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Yarner Wood and the Woodpeckers
Terrain: Woodland
Difficulty: A Doddle - 1/3
Route Description:
Yarner Wood is Dartmoor’s woodland playground. Enclosed, calm, and absolutely packed with wildlife. Whether you follow the base loop or meander along the extended tracks, you’ll pass through ancient oak groves, listen to woodpeckers tapping in the canopy above, and maybe even catch a glimpse of a deer if you’re quiet enough.
Kids will love the pond viewing hut near the entrance (perfect for frog spotting), and the birdhouses scattered through the trees make for a fun game of ‘who can spot the next one?’ There are information boards tucked around the reserve, and the site is dotted with benches, a wooden gazebo, and even an accessible bird hide near the car park.
This is one of those walks where you can let the little ones roam, follow whichever path calls to you, and be back in time for lunch. Whether you're exploring the ants’ nests in summer, listening for wood warblers in spring, or simply wandering among golden leaves in autumn, Yarner Wood always delivers.
Did you know? In 1952, Yarner Wood became England’s very first National Nature Reserve. It’s now managed by Natural England and remains one of the best places to enjoy Dartmoor’s woodland habitats year-round.
Quick Key:
Location: Yarner Wood
Start Point: Yarner Wood Car Park (What3Words: ///quiz.lecturers.giraffes)
Base Route: 3km (~1 hour)
Extended Route: 5km (~1.5 hours)
Terrain: Woodland paths, natural and gravel trails, small stream crossings
Difficulty: A Doddle. Smooth wide tracks, gentle elevation. Ideal for buggies, bikes, and families with younger children.
Dog-Friendly? Yes, but take care - there are often deer and ground-nesting birds. Good recall is a must.
Parking: Small car park (fits around 6 cars). Quiet and tucked away - arrive early during school holidays.
Lunch Spots: Picnic benches near the pond hut, or find your own spot under the canopy.
Buggy/Carrier Friendly? Yes - excellent wide tracks.
Route Variations: Plenty of criss-crossing woodland paths to explore. Go off route and discover the bird hides, pond hut, and secret trails.
Step-by-Step Routes:
Base Route:
Base Route (Circular Woodland Trail - 3km)
Start at the Yarner Wood car park (///quiz.lecturers.giraffes). Just beside it, you’ll spot a pond and a small viewing hut - great for a little start-of-walk wonder.
Head up the track, keeping the information building on your right as you cross over the cattle grid (watch your paws - ours got caught short!).
Continue along this track past the many birdhouses on your left until you reach a fork in the path - one goes uphill, the other stays level. Stick to the straight, level path on the left.
After about 10 minutes, you’ll spot a lovely wooden hut on the right. It usually features artwork from local schools - worth a peek!
Exit the hut and take the track directly opposite the doors (don’t go uphill or to the right). This leads you gently along the next stretch.
Within 10 minutes, you’ll reach a small bushcraft area with handmade structures and a circular clearing - great for a mid-walk pause. Look out for the spiky forked bench sculpture on the left; that’s your cue to continue.
Follow the track onward and bear left at the T-junction with valley views. Keep going downhill and you’ll soon spot the car park again. Bonus: there are side trails down to the stream and charming little bridges - perfect for curious explorers.
Extended Route:
Extended Route – (Woodland Explorer Loop - 5km)
The beauty of Yarner is that you can take almost any track and loop back without getting lost. Many paths circle the reserve.
From the bushcraft area, try following outer routes around the reserve perimeter for a deeper woodland feel.
Head to the Woodland Centre at the back-left of the site, near the streams - it’s a quieter part and a lovely spot to discover.
Circle back at any point and rejoin the base path or loop around to return to the car park at your own pace.
Tip's & Insights:
Wildlife Watch: This is prime birdwatching territory, especially in spring and early summer. Look out for pied flycatchers, woodpeckers, and wood warblers. You might even spot a deer in the early morning. If you’re quiet, you’ll hear the woodland come alive.
Nature Clues for Kids: Keep an eye out for ant nests, birdhouses, handmade woodland sculptures, and clever little trail markers tucked into trees. Great fun for young explorers.
Streams & Spotting: Follow the sound of water you’ll often stumble on small bridges, clear streams, and hidden dips ideal for a quick paddle or a peaceful pause.
Toilets & Facilities: There’s a public toilet with disabled access near the car park. You'll also find benches, a pond hut, a bird hide, and a shelter.
Buggy & Bike Friendly: This one’s great for wheels, solid gravel paths make it an easy push or pedal. Ideal for young cyclists learning the ropes.
No Signal? No Stress: You may dip in and out of reception. Download your route or just wander, the place is enclosed, safe, and easy to navigate. This is prime birdwatching territory, especially in spring and early summer. Look out for pied flycatchers, woodpeckers, and wood warblers. You might even spot a deer in the early morning.
Quiet Please: Ground-nesting birds are protected here, so keep dogs close and avoid leaving paths during nesting season.
Nearby Amenities:
At Yarner itself, you’ll find public toilets, an information board, and a small info centre that’s sometimes open. It’s a peaceful spot surrounded by woodland and nature trails, but if you're after coffee, lunch or extra facilities, Bovey Tracey is just a short drive away.
The town has everything you might need – public loos, cafés, and plenty of parking. Café 360 is a favourite for lunch or a hot drink!
Terrain:
Way types
Path: 2.38 km
Footpath: < 100 m
Surfaces
Natural: 2.27 km
Gravel: 106 m
Unknown: < 100 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.