What to do on Dartmoor

Open Access for all

Dartmoor is open access land which means that, with very few restrictions, walking can be enjoyed almost anywhere on the moor. Wooded valleys, granite tors, fast moving streams and great views all around.
We have some books for walking ideas covering all levels of ability from the gentle stroll to the all day hike.

Letterboxing

A popular way to explore Dartmoor. A small pot (the letterbox) containing a stamp and visitors' book is hidden on the moor, and a clue is written to lead to its position. Clues may be as simple as a map reference or more cryptic. When found, the letterboxer takes a copy of the stamp and leaves their own personal print in the visitors' book.
www.dartmoorletterboxing.org/

Drakes Trail

Drake’s Trail is a network of walking and cycling trails between Tavistock and Plymouth. The network has something for all age groups and fitness levels. Many of the trails are centred on the Yelverton area and are easily accessible from The Rosemont.
www.drakestrail.co.uk

Other planned walks starting & finishing in Yelverton

In addition to the walking opportunities listed above we also have some pre-printed trail walks that have been produced by a local resident which offers the opportunity to explore the Yelverton area.

Cycling

Devon Coast to Coast Route 27

This National route from Ilfracombe in North Devon to Plymouth on the South Coast passes through Yelverton. There are some exciting new sections in progress, such as the new 'Gem' bridge high above the Walkham valley. Yelverton is a popular first / last night stopover, but why not add an extra night to explore the new 'spur routes' on Drakes Trail.
www.sustrans.org.uk/ [search Route 27] www.drakestrail.co.uk/

Off Road cycling

There are many opportunities for cyclists on designated cycle tracks, byways and bridleways. However, cyclists are not permitted to ride on the open moor. The Dartmoor and Surrounding Area for Cyclists map is invaluable.  All paths and tracks where cyclists have a right to ride are shown.  Off-road routes are graded and colour coded. We have copies available. www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk/visiting/vi-enjoyingdartmoor/vi-cycling

Mountain Biking / Downhill trails

For those looking for a more extreme challenge the local Woodland riders club provides thrills and spills at their dedicated facility.
www.woodlandriders.com/

Climbing

Outdoor climbing

Dartmoor is a wonderful place for both groups and individuals to climb. Many of the granite tors for which the National Park is famous offer challenging routes amongst some of the wildest country in the south west. The most popular localclimbs to Yelverton are Sheepstor - Grid Ref: 566 684 and the Dewerstone - Grid Ref: 538 639.
Instruction courses available locally.

Indoor climbing

The Barn is a dedicated climbing venue near Tavistock. Housed in a massive barn there is a large wall and free standing boulder. The Barn provides a friendly and social place to train and meet other climbers. For beginners or more experienced climbers.
www.barnclimbingwall.co.uk/

Bouldering

Dartmoor, as well as being an exceptionally beautiful National Park, provides a plentiful supply of excellent granite bouldering. Over recent years bouldering on The Moor has become a more widely practised pastime. There is a wide variety of settings from open moorland to woodland and each crag has it's own unique texture to keep you interested.
www.javu.co.uk/Climbing/Guides/DartmoorBouldering/contents.shtml

Sailing

Base yourself on the moor to enjoy the countryside but also try your hand at sailing and other water based sports. Just 9 miles from The Rosemont is the Mountbatten centre in Plymouth . www.mount-batten-centre.com/
There are a host of water sports activities based on Roadford reservoir
www.swlakestrust.org.uk/lakes-and-facilities/the-lakes/roadford-lake

Surfing / Windsurfing

Surfing is a growing and highly popular sport in Devon & Cornwall. For dedicated surfers Dartmoor is not the ideal place to base yourself but if you are new to the sport and want to combine it with other activities then the beaches of Polzeath, Bude and others are not too far away for a great day out. Very easy to book a lesson at any of the surfing beaches.

Canoeing / Kayaking / Whitewater rafting

Open Canadian canoe on the River Tamar www.canoetamar.co.uk/ or bring your own kayak and try 'Dart Loop' www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Loop,_River_Dart
www.crsadventures.com/
We can also advise you about the local adventure centres for instruction and equipment hire.

On the Moor

With a runner in the family we appreciate that Dartmoor is a great place to get out and about. It has some of the cleanest air in the country and the Moor is open access land, with very few exceptions. Fantastic trails up on the High Moor but also many opportunities to start in Yelverton, taking in streams, rivers, woodland, tors and valleys.

Local races on / off road

If you are a runner why not combine your stay with taking part in a local race. The South West has many well regarded races over different distances from highly competitive 10k races and half marathons to a more friendly local village events. To see what might be available view www.tamartrotters.co.uk/race_diary.htm or call us for suggestions.

Hashing

For those who don't know - Hashing is doing a run for about an hour and then going on to one of the local pubs for a social evening. The South West, and West Devon area in particular, has a large number of Hashes. Our hash, Stannary, runs on Monday evenings at 7:30 pm. All guests will be welcome to this friendly outing. www.stannary.com/

Yelverton Golf club

A delightful moorland course, designed by Herbert Fowler, who used the old mine working as natural hazards. It has outstanding views across Dartmoor and over Cornwall and is a very natural course, with Dartmoor ponies and sheep sharing the fairways.
The course is less than 1mile from The Rosemont.
www.yelvertongolf.co.uk/

Yelverton Driving Range

Just 2 miles from the Rosemont, the driving range at Crapstone offers a chance for beginners to practice or more experienced golfers to improve.

Tavistock

Tavistock Golf Club has the attraction of being in an area of outstanding beauty. Wide fairways, sweeping vistas, thick gorse and bracken, plus the odd clump of scrubby trees it offers a challenging test for the unwary golfer. Just 6 miles from The Rosemont.
www.tavistockgolfclub.org.uk/

St Mellion / Elfordleigh and others

St Mellion (10 miles) with its two championship golf courses, including the Jack Nicklaus designed ‘Signature Course’; this famous West Country resort has hosted the Benson & Hedges International Open on six occasions.
Also 10 miles away across the moor is Elfordleigh with it's well established and highly regarded mature course. Virtually next door is the Borrington Park golf & driving range.

Fishing

The SW lakes trust offers both coarse and trout fishing facilities. Nearby reservoirs for Trout fishing include Burrator, Fernworthy, Roadford and Venford.
www.swlakestrust.org.uk/leisure-activities/fishing
Sea fishing trips can also be arranged from Plymouth.
www.plymouthdeepseaangling.co.uk

Horse Riding

There are a number of riding opportunities around the moor. Nearby ones include Tin Park www.tinparkstables.co.uk/ and Fitzworthy www.fitzworthyequestrian.co.uk/
Cholwell riding stables in Mary Tavy, nr Tavistock offers direct access onto open moorland and is only 15 - 20 minutes by car. www.cholwellridingstables.co.uk/

Treesurfing

Recently opened this treesurfing centre offers an incredible treetop eco-trail transporting you to the truly awesome canopy of one of Britain's prized woodlands. A complex of ladders, rope bridges, zip wires and walkways gives you the freedom to explore our astounding native broadleaf trees from the top down. 12 miles away.
www.treesurfers.co.uk/

Dry slope Ski-ing

The centre is open throughout the year and offers skiers and snowboarders of all levels the facilities to practice and learn new skills. With two slopes to choose from including the longest artificial slope in the South West, Plymouth Ski and Snowboard Centre is the perfect place to practice and learn new skills. 10 miles away.
www.jnlplymouth.co.uk/

Landsailing / Kiteboarding

The former airfield of RAF harrowbeer is just yards away from The Rosemont. The flat, open terrain makes it an ideal place for all types of kite based activities. Bring your own if you have one, as we have yet to find a place where they can be hired from.