Top 10 Forest and Woodland Walks in South Devon
When it comes to scenery, most of us associate South Devon with its unspoilt farmland and varied coastline incorporating...
by Maria Makepeace / Walks
Here’s our visual guide to the Dartmouth to Dittisham walk, via Greenway, a famous hike along the Dart Valley Trail. This circular walk is considered one of the very best when it comes to showing off the natural beauty of South Devon. This is a challenging walk with many steep ascents and descents, but stunning views of the Dart Valley and beyond mean it’s well worth the effort.
For a shorter version of this walk, we recommend taking a break at Dittisham, stopping by the popular Ferry Boat Inn or the Anchorstone Café, both of which sit right on the water’s edge and offer wonderful views of the river. Alternatively, take the opportunity to visit beautiful Greenway House, run by the National Trust, and sit down for a snack in the delightful café.
Find out more about the village of Dittisham here
OS © Crown copyright 2018 CS-49390-P7H3Y2
To view the OS map for our Dartmouth to Dittisham walk, via Greenway, please click here.
1. Head to Dartmouth Quay and take the passenger ferry across to Kingswear (it’s £1.50 for a single adult ticket at the time of writing).
2. Opposite Kingswear Village Stores, you’ll see some signposted steps down towards the boatyard. Take these steps.
3. Turn right and make your way through the boatyard, keeping to the marked path.
4. Continue on the path with the railway line to your right. Who knows, you might be lucky enough to see the steam train pass by…
5. Don’t forget to look back towards Dartmouth for a lovely view!
6. At the rail crossing/Higher Ferry port, turn right and follow the road uphill. Take care as there is no marked footpath.
7. A few hundred yards up the road, just past the public toilets, you’ll see a path leading upwards into the forest on your right. Take this path.
8. Follow the Dart Valley Trail signs through the forest. Turn left when you come to a driveway, signposted for Greenway Ferry and Maypool.
9. You’ll come to a road. Cross straight over, taking the footpath opposite that leads downhill.
10. Follow the path through the forest, following the Dart Valley Trail signs. Follow the permissive footpath sign to the right and go over the stile.
11. Turn left and make your way down the path on the edge of the field.
12. Exit the field at the bottom and turn left, following the sign for Greenway Gardens.
13. Continue straight on, following the sign to Greenway.
14. You’ve reached the Greenway Estate. Go through the gate.
15. Don’t forget to have your camera ready! To your left is a famously beautiful view of the Dart Valley.
16. Continue along the top of the field and go through the gate to your right.
17. Continue until over the brow of the hill and start to make your way left down the field.
18. Carry on towards the gate at the bottom of the field.
19. Take the path left.
20. When you reach the road, turn right and head along Greenway Drive towards the official Greenway entrance. At the end of the road, turn left and head downhill towards Greenway Quay.
21. Take the ferry across to Dittisham. (At the time of writing, a one-way ticket across the river is £2.)
22. The road from the Quay passes between the Ferry Boat Inn and the Anchorstone Café. So take your pick or continue straight up the hill if you’re keen to push on.
23. A few hundred yards up the hill, take a sharp left onto Rectory Lane.
24. Shortly afterwards, turn right onto the track.
25. A little way up the hill, turn left and go over the stile.
26. Follow the trail along the edge of the field. Once again, the views are magnificent!
27. Go over the turnstile.
28. Go over the next turnstile and carry on through the field.
29. When you reach the road, turn left.
30. Turn left, following the sign for Old Mill Creek.
31. Follow the waymarkers through the fields.
32. Walk along the field with Dartmouth ahead of you. You’ll come out at Green Lane. Turn left and head down the hill.
33. A little way down the hill, turn right onto the footpath.
34. There are no benches along this stretch, but if you’ve brought a rug with you, there are some great spots for picnics!
35. Cross this field diagonally to your right.
36. Head into the woodland. Be advised the terrain in this section can be loose and uneven.
37. Follow the trail, passing by a lake to your right.
38. Continue through the pine forest.
39. Take a left at the Raleigh Estate information board.
40. When you arrive at Old Mill Creek, cross the bridge and follow the road uphill to your left.
41. Continue on this road until you arrive in Townstal.
42. Turn right onto Archway Drive and take the first length onto Townstal Crescent. When you reach the main road, you have several options. Two of these are:
A) Follow the road downhill towards Dart Marina and walk along the Embankment back to Dartmouth.
B) Cross the main road on the pedestrian and walk along Townstal Pathfields. Turn left and walk through the graveyard, then continue downhill, down Church Road, going straight on at the crossroads onto Mount Boone. Turn right onto Townstal Hill, turning left onto Vicarage Hill after the road bends to the right. Turn left down the narrow lane and then right down the Brown’s Hill steps. You’ll come out at the marketplace in the centre of Dartmouth.
Ready for more challenging walks that showcase the best of the region’s natural beauty? How about this walk from Dartmouth to Blackpool Sands?
Dartmouth makes a fantastic base for those who love a scenic walk, whether that’s a relaxed stroll around the picturesque harbour and town or a challenging trek over the hills. To book the perfect holiday property for accessing these routes, browse our accommodation in Dartmouth. From luxury River Dart properties to dog-friendly cottages in Dartmouth, we have holiday homes to suit all party types.
Alternatively, why not explore our perfect properties for walking holidays in Devon, situated just a stone’s throw from the South West Coast Path?
Take a look at our Dartmouth holiday homes now
by Maria Makepeace / Walks
I love the South West and ensuring visitors to the region have the best experience possible. That's why I love sharing local tips ...
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