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The
103 mile Two Moors Way footpath - the oldest regional footpath in
Devon - starts at Ivybridge, runs across Dartmoor and mid-Devon
and, crossing some of the wildest parts of Exmoor, finishes its
journey at Lynmouth.
In the past quarter of a century the Two Moors Way has attracted
thousands of walkers from all over the world.
The
idea of a long-distance route across Devon dates back to the 1960s.
Originally there was much opposition from landowners and a path
using existing rights of way was created instead of a totally new
route.
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| The
route crosses farming countryside |
A "packhorse"
service has now been established, transporting walker's packs between
their nightly stops. The information centres at Ivybridge and Lynmouth
provide logging-in facilities for travellers.
The Dartmoor section of the route winds across the wilderness of
southern Dartmoor, from Ivybridge to Holne, before following the
spectacular and beautiful Dr Blackall's Drive and the great ridgeback
of Hameldon. Following footpaths to Chagford Bridge it leaves Dartmoor
at Drewsteignton.
The mid-Devon section is gentler and pastoral, using ancient footpaths
and bridleways linking settlements such as Morchard Bishop, Black
Dog and Witheridge.
The
path enters the Exmoor National Park at Anstey Common and winds
through beautiful river scenery and lonely moorland before making
a spectacular descent into Lynmouth via Myrtleberry Hangings.
While
the ability to use a map and compass is necessary on the moorland
stretches, the Two Moors Way is recognised as a good first step
for ramblers who have never walked a long-distance path before.
The
variety of scenery, pretty villages, ancient monuments and old churches
provides a wonderful introduction to the heart of Devon, both for
visitors and local walkers.
The Two Moors Way can be walked in a week by any reasonably fit
person, or explored in a series of day walks. Spending longer on
the route would give an opportunity to really explore the lovely
countryside and historic villages along the way.
An official guide has been published by the Two Moors Way Association.
This details the entire route at an approximate scale of 1:18,000
with accompanying instructions where clarification is required.
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| Holne
village on the edge of Dartmoor |
This
book is available in local shops and Tourist Information Centres,
or may be purchased from the Two Moors Way Association, 63 Higher
Combe Drive, Teignmouth, TQ14 9ML, price Β£4.95 including p&p.
The Two Moors Way Association also maintains an updated list of
accommodation on or near the route. Details of a packhorse service
for luggage carrying are also available. A copy of the most recent
list may be obtained from the above address, price 50p plus a stamped
addressed A5 envelope.
Relevant OS maps
For an overview of the route, the Ordnance Survey's 1": 1 mile scale
Touring Maps covering Dartmoor (Touring Map 1) and Exmoor (Touring
Map 5) between them cover the whole of the Way.
The route is covered at a scale of 1:25,000 by the following maps:
Outdoor Leisure no. 28
Dartmoor Explorer no. 113
Okehampton Explorer no. 114
Exeter and the Exe Valley Explorer no. 127
South Molton and Chulmleigh (1 km only)
Outdoor Leisure no. 9 Exmoor.
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