Dartmoor Accessible Activities

It may be rural, but Dartmoor is a destination that can cater for visitors with all accessibility needs. With a bit of planning and research, it’s easy to experience the region’s natural beauty and cultural highlights whatever your needs are. This large stretch of central Devon has a lot of options to choose from, whether you’re looking for accessible walks, adaptive outdoor activities or places to stay. Keep reading to find out more about what the national park can offer visitors with disabilities. 

Accessible nature trails

With thousands of footpaths and rights of way, Dartmoor is a haven for walkers. But did you know there are also many accessible trails? We’ve listed some of our favourites below:

The Granite Way

Distance: 11 miles/18 kilometres
Parking: Okehampton Station (regular train services to Exeter also available)

The Granite Way is widely tipped as the best wheelchair-accessible walking route in Dartmoor National Park. This Devon classic runs along an old railway line and is flat and almost totally traffic-free. Starting in the pleasant town of Okehampton, the route connects various local landmarks, including Meldon Dam and Lydford Gorge. There are also several comfortable rest areas and picnic tables along the way, with refreshments available in Lydford at the end of the trail. 

Longtimber Woods

Distance: 1.2 miles/2 kilometres
Parking: Car park on Station Road, Ivybridge

This short stroll follows the river Erme through woodlands that are full of wildlife. Starting on the northern edge of Ivybridge, the flat gravel trail is wide, with a small amount of gentle incline. Keep an eye out for wagtails and dippers in the river and take the time to stop and admire the large redwood trees on the opposite bank. 

Haytor Quarry

Distance: 1.2 miles/2 kilometres
Parking: National Park visitor centre

Haytor Quarry offers a scenic glimpse into Dartmoor's industrial past. The two-kilometre route from the visitor centre car park to the edge of the quarry is mostly level; with its gentle incline and a small number of slightly rougher sections it is accessible to most. Look out for cattle and ponies and stop to take a photo of the scenic pools at the end of the walk.

Want to find out more? Other accessible walks in Dartmoor can be found on the Miles Without Stiles website. You might also want to check out the Pitchup guide to walks in Dartmoor, which includes accessible options.

Accessible visitor centres

As well as being a great place to find out about the local area, the national park’s visitor centres have good facilities and handy parking for visitors with disabilities. 

Haytor near Bovey Tracey has accessible parking and toilets and is close to many accessible trails in the east of the national park. 

Princetown also has a visitor centre, which is housed in a former hotel where Sir Arthur Conan Doyle wrote The Hound of the Baskervilles. The centre has accessible parking and toilets, along with interactive displays and a shop. 

Postbridge is home to the national park’s third visitor centre. Located in a state-of-the-art fully accessible building, there are various exhibits about the local area’s history and wildlife to explore. Accessible parking and toilets are available, and the centre is very close to Bellever Forest’s accessible walks. 

If you can’t call in at a visitor centre and want to talk to a trained professional about access for people with disabilities, you’ll find full contact details on the Dartmoor National Park website.

Adaptive outdoor activities

Electric wheelchairs, trampers and buggies are available for hire at various locations throughout the park, including at Devon Cycle Hire (near Okehampton and on the Granite Way) and National Trust Parke (near Bovey Tracey), as well as in Plymouth (a short distance south of the national park). 

Horse riding is also a possibility for visitors with disabilities. Talk to local disabled riding clubs like Erme Valley RDA to find out more about their work and to organise private lessons in the local area.

Find out more about horse riding opportunities in Dartmoor here.

South of the national park, sailing with Dart Sailability in Brixham is another option. Located on the beautiful river Dart, this organisation helps people with disabilities reach and exceed their personal goals on the water.

Accessible attractions

Castle Drogo is a National Trust property located in Drewsteignton in the north of the national park. This historic site has a good overall level of accessibility, with step-free access to parts of the castle, most of the gardens and to the visitor centre. The visitor centre is particularly accessible, with wide entranceways and automatic doors. Visitors with others disabilities are also well catered for – for example, you can book a sensory tour, and a hearing loop is available in the shop and at reception.

Moretonhampstead Motor Museum is another popular accessible attraction. Located close to the A382, this collection of vintage vehicles is fully accessible, with ramps at the entrance and a lift to the upper floor. With over 150 classic cars to see, dating from the 1920s to the 1990s, this is a great place for a half-day excursion – especially if you need indoor activities for wet days.

Find out more about the historic and cultural highlights of Dartmoor National Park.

Dartmoor National Park welcomes visitors with all disabilities and impairments. With some prior planning and the help of the resources listed here, you can arrange a truly unforgettable getaway. 

If you’ve been inspired to visit Dartmoor and want somewhere to stay surrounded by that fabulous scenery, check out our list of Dartmoor campsites and glampsites with accessible facilities. 

Still looking for inspiration? Explore the accessible options on offer in nearby Exmoor.