Price | Notes |
£35–£45 | Fully waterproof, easy to layer over clothes | |
£15–£20 | Lightweight, stuff into bag easily | |
£18–£25 | Elasticated waist, decent waterproof rating | |
£40–£50 | For tougher terrain, durable and breathable | |
£20–£30 | Great for toddlers and forest school types |
Accessories: hats, gloves, socks and extras
We’ve also written about the kinds of routes that pair perfectly with this kind of kit. If you’re looking for seasonal inspiration, check out our best family walks on Dartmoor this autumn and winter.
Gloves: go for fleece-lined, waterproof or use a layered glove system
Hats: fleece or wool that covers ears. No pom-poms if wearing under hoods
Socks: merino wool or thermal. Avoid cotton
Neck warmers: buffs are better than scarves for safety
Spare pairs: Always bring extras in a dry bag or pouch
Waders or waterproof dungarees: great for under-5s, especially in boggy areas
Ready to give it a go?
If you’re kitted out and ready for your next adventure, don’t forget we offer a selection of free Dartmoor walks to help you get started. They’re perfect for families testing the waters, no membership needed.
And if you’re curious about how buying better kit or supporting local initiatives can benefit the whole Dartmoor community, we’ve written more about that too: How can you help Dartmoor?
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