Redlake Tramway - Butterdon Hill - Western Beacon Walk
This circular walk follows the old Redlake Tramway and other footpaths to visit Butterdon Hill, Western Beacon and Piles Hill in the Dartmoor National Park.
The route starts from Ivybridge and heads north along the Two Moors Way to the Redlake Tramway. The old trail continues north to visit Piles Hill before turning south to Butterdon Hill and Western Beacon with excellent views from the high points.
The route offers sweeping views across Dartmoor’s rugged landscape, with its open moorland, granite tors, and distant hills. From Western Beacon, there are panoramic views over South Devon towards the coast. Piles Hill, known for its scattered granite remains and prehistoric features, provides a striking vantage point across the national park. Butterdon Hill offers another elevated viewpoint, overlooking Ivybridge and the surrounding countryside. The walk also takes in remnants of the area's industrial past, including the old Redlake Tramway, once used to transport china clay. The exposed terrain means weather conditions can change rapidly, making the experience different with each visit.
Redlake Tramway Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Redlake Tramway Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Redlake Tramway OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Redlake Tramway Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
From Redlake Tramway. Looking to the slopes of Western Beacon on the right and Butterdon Hill on the left.
The flora of this part of Dartmoor includes heather, gorse, and bilberry on the higher ground, while bracken dominates lower slopes. Grassland species such as tormentil and cotton grass are common in wetter areas. Seasonal variations bring bright purple heather in late summer and golden hues of bracken in autumn.
Butterdon Hill. Someone has made a tribute to the tradition of the logan stone on Dartmoor, on top of the cairn at the summit.
Wildlife spotted along the route may include Dartmoor ponies grazing the open moor, along with skylarks and meadow pipits nesting in the grassland. Buzzards and kestrels are frequently seen soaring overhead, while adders and common lizards may be found basking on warm days. Red deer are occasionally spotted in quieter areas, particularly at dawn and dusk. The mix of habitats supports a variety of insect life, including butterflies such as small heath and green hairstreak.
Piles Hill on Dartmoor
Ugborough: Western Beacon