Spitchwick Manor Circular

This 6.6-mile loop starts at New Bridge Car Park and links the River Dart, Spitchwick Manor, Leusdon, Ponsworthy and the high moor above Dart Gorge. Allow about three to four hours for the full circuit. It is a proper hilly walk, with steady climbs and a mix of lanes and rougher paths; do it for the riverside start, old villages and broad views from the tors rather than as a quick stroll.

The route leaves the wooded riverbank and climbs inland toward Spitchwick Manor, then continues through Leusdon and Ponsworthy. Expect quiet country lanes between footpaths and tracks, with uneven or wet ground in places. The first approach from the car park uses a path that is not a public right of way; Dartmoor National Park Authority describes it as a heavily used, year-round public access route to Deeper Marsh. Most of the remaining loop follows public paths, roads or open-access common.

New Bridge is a granite crossing over the Dart, believed to date from the 15th century and listed Grade II*. Spitchwick is recorded in Domesday Book in 1086; the manor house you see today is much later, from the 19th century.

Beyond the villages, the circuit climbs onto open moorland around Bel, Mel and Aish Tors, then returns by Dr Blackall’s Drive on Spitchwick Common. The high ground opens views over the wooded Dart Gorge. Include the valley below the tors if you stop for a photo; it gives the exposed slopes a sense of scale. Waymarking is average, so keep the route handy at junctions. Wind, rain or low cloud can make the moor feel more demanding.

Start at New Bridge Car Park; pay-and-display parking and public toilets are reported there, and the lot can get busy. Keep dogs on a lead near livestock. On Dartmoor access land from 1 March to 31 July, the rule is a short fixed lead no longer than 2 metres.