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yarner wood walk
map of yarner wood in bovey
yarner wood cover photo
map showing yarner walk

Yarner Wood and the Woodpeckers

Terrain: Woodland

Difficulty: A Doddle

Route Description:

Yarner Wood is Dartmoor’s woodland playground. Enclosed, calm, and absolutely packed with wildlife. Whether you follow the base loop or meander along the extended tracks, you’ll pass through ancient oak groves, listen to woodpeckers tapping in the canopy above, and maybe even catch a glimpse of a deer if you’re quiet enough.

Kids will love the pond viewing hut near the entrance (perfect for frog spotting), and the birdhouses scattered through the trees make for a fun game of ‘who can spot the next one?’ There are information boards tucked around the reserve, and the site is dotted with benches, a wooden gazebo, and even an accessible bird hide near the car park.

This is one of those walks where you can let the little ones roam, follow whichever path calls to you, and be back in time for lunch. Whether you're exploring the ants’ nests in summer, listening for wood warblers in spring, or simply wandering among golden leaves in autumn, Yarner Wood always delivers.

Did you know? In 1952, Yarner Wood became England’s very first National Nature Reserve. It’s now managed by Natural England and remains one of the best places to enjoy Dartmoor’s woodland habitats year-round.

Quick Key:

If you give this route a go, tag @dartmoorpartner and share your favourite moment. Whether it’s blue skies or classic Dartmoor drizzle, we’d love to see it.

Step-by-Step Routes:

Base Route:

If you give this route a go, tag @dartmoorpartner and share your favourite moment. Whether it’s blue skies or classic Dartmoor drizzle, we’d love to see it.

Extended Route:

If you give this route a go, tag @dartmoorpartner and share your favourite moment. Whether it’s blue skies or classic Dartmoor drizzle, we’d love to see it.

Tip's & Insights:

Wildlife Watch: This is prime birdwatching territory, especially in spring and early summer. Look out for pied flycatchers, woodpeckers, and wood warblers. You might even spot a deer in the early morning. If you’re quiet, you’ll hear the woodland come alive.

 

Nature Clues for Kids: Keep an eye out for ant nests, birdhouses, handmade woodland sculptures, and clever little trail markers tucked into trees. Great fun for young explorers.

 

Streams & Spotting: Follow the sound of water you’ll often stumble on small bridges, clear streams, and hidden dips ideal for a quick paddle or a peaceful pause.

 

Toilets & Facilities: There’s a public toilet with disabled access near the car park. You'll also find benches, a pond hut, a bird hide, and a shelter.

 

Buggy & Bike Friendly: This one’s great for wheels, solid gravel paths make it an easy push or pedal. Ideal for young cyclists learning the ropes.

 

No Signal? No Stress: You may dip in and out of reception. Download your route or just wander, the place is enclosed, safe, and easy to navigate. This is prime birdwatching territory, especially in spring and early summer. Look out for pied flycatchers, woodpeckers, and wood warblers. You might even spot a deer in the early morning.

 

Quiet Please: Ground-nesting birds are protected here, so keep dogs close and avoid leaving paths during nesting season.

Nearby Amenities:

At Yarner itself, you’ll find public toilets, an information board, and a small info centre that’s sometimes open. It’s a peaceful spot surrounded by woodland and nature trails, but if you're after coffee, lunch or extra facilities, Bovey Tracey is just a short drive away.

The town has everything you might need, public loos, cafés, and plenty of parking. Café 360 is a favourite for lunch or a hot drink!

Respect Dartmoor:

Want to get more from your walks? Take a look at our How to Walk Well on Dartmoor blogs. From understanding your Rights and Access and exploring the Seasons on Dartmoor, to spotting Wildlife Wonders or learning about Trees, Plants and Fungi, each guide is designed to help you connect with Dartmoor in new ways. You can also read about Who Looks After Dartmoor, pick up Family Friendly Tips, learn how to Respect Dartmoor, and find out How You Can Help protect this special place.

Fancy this walk? Tag us on Instagram:

If you give this route a go, tag @dartmoorpartner and share your favourite moment. Whether it’s blue skies or classic Dartmoor drizzle, we’d love to see it.

Terrain:

Way types

Path: 2.38 km

Footpath: < 100 m

 

Surfaces

Natural: 2.27 km

Gravel: 106 m

Unknown: < 100 m

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