Two Moors Way

The Two Moors Way links Southern England's two National Parks, Exmoor and Dartmoor, in a 182 mile walk finishing at Lynmouth. The Two Moors Way is a footpath route just over 100 miles (160 km) in length. It stretches between the southern edge of Dartmoor and the north coast of Exmoor, crossing both the National Parks as well as the little known and unspoilt countryside between them. The Ramblers' Association produce a Two Moors Way Guide Book which has detailed maps of the whole route at a scale of 3/2": 1 mile.

The Two Moors Way runs between Ivybridge in South Devon and Lynmouth on the North Devon Coast. It links the only two National Parks in southern England and also traverses both of them north-south.
The landscape through which the route passes is of exceptionally high quality. It is also a varied landscape, including as it does the high moorland of some of the Dartmoor and Exmoor sections, but also the deep and wooded valleys on the moorland edges, some of which are nationally renowned for their beauty. In the central section, between the two National Parks, there is generally an unspoilt and tranquil rural feel difficult to find in modern times. In the National Parks walkers may study the maps and choose their own route over or arround the moorland areas if they do not wish to follow the Guide Book route.

Running for just over 100 miles/160km between Ivybridge in the south and Lynmouth in the north, this famous path links the two National Parks of Dartmoor and Exmoor. The route covers a wonderful diversity of scenery including a wild and remote stretch of Dartmoor and some of the most beautiful sections of the valley of the River Dart. After some delightfully unspoilt parts of central Devon, the trail reaches Exmoor and its deep wooded valleys, with magnificent views from the high moorland.

Walking is easy with just one or two challenging stretches and the route is comprehensively way- marked, apart from the open moorland sections which require navigational skills

The Two Moors Way was set up in 1976 by Joe Turner and this 119 mile walk linking Exmoor and Dartmoor National Parks gives a beautiful five to seven day walk for the intrepid walker.

The Two Moors Way symbol

Two Moors Way is a wonderful walk that links Dartmoor to Exmoor. The 103 mile Two Moors Way footpath - the oldest regional footpath in Devon - starts at Ivybridge, runs across Dartmoor and mid-Devon and, crossing some of the wildest parts of Exmoor, finishes its journey at Lynmouth. In the past quarter of a century the Two Moors Way has attracted thousands of walkers from all over the world. The idea of a long-distance route across Devon dates back to the 1960s. Originally there was much opposition from landowners and a path using existing rights of way was created instead of a totally new route. A "packhorse" service has now been established, transporting walker's packs between their nightly stops. The information centres at Ivybridge and Lynmouth provide logging-in facilities for travellers.  The Dartmoor section of the route winds across the wilderness of southern Dartmoor, from Ivybridge to Holne, before following the spectacular and beautiful Dr Blackall's Drive and the great ridgeback of Hameldon. Following footpaths to Chagford Bridge it leaves Dartmoor at Drewsteignton. The mid-Devon section is gentler and pastoral, using ancient footpaths and bridleways linking settlements such as Morchard Bishop, Black Dog and Witheridge. The path enters the Exmoor National Park at Anstey Common and winds through beautiful river scenery and lonely moorland before making a spectacular descent into Lynmouth via Myrtleberry Hangings. While the ability to use a map and compass is necessary on the moorland stretches, the Two Moors Way is recognised as a good first step for ramblers who have never walked a long-distance path before. The variety of scenery, pretty villages, ancient monuments and old churches provides a wonderful introduction to the heart of Devon, both for visitors and local walkers. The Two Moors Way can be walked in a week by any reasonably fit person, or explored in a series of day walks. Spending longer on the route would give an opportunity to really explore the lovely countryside and historic villages along the way. An official guide has been published by the Two Moors Way Association. This details the entire route at an approximate scale of 1:18,000 with accompanying instructions where clarification is required. This book is available in local shops and Tourist Information Centre, or may be purchased from the Two Moors Way Association, "Coppins", the Poplars, Pinhoe, Exeter, EX4 9HH, price £4.95 including p&p.  The Two Moors Way Association also maintains an updated list of accommodation on or near the route. Details of a packhorse service for luggage carrying are also available. A copy of the most recent list may be obtained from the above address, price 50p plus a stamped addressed A5 envelope.

Relevant OS maps

• For an overview of the route, the Ordnance Survey's 1": 1 mile scale Touring Maps covering Dartmoor (Touring Map 1) and Exmoor (Touring Map 5) between them cover the whole of the Way.
• The route is covered at a scale of 1:25,000 by the following maps:
• Outdoor Leisure no. 28
• Dartmoor Explorer no. 113
• Okehampton Explorer no. 114
• Exeter and the Exe Valley Explorer no. 127
• South Molton and Chulmleigh (1 km only)
• Outdoor Leisure no. 9 Exmoor.

The Two Moors Way runs between Ivybridge in South Devon and Lynmouth on the North Devon Coast and is approximately 102 miles long and links Dartmoor and Exmoor. From the south it enters Somerset at Anstey Common and winds through beautiful river scenery and lonely moorlands across Exmoor following the east bank of the River Barle through a beautiful wooded valley. After Withypool the Way keeps mainly to high ground dipping to cross and re-cross the Barle. Before leaving Somerset, to make a spectacular descent into Lynmouth, the route coincides for some of its length with the Tarka Trail. publications detailing the "The Two Moors Way" are available from bookshops and Tourist Information Centre in Somerset and Devon. Or contact the Two Moor s Way Association. Coppins. The Poplars. Pinhoe, Exeter. EX4 9HH. www.devon.gov.uk/prow/twomoors 

Contributed by: Jane Clarkefield, Jim Jones