Bench Tor and Venford Brook
Terrain: Moorland, Woodland
Difficulty: A Trek - 2/3
Route Description:
If there’s one walk that packs in everything Dartmoor has to offer, this might just be it. You get towering tor-top views, deep green woodlands, the rush of water over rocks, and a hidden brook that feels like something out of a storybook. Venford Brook is one of Dartmoor’s best-kept secrets—a stretch of mossy boulders, mini waterfalls, and crystal-clear pools winding through the valley, just waiting to be explored.
It’s a route perfect for families, with plenty of places for kids to climb, paddle, and discover along the way. If you time it right, spring fills the woodland with bluebells and wild garlic, while autumn turns the valley into a riot of golds and oranges. And for those after a bit more adventure, the extended loop around Venford Reservoir adds peaceful waterside views and a longer stretch to roam.
Quick Key:
Location: Bench Tor & Venford Brook
Start Point: Michelcombe Lane car park (What3Words: desire.chucked.vineyard)
Base Route: 3.5km (~1.5 hours) | Extended Route: 6.5km (~2.5 hours)
Terrain: Woodland paths, open moorland, stepped trails, uneven rocky sections
Difficulty: Intermediate. The base route is accessible and family-friendly, while the extended route offers a longer adventure with a mix of woodland trails and waterside paths.
Dog-Friendly? Yes, but be mindful of livestock on the moorland sections and deer in the woodland.
Parking: Free parking at Michelcombe Lane, there is also a second carpark over the Venford bridge.
Lunch Spots: Bench Tor (great views, ~1.2km from the start) or beside Venford Brook (secluded, shaded spots near the water, ~2km from the start).
Buggy/Carrier Friendly? The base route is not suitable for buggies, but an alternative made-path variation allows a scenic, accessible walk without descending into the woodland.
Route Variations: Extended option to loop around Venford Reservoir, adding an additional 3km.
Step-by-Step Routes:
Base Route:
Base Route (Venford Brook & Bench Tor – 5km)
Start at Michelcombe Lane car park (What3Words: desire.chucked.vineyard) and head directly uphill-left towards Bench Tor.
Follow the clear moorland path uphill for about 15 minutes (~855m). The views open up over the Dart Valley as you climb.
At Bench Tor, take a moment to soak in the panoramic views over the River Dart valley. You can se as far as Haytor on a clear day.
Continue east (right) along the path, keeping the valley on your left and the large long farm stone wall on the right in the distance. Stay on this decline for about 10 mins as you gently wind down along the smooth open grass track.
At the end, follow the doglegging path into the trees on the left where you’ll soon join an obvious track entering the tree canopy (~10 mins from Bench Tor).
Walk along the woodland path for 20–30 minutes, following the river on your right with Bench Tor up on your left. You'll start to break into the woodland depths now!
Keep your eyes out! You'll reach a steep, winding track down to the valley floor (~1.9km into the walk). A great spot to stop and enjoy the riverside. This small entrance is a dugout stepped rocky slim track on the right. Wind down the single track all the way to the bottom to the river!
Follow the river path for another 10 minutes until you reach the mouth of Venford Brook (~2.3km in).
Climb up through Venford Brook, choosing between the streamside scramble or clearer woodland paths.
Halfway up, take the left-hand path to rejoin the main gravel track (~3.1km in, 20 mins from the brook mouth).
Follow the track back to the open moorland and return to the car park.
Extended Route:
Extended Route (Venford Brook, Bench Tor & Reservoir – 6.5km)
For those wanting a longer walk with stunning views out toward Plymouth and Tavistock, continue on:
Upon reaching the main road after the climb, head towards Venford Reservoir.
Cross the reservoir bridge, then take a left at the small gate.
Follow the loop path around the reservoir for a peaceful waterside stretch.
At the end of the loop, pass through another gate near the car park, where you started.
Tip's & Insights:
Signal Coverage:
Mobile signal is hit and miss along this route. You’ll likely get some at Bench Tor and the car park, but don’t count on it down in the valley. If you're planning to stream music, podcasts, or an audiobook for the kids, download it before you set off!
Looking for a swim?
Venford Brook itself has small pools perfect for paddling, but the real hidden gems are along the River Dart nearby. Some of Dartmoor’s best wild swimming spots, like Sharrah Pool, are within easy reach if you fancy a post-hike dip.
A little history nugget:
The Venford Reservoir, just beside this route, was built in the early 1900s to supply water to Paignton. While it may look like a peaceful lake today, the land it covers once held farmsteads and meadows. If you walk the extended route, you can still spot remnants of old boundary walls and gateposts swallowed up by time.
Nearby Pub:
You’re just up the road from The Church House Inn in Holne, a proper old-school Dartmoor pub with a roaring fire, great local ales, and hearty food. It's the perfect way to round off the adventure.
Nearby Amenities:
There’s no coffee van or café right on-site, so come prepared with drinks and snacks if you’re heading off on foot. That said, just a couple of miles down the road you’ll find two gems in the village of Holne.
The Church House Inn is a top choice for a post-walk pint or meal, and Holne Tea Rooms offers lovely homemade cakes and cream teas – though it’s not always open, so it’s worth checking ahead. No public toilets at the reservoir, but the peaceful surroundings more than make up for the lack of facilities.
Terrain:
Way Types:
Hiking Path: 2.06 km
Forest Path: 1.61 km
Street: < 100 mSurfaces:
Unpaved: 3.46 km
Unknown: 247 m
Respect Dartmoor:
Always stick to paths: Protect the moorland and avoid disturbing wildlife.
Watch your step: Rocks can be slippery and terrain is often uneven!
Keep dogs under close control: Livestock is often present on the moor, keep your dogs controlled at all times.
Take your rubbish!: Please, please take your rubbish home. You'll kill the wildlife if you don't. It's that simple.
Fancy this walk? Tag us on Instagram:
If you give this route a go, tag @dartmoorpartner and share your favourite moment. Whether it’s blue skies or classic Dartmoor drizzle, we’d love to see it.