River Bovey valley, on the south-east side of Dartmoor National Park, Devon
Bovey Valley Woods
Ancient woodland
Place photograph
6.9
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Check
Cost
Peaceful
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.9In the wooded folds of south-east Dartmoor, Bovey Valley Woods brings together temperate rainforest, ancient woodland, heath and flower-rich wet meadows. Paths thread through the River Bovey valley, where stone bridges, mosses and lichens make the landscape feel a world away from the open moor above.
This is more than a woodland stroll: the River Bovey valley holds a rare mix of temperate rainforest, ancient woodland, heath and wet meadow, with a network of paths linking them. Its steep, often muddy trails reward visitors prepared to explore carefully.
Peaceful · Wild · Atmospheric
Find your way
Open mapRiver Bovey valley, on the south-east side of Dartmoor National Park, Devon
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The experience
Explore the linked woodland sites on foot, following waymarked paths and circular routes through a varied valley landscape. Expect uneven, sometimes steep and muddy ground; bring a map and allow time to take in the river, stone bridges and habitats.
Things to do
Walk a waymarked woodland route
Follow the path network through the woods. Several circular routes are available; use an OS map to plan because the wider area has steep, uneven and muddy paths.
Look for rainforest details
Notice lichens, mosses and liverworts on trees and in sheltered woodland niches. The Woodland Trust describes temperate rainforest habitat in the valley.
Pause at the stone bridges
The Woodland Trust’s site imagery identifies stone bridges in the woods, including a bridge over the River Bovey near Pullabrook car park.
Watch and listen for woodland birds
The Woodland Trust describes the woods as a well-known haunt for bird watchers. Move quietly and observe wildlife without disturbing it.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · 1–2 hours
A short riverside woodland escape
- 01
Start from Pullabrook car park.
- 02
Follow a suitable path into the woods and towards the River Bovey and stone bridge.
- 03
Pause to notice the mosses, lichens and woodland character, then return by a route you can confidently navigate.
Half day · Half day
Explore the valley’s woodland mix
- 01
Choose a circular route from the Woodland Trust’s network of paths.
- 02
Explore the transition between woodland, heath and wildflower-rich wet meadows.
- 03
Allow time for the River Bovey and its stone bridges; carry an OS map because paths can be steep, uneven and muddy.
Verified history
The supplied supporting material does not establish the source row’s claim that these woods were medieval royal hunting grounds. The Woodland Trust describes the present landscape and its habitats, but no specific historic narrative is substantiated here.
Hidden details
A temperate rainforest in a Dartmoor valley — Look closely at trunks and sheltered niches for the lichens, mosses and liverworts associated with the temperate rainforest habitat described by the Woodland Trust.
A changing patchwork of habitats — The valley is not only woodland: the Woodland Trust describes ancient woodland, temperate rainforest, heathland and wildflower-rich wet meadows in one site group.
When to go
April · May · September · October · A clear, dry morning is a practical choice for navigating the uneven paths and observing wildlife.
The Woodland Trust highlights spring flowers and autumn colour. The network includes steep, uneven and muddy paths, so conditions after rain may affect how comfortable the walk is.
Expect muddy, uneven ground, particularly after rain. Check the forecast and current access information, wear suitable footwear and carry an OS map.
The route
- stiles
- A combination of hunting gates and step-over stiles.
- surface
- Uneven natural paths; can be muddy.
- difficulty
- Some paths are steep, uneven and muddy.
- waymarking
- Waymarked walks are listed.
- route shape
- Several circular routes are available.
- start point
- Access from surrounding lanes and footpaths, Pullabrook car park or Trendlebere Down car parks.
- parking start
- The Woodland Trust lists parking at Pullabrook Wood and on Trendlebere Down. Check current arrangements before travelling.
- River Bovey valley
- Temperate rainforest and ancient woodland
- Heathland and wildflower-rich wet meadows
- Stone bridges
Worth pairing with
Trendlebere Down
The Woodland Trust identifies car parks on Trendlebere Down as another access point for the woods. Consider this as an alternative starting point, rather than assuming a separate itinerary or route.
What to look for
Look for lichens and mosses on the trees, spring flowers, the stone bridges over the River Bovey and the change in habitat from woodland to heath and wet meadow. The Woodland Trust also highlights the area’s wildlife, including woodland birds.
Best time to go
Spring for flowers and woodland birds; autumn for colour. Paths can be muddy, especially in wet weather.
Spring is a good time to look for flowers and woodland birds; autumn brings colour. After rain, expect muddy paths. Go in daylight and check conditions before setting out.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Walkers · Wildlife lovers · Photographers
Practical information
Opening & access
The Woodland Trust describes public access from surrounding lanes and footpaths, including access from Pullabrook and Trendlebere Down car parks. Paths include steep, uneven and muddy sections; use an OS map and check current conditions before setting out.
Check before visiting
Parking
Parking is available at Pullabrook Wood and on Trendlebere Down. Check current arrangements before travelling.
Check before visiting
Toilets
No toilets are identified at the woods. The Woodland Trust lists public toilets at Yarner Wood and in Bovey Tracey; check availability before visiting.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
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Dogs
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Accessibility
Not wheelchair accessible on the available information. Paths include steep, uneven and muddy sections, hunting gates and step-over stiles. Check conditions before visiting.
Check before visiting
Cost
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Check before visiting
Water
River
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Bovey Valley Woods
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
