Okehampton Walks - Near and Around
This Devon based town sits in a fine location for walkers on the northern edge of the Dartmoor National Park.
Okehampton is also the start/finish point for the Two Castles Trail and the Granite Way, a shared cycling and walking trail running along a disused railway line to the wonderful Lydford Gorge. The town itself is also worth exploring with historic highlights including the 15th century Chapel of St James and the medieval ruins of Okehampton Castle which is now run as a tourist attraction by English Heritage.
This circular walk from the town visits some of the local highlights including Meldon Reservoir, Meldon Viaduct, Yes Tor, Okehampton Common and the highest point on Dartmoor at High Willhays.
The walk starts at the car park and visitor centre near the train station in the town. From here you head west along the Dartmoor Way to the Meldon Viaduct and the reservoir. The 19th century structure is an impressive sight with a lovely circular trail around the adjacent reservoir to try as well.
The route continues east across Okehampton Common to climb to the splendid viewpoint at Yes Tor. The tor is Dartmoor's second highest peak, at 619 metres (2,031 ft) above sea level. From here you continue a short distance south to climb to the high point at High Willhays.
You then head towards West Mill Tor before turning north to Black Down and Okehampton Park.
To continue your walking around Okehampton head north to visit Abbeyford Woods where there are a series of peaceful woodland walking paths and mountain bike trails.
Postcode
EX20 1AP - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locationsOkehampton Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Okehampton Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Okehampton OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Okehampton Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Walks near Okehampton
- Abbeyford Woods - These woods in Okehampton have miles of nice cycling and walking trails to try
- Yes Tor - This circular walk climbs to Yes Tor from Meldon Reservoir in the Dartmoor National Park
- Meldon Reservoir - Enjoy a waterside walk around this lovely reservoir on Dartmoor
- High Willhays - Climb to the highest point on Dartmoor on this splendid circular walk in the Dartmoor National Park
- Meldon Viaduct - This short walk visits Meldon Viaduct in the Dartmoor National Park
- Lydford Gorge - Lydford Gorge is a splendid place to visit for a short circular walk through dramatic surroundings
- Sticklepath - The village of Sticklepath is located in a lovely spot on the River Taw in the north eastern section of Dartmoor National Park
- Belstone - This pretty Devon village is located in a lovely spot on Dartmoor
- Scorhill Stone Circle - This walk visits the Scorhill Stone Circle and the Wallabrook Clapper Bridge in the Teign Valley of Dartmoor.
- Roadford Lake - This beautiful 730 acre lake and country park in Dartmoor is perfect for a waterside cycle or walk
- Two Castles Trail - Follow the Two Castles trail from Devon into Cornwall and enjoy beautiful countryside, woodland and downland
- Black A Tor Copse - This walk explores the Black-a-Tor Copse National Nature Reserve in the Dartmoor National Park, near Okehampton.
- Granite Way - This lovely, largely off road cycle route runs from Okehampton to Lydford Gorge through the Dartmoor National Park
Pubs/Cafes
The Fountain Inn is a good place for some rest and refreshment after your exercise. The inn has a lovely terrace and riverside garden area where you can relax on warmer days. They serve a fine Sunday carvery with a cosy interior and two real fires. You can find them on Fore Street with a postcode of EX20 1AP.
Dog Walking
The trails make for a fine walk for fit dogs. Abbeyford Woods to the north is another popular place for dog walkers with miles of woodland trails for them to explore. The Fountain Inn mentioned above is also dog friendly.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
The long distance Tarka Trail passes through the town. This literary circular walk follows the path taken by Tarka the Otter in the book of that name. You could pick up the trail and follow it south along a pleasant section of the East Oakmount River.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Dartmoor Walks page.
Photos
Okehampton Castle
Fore Street Okehampton
Okehampton Common
Meldon Viaduct
Meldon Reservoir
Yes Tor, West Devon
The east range, Okehampton Castle. The medieval motte and bailey castle was built in the late 11th century by Baldwin FitzGilbert following a revolt in Devon against Norman rule, and formed the centre of the Honour of Okehampton, guarding a crossing point across the West Okement River.
East Okement River, Okehampton