Exploring the Scenic Trails: Great Walks from St. Mellion Estate

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque countryside on the Cornwall/Devon border, dog friendly St. Mellion Estate serves as an ideal base for embarking on memorable walking adventures across Dartmoor, Bodmin Moor & snippets of stunning Westcountry moorland. With its convenient location and proximity to captivating destinations, this location offers more than just exceptional golf, it is a gateway to explore Dartmoor’s stunning landscapes. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the fantastic walks you can enjoy while staying at St. Mellion Estate, including Wistman’s Wood, Lynford Gorge, Minions and Brown Willy and the brand new Tamara Coast to Coast Way

The Benefits of Walking Holidays on Dartmoor

With over 450 square miles of moorland, forests, rivers, and valleys, there’s always something new to discover. One of the main benefits of taking a walking holiday to explore Dartmoor is the chance to immerse yourself in nature and escape the noise and stress of modern life. By walking at your own pace, you can take in the wild and rugged scenery, watch the incredible wildlife, and connect with the natural world in a way that’s simply impossible anywhere else.

Exploring Dartmoor’s walking trails gives you an insight into some untouched countryside and the unique chance to learn about the area’s rich history and culture. Dartmoor is home to an incredible array of archaeological sites, including prehistoric stone circles, Bronze Age settlements, mysterious terrain and medieval ruins. By exploring the moors on foot, you can get up close to these ancient sites and gain a deeper understanding of the area’s past. From your base at St. Mellion Estate you’ll have the chance to visit charming villages and towns, sample a Devon Cream Tea, and meet friendly locals who are passionate about their home and the mysteries that surround them.

Planning Your Dartmoor/Bodmin Moor Walking Holiday – What to Consider

When planning your Dartmoor/Bodmin Moor walking holiday, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, you should decide on your key areas of exploration, the length of your stay needed at St. Mellion Estate and more importantly the time of year you want to visit. Dartmoor & Bodmin Moor are beautiful year-round, but some walks may be more challenging in the winter months when the weather is colder and wetter. However, for many seasoned hikers, the winter months offer a more rugged Dartmoor walking experience where the breathtaking scenery comes to life; Dartmoor is especially magical in the snow!

In this blog we have listed some intermediate rambles across Dartmoor, but you should consider your fitness level and experience before you go, and choose walking routes that are suitable for your abilities. There are a range of interesting rambles available on the Dartmoor National Park website where you will be able to find something suitable for your hiking level.

If you plan to make your walking Dartmoor holiday as stress free as possible, we recommend booking guided tours with a local expert, these guides can offer a wealth of knowledge, insight and expertise, as well as the opportunity to meet like-minded people.

Dartmoor Walk Wistman’s Wood, Dartmoor:

A short drive from St. Mellion Estate lies Dartmoor National Park, home to the enchanting Wistman’s Wood. Nestled within the heart of Dartmoor National Park, the woods is renowned for its ethereal beauty and its captivating, spooky history. This ancient oak woodland, with its gnarled trees covered in moss and lichen, exudes an otherworldly atmosphere that has long fascinated locals and visitors alike.

Legend has it that Wistman’s Wood is home to a host of supernatural beings and mythical creatures. Tales of ghostly apparitions, mischievous pixies, and the notorious “Wisht Hounds” have been passed down through generations. The Wisht Hounds, also known as the “Yell Hounds”, are mythical creatures steeped in folklore. Legend has it that these spectral hounds roam the moors and woodlands of Dartmoor, but live in the depths of the infamous Wistman’s Wood. Described as large, black dogs with glowing eyes and eerie howls, they are believed to be harbingers of doom or spirits of the restless dead. Crossing paths with the Wisht Hounds is said to bring misfortune or even death and their likeness has even been said to be Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s inspiration for the “Hound of the Baskervilles”. This mythical tale adds to the mysterious allure and spooky reputation of Dartmoor’s ancient landscapes.

Stepping into Wistman’s Wood is a highly enjoyable hike, especially for nature lovers, it is like stepping into a realm untouched by time. The twisted, contorted branches and dense undergrowth create an intricate labyrinth, unlike any other part of Dartmoor. The presence of the woods, in the heart of baron wild moorland, is a spectacle in itself and well worth the walk just to see the juxtaposition of the Dartmoor landscape.

Whether you believe in the supernatural or not, Wistman’s Wood is undeniably a place that sparks the imagination and leaves visitors with a sense of wonder. Exploring its moss-covered boulders, following winding pathways, and listening to the rustling leaves evoke a feeling of stepping into a forgotten world, where the boundaries between reality and the mystical are blurred.

If you fancy continuing your haunting experience, head 2 minutes up the road to The Warren House Inn which has been open to walkers since 1845. Like many pubs on Dartmoor, the inn makes various loose claims to “haunting and mystery”, the most interesting story is that of “Jan Reynolds” who, as the folktale goes, sold his soul to the devil and dropped his cards by the Inn. Tales of individuals making pacts with the devil or engaging in Faustian bargains have been a common theme in literature, legends, and folklore across Devon and Cornwall. Why not book lunch at this traditional pub and discover the history for yourself?

Dartmoor Walk, Lynford Gorge, Dartmoor:

For a breathtaking adventure, head to Lynford Gorge in Dartmoor. This spectacular natural feature offers a dramatic ravine with a cascading river leading to an area called the “devil’s cauldron”. A hike across Dartmoor to Lynford Gorge is not for the faint hearted, the walk takes you on a steep walk into a forest-like woods and at the bottom you will be surrounded by lush greenery and towering cliffs. Embark on the circular walk, allowing the sounds of rushing water and birdsong to envelop you. This Dartmoor walk takes in awe-inspiring scenery and gives you a chance to cross ancient stone bridges (as well as more modern rope bridges for the young at heart), and follow the meandering pathways. Lynford Gorge is distinct from any other area of Dartmoor, a true gem for nature lovers and provides an exhilarating escape from everyday life.

​​After a fulfilling day of exploration, you may find yourself hungry and in need of a satisfying lunch. Fortunately, there are several options available nearby. The nearby villages of Lydford and Shortacombe offer a selection of charming pubs where you can enjoy a hearty meal or pint of Devon Ale.

So, lace up your walking boots, embrace the beauty of Lynford Gorge, and be prepared for a memorable circular walk that will leave you enchanted by Dartmoor’s captivating landscapes.

Bodmin Moor Walk, Minions and the Cheesewring, Cornwall:

Whilst not strictly a Dartmoor walk, staying at St. Mellion Estate either in the 4* hotel or one of the popular self-catering holiday cottages, gives the perfect base to explore walks across Devon and Cornwall. A short drive to the Southwest will offer a glimpse into the breathtaking Bodmin Moor which strikes a desolate landscape in stark contrast to Dartmoor. Your walk will visit the home of the granite uplands and you will be able to see (and climb) one of its most iconic landmarks, the Cheesewring near the village of Minions.

Situated amidst the rugged expanse of Bodmin Moor, the Cheesewring offers a unique spectacle that has captured the imagination for centuries. This stack of granite pillars, resembling wheels of cheese, is unique in its makeup. Each massive rock is stacked upon a smaller stone and is yet to topple!

The shape of the stacks is one of the enduring mysteries surrounding the Cheesewring. Cornish folklore offers a range of explanations, with tales of supernatural beings and mythical contests. One legend suggests that the Cheesewring was created during a fierce competition between the devil and a saint, resulting in the rock stacks collapsing into their distinctive formation. Others attribute its creation to giants or ancient civilizations, their purpose lost to time.

Allow yourself to be swept away by the dramatic landscapes, mythical tales, and the enduring charm of this extraordinary natural wonder. Lace up your boots, breathe in the fresh moorland air, and let the wonders of South East Cornwall unfold before you.

Bodmin Moor Walk, Brown Willy, Cornwall:

What could be a better way to explore Dartmoor than to gaze upon it from afar? To get a look at Dartmoor, head to the highest point in Cornwall, Brown Willy.

Standing proudly at 420 meters (1,378 feet) above sea level on Bodmin Moor, on a clear day this Cornish granite tor offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Like a lot of the Cornish and Devon moorland, Brown Willy is steeped in myth and legend. Its peculiar name has sparked curiosity and amusement for generations. Some speculate that it derives from the Cornish word “Bronn Wennili,” meaning “hill of swallows,” while others believe it is a historic mispronunciation of “Bronn Wennyly,” which translates to “hill of the winds.” Regardless of its origin, the name has become an endearing part of Cornwall’s cultural fabric.

The ascent to Brown Willy is a popular pursuit for hikers on walking holidays who are staying at St. Mellion Estate. The journey takes you across open moorland, dotted with heather, gorse, and ancient stone circles. As you ascend, the landscape transforms, revealing breathtaking vistas of rolling hills, rugged tors, and the vast expanse of Bodmin Moor.

Reaching the summit, you can spot landmarks such as the rugged coastline, the iconic Camel Estuary, and even the edge of Dartmoor in the distance.

Beyond its natural beauty, Brown Willy holds a sense of mystery and enchantment, drawing visitors to explore its ancient history and archaeological sites. From Bronze Age settlements to Neolithic burial chambers, the moorland surrounding Brown Willy is a treasure trove of historical significance.

Tamara Coast to Coast Way, Cornwall & Devon Border (literally):

The 87-mile (140km) Tamara Coast to Coast Way broadly tracks the River Tamar, which forms most of the border between Cornwall and Devon, taking in landscapes ranging from wooded valley to rolling farmland, heather-covered moors and areas shaped by the region’s mining history. Read more…

St Mellion Estate: The Perfect Base for Walking Holidays in Devon and Cornwall

St Mellion Estate is an excellent choice if you’re looking for places to stay near Dartmoor. The hotel serves as a base when planning walking holidays in Devon and Cornwall. Located in the scenic countryside, it provides easy access to a range of captivating destinations. After a day of exploring, you can retreat to the hotel’s comfortable rooms or your very own holiday cottage and unwind amidst peaceful surroundings.

Staying at St. Mellion Estate means that you can take advantage of various amenities that will only enhance your stay. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the pool, a round of golf, a workout in the fitness centre, or indulge in a rejuvenating Elemis spa treatment.

Whether you prefer challenging hikes or leisurely walks, St. Mellion Estate is ideally situated for exploring the diverse landscapes of Devon and Cornwall. This region offers an array of natural wonders waiting to be discovered.