Get Active Outdoors: Explore the Natural Wonders of Dartmoor
Welcome to Wray Valley, your gateway to the captivating world of Dartmoor! Experience the natural beauty of the area through outdoor activities. From relaxing walks, strenous hikes and cycling to adrenaline-pumping climbs and refreshing swims, we invite you to explore the best of Dartmoor at your own pace.
Walking
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Dartmoor’s stunning landscapes with our handpicked selection of walking routes, catering to all skill levels.
Cycling
Dartmoor is a great place to cycle with an extensive network of quiet lanes and designated cycle routes, together with over 350km of bridleways and byways.
Dartmoor on Two wheels
We have secure cycle storage to keep your ride safe over night while you sleep and you can even recharge your e-bike battery if you are staying on the campsite.
Wray Valley Trail
With direct access onto the Wray Valley Trail there’s family friendly off-road cycling on the old railway line up the valley to Moretonhampstead and down the valley to Lustleigh, then onto Bovey Tracey. From Bovey it is possible to join the Stover Trail to get to the railway station at Newton Abbot.
Dartmoor Way
The Dartmoor Way cycling route is a 90 mile-long circular route which winds its way around the natural beauty of Dartmoor National Park, linking hamlets, villages and towns along its length. The Wray Valley Trail now officially forms part of the Dartmoor Way cycling route cutting off the very steep climb up to the reservoirs and back down again. As well as the main circular route, there is a 27 mile-long High Moorland link. This allows you to follow a ‘figure of eight’ route, or enjoy either of the shorter north or south circular routes.
Lands End to John O’Groats (LEJOG or JOGLE)
We are also just 2 miles south of Moretonhampstead which, for many keen cyclists, marks the end of Day 2 from Lands End to John O’Groats.
Mountain Biking
For mountain bikers, Lustleigh Cleave is very close, with the popular Nutcracker and Water Cleave Descent routes.
Climbing
With tors and quarries almost everywhere, the Dartmoor granite provides a variety of climbing routes and bouldering problems for you to solve.
Conquer Dartmoor’s Tors
The closest area to us is the Bovey & Teign Valleys with Hound Tor, Bonehill Rocks and Haytor close by too.
Lustleigh cleave
Lustleigh Cleave has technical and bold routes with a high concentration of Upper E-grades in the Nutcrackers area and Harton Chest.
Bovey Woods
According to ukboulder.com the Bovey Woods provide “literally hundreds of problems” with many more still to be developed ranging from V0 to V10. They are spread throughout the forest so it takes some exploration to find all the boulders. There are even boulders in Wray Cleave just across the road from us.
Swimming
Whether its wild swimming or open air pools you are after Dartmoor has some exceptional places to go for a dip.
Best Swimming Spots
Dartmoor has been described as ‘…possibly the most magical wild swimming in Britain’ All you need now is your swim suit. If you want more than the Wray Brook can offer then try one of these or find your own secret spot.
- Salmon Leaps – is a long freshwater pool on the River Teign at the foot of Castle Drogo and you can wander down from their car park or pass the weir on the Fingle Bridge walk. The river pool flows into a series of Victorian plunge pools, made for sitting and feeling the rush of rapids flashing past. GR SX 722895
- Spitchwick/Deeper Marsh – this is the most popular and accessible River Dart swimming location, especially in summer and can be very busy just downstream from New Bridge car park. GR SX 715711
- Sharrah Pool and Mel Pool – Sharrah pool is a deep, calm pool in between two cascades. Also located on the River Dart, it’s surrounded by woodland and flat granite slabs for sun-bathing, being a 3km walk upstream from New Bridge car park its much quieter than Spitchwick. A bit further on is Mel Pool, its a bit more difficult to approach with small rapids you can slide down in a wetsuit. SX697716 and SX 693 721
- Crazywell Pool – the Outdoor Swimming Society describe it as “deep and often chilly, and big enough for a nice swim around. It’s on the high moor, fully exposed to the elements. You can float and listen to the skylarks’ song tumbling on the breeze.” GR SX 582704
Open Air Heated Swimming Pools
Cold water swimming not your thing? Then how about a dip in a heated outdoor pool? In the summer months there are quite a few to choose from close by.
Moretonhampstead Pool – the closest to us. Access from Court St Car Park
Canoeing
The River Dart offers some of the best white water canoeing in the country, but is suitable for experienced canoeists only.
Canoeing the River Dart
Experience the thrill of white water canoeing on the River Dart, known for offering some of the best canoeing opportunities in the country. Keep in mind that this river can rise quickly after rain, making it suitable for experienced canoeists only.
When?
Between 1 October – 31 March ONLY.
The Dart Valley is designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) because it is rich in wildlife. To help protect the special qualities of the Dart Valley, please do not canoe outside of these times.
Where?
Below Dartmeet in Winter only.
Access points within the National Park can be found at Dartmeet, Newbridge, Holne Weir, and the Dartbridge cafe
Please do not canoe above Dartmeet at any time of the year.
Golfing
Enjoy a round of golf at the renowned 18-hole championship golf course at Bovey Castle or visit nearby courses at Bovey and Stover.
Golfing Opportunities
Whether you are a professional golfer, keen amateur or complete beginner there will be something to suit you near by.
Bovey Castle Golf Course
Designed in 1926 by J F Abercromby, one of the finest British golf course designers of the last century, Bovey Castle’s 18 hole championship golf course in Devon is both challenging and beautiful. All visitors should have an official WHS handicap, maximum of 54.
Bovey Tracey Golf Centre
A 9 hole golf course, pitch & putt, driving range, cafe and UK foot golf standard course.
Stover Golf Club
18 hole golf course set in parkland features a wide variety of holes, elevation change, mature trees, streams and picturesque ponds for visiting golfers of all standards.
Fishing
Try your luck at catching fish in Dartmoor’s rivers and streams.
Fishing
Fishing on Dartmoor is a delightful experience, but it is essential to be aware of the permits and requirements to ensure you can enjoy your time responsibly.
West Country Angling Passport Scheme
The West Country Angling Passport Scheme offers fishing for wild brown trout, sea trout, salmon, grayling and coarse fish in unrivalled surroundings. There are 38 beats available as Token Fisheries and also the extensive Dartmoor Fishery on the East and West Dart and tributaries. Westcountry Angling Passport tokens can be used at all of the South West Lakes Trust Fisheries and also on most of the other Passport Schemes around the UK.
Nearby Reservoirs
Kennick, Tottiford and Trenchford reservoirs are nearby:
Don’t wait – plan your dream getaway today!