Belstone and Sticklepath Circular

Belstone and Sticklepath Circular is a 6.8 km (4.2 mi) loop linking two villages on Dartmoor’s northern edge. Start beside Finch Foundry in Sticklepath and allow about 2–2.5 hours. This is the longer village circuit; a separate shorter walk through the same villages uses a different line.

The loop leaves Sticklepath on narrow paths, crosses a wooden footbridge over the River Taw and follows a mix of compacted bridleway, grassy track and village lane toward Belstone. Expect rocky steps, narrow bridges and muddy or uneven ground after rain. It climbs onto open ground by the village common, where views open toward Cosdon Hill and the Cleave, then bends back toward Sticklepath by a quieter mix of fields and lanes. Keep to the waymarked route at gates and junctions; surfaces and path width change often.

Use Finch Foundry’s car park in Sticklepath. Its entrance tunnel is only 2.3 m high and 2 m wide, so check vehicle dimensions before driving in. Two short sections near the start are permissive paths, where walking access depends on the landowner’s permission; follow signs. The dog rule for those sections was not confirmed, so check locally before bringing a pet.