Two Moors Way

Location: Devon, Somerset

OS Maps: Outdoor Leisure 28; 180; 181; Explorer 113; 114

This superb route really is something of a classic for southern England, traversing the spectacular scenery of two National Parks, Dartmoor and Exmoor. The journey provides great contrasts, from rolling high moorland broken by steep sided granite tors, to lowland valleys with sluggish, willow-choked streams. Between the wilderness of Dartmoor and Exmoor lies central Devon, rich farmland with red and brown soils, small villages, thatched cottages and silent square-towered churches.

From Ivybridge at the southern tip of Dartmoor the route strikes out right across the high heather-clad inner moor, passing granite tors, Bronze Age settlements, medieval crosses and clapper bridges. At Teigncombe the route leaves the moor along the lovely Teign valley to Castle Drogo. The route continues northward across rural mid Devon, with it's fields of pasture, copses and flower-filled hedgerows providing a rich contrast to the moor. About half of the route is through this mid-Devon landscape until Exmoor is reached at Tarr Steps. Now it is back to moorland, but a remarkably different landscape from Dartmoor. The route follows the River Barle and climbs up onto Exmoor with its ponies and red deer. Some lovely parts of Exmoor are explored as the route makes it's way to a dramatic finale at the spectacular Bristol Channel coastline at Lynmouth.

	Guide Books: [Click for further information or to purchase]
	The Two Moors Way by John Macadam. This comprehensive easy-to-use guide describes the entire route and is packed with indispensable information. There are detailed descriptions, including points of interest, for each stage of the path together with 1:25000 Ordnance Survey maps specially prepared to accompany the text. Alternatives routes are described in places. There are colour photographs throughout. Key sites are numbered in the text and on the maps for easy identification. An introductory section gives the historical and geological background to the area. A distance checklist helps you to plan overnight stays and check your progress, and a reference section provides useful addresses and advice on accommodation and transport.
	The Two Moors Way by James Roberts. This guide, as well as covering the route in detail, includes information about places of interest both on and off the Way, together with details on accommodation and other useful addresses. James Roberts describes a walk full of contrasts; from remote walking across wild moorland to the gentle hill country of mid-Devon with pastures, copses and hedges.

Acknowledgements: Photograph of Dartmoor courtesy Dartmoor tourist Association ©. Some text adapted from introductions in the two guide books described.