The Moors of Dartmoor National Park & Other Running Options

Dartmoor National Park is a 954 square mile area located in the interior of Devon. There are infinite running options here, through its heatherclad moors, around granite tors (freestanding granite rocks), ancient woodlands, rushing streams, stannary towns and secluded villages. Running in the moors, especially on a classically bleak day, is a singular experience (don’t get lost!). This website has a list of suggested walks, many of which are great for running. Some of them are more in the trail running category, depending on difficulty level, length, and type of surface/terrain. Note: many of the roads in Dartmoor are very narrow, with no shoulder, and aren’t great for running.

Another great option for running in Dartmoor is to choose a section of one of the designated cycling routes incorporating the350 km of bridleways and byways. These routes are a great resource for runners, since the roads are so narrow. This page has a list of five cycle routes on old railway beds, including two near Princetown. Another good option is to choose a section of the Dartmoor Way, a 90 mile circular cycle route — which offers good running on quiet Devon lanes and minor roads,and uses traffic-free cycle tracks. We especially love the High Moorland link, a 27-mile section of the Dartmoor Way that provides a good ‘moor’ experience!