MARK West Devon Way
The West Devon Way is a 58 km long-distance walking route running from Plymouth to Okehampton. It links urban waterfront, wooded valleys, quiet farmland, and the western edge of Dartmoor, and connects directly into bigger trails like the Granite Way and Two Moors Way.
The full trail guide — stats, the route day by day, what it really feels like, and the planning detail you need to walk it.
At a Glance
- Best Season: Year-round
- Terrain: Woodland, riverside paths, farmland, moorland edge
The Route
🏔️ Route Character
The West Devon Way is a gentle, accessible route from Plymouth's waterfront, up the wooded Plym valley, through Tavistock, past Lydford Gorge, and along the western edge of Dartmoor to Okehampton — where it links straight into the Granite Way.
It's ideal for beginners or intermediate walkers wanting a multi-day route with a genuine moorland edge, accessible all year round.
🧰 Route Breakdown
- Day 1 — Plymouth → Clearbrook — Urban waterfront, wooded valleys and quiet lanes — a gentle start leaving the city.
- Day 2 — Clearbrook → Tavistock — Riverside walking, wooded gorges and classic West Devon scenery.
- Day 3 — Tavistock → Lydford — Rolling farmland, open countryside and the Dartmoor edge.
- Day 4 — Lydford → Okehampton — Moorland edge, the Granite Way connection, and a finish with big views.
Practical
⚠️ Difficulty & Hazards
- Navigation: Easy — well-waymarked and beginner-friendly; still carry a map.
- Terrain: Woodland, riverside paths, farmland and moorland edge.
- Fitness: Manageable daily mileage for beginners and intermediate walkers.
- Weather: West Devon can be wet, windy and muddy in winter; check Met Office forecasts.
- Accommodation: B&Bs, pubs and campsites — book ahead in Tavistock and Okehampton.
🌠️ Who This Route Suits
- Beginners
- Families
- Intermediate walkers
- Anyone wanting a gentle South West route connecting to bigger trails
Not ideal for
- Walkers wanting long mountain days — this is a gentle regional route
📱 Parking & Logistics
- Getting there: Start at Plymouth, served by mainline rail.
- Finish: Okehampton is on the Dartmoor rail line to Exeter.
- Resupply: Tavistock and Okehampton are the main resupply points.
🧰 GPX & Map Notes
On OS Explorer maps OL28 and OL2. Well-waymarked; a GPX helps with the moorland-edge sections.
⭐ MX Summary: A gentle, scenic regional route linking Plymouth to Okehampton via woodland, riverside paths and the western edge of Dartmoor — and a gateway to the Granite Way and Two Moors Way.