A train ride to Dartmoor & walk to Belstone.
A train journey on the beautiful Dartmoor Line and a scenic varied circular dog walk taking in Belstone and the moor.
A circular walk of approximately 7 miles from Okehampton train station. A varied walk that takes you through the wooded East Okemont valley across to the pretty village of Belstone and then back across the moor.
Getting there
We hopped on the train at Exeter St Davids and took the beautiful Dartmoor Line along to Okehampton. It’s about a 40 minute train journey and there are there are now hourly trains each way, seven days a week, between Okehampton, Crediton and Exeter St Davids which has made accessing this part of Dartmoor so much easier without driving. Dogs are allowed on the train. The Dartmoor Line opened on 20 November 2021, the first line to be reinstated under the Department for Transport’s 'Restoring your Railway' initiative and is proving really popular with walkers and cyclists.
The Walk
We did a circular which started and finished at the train station and was perfect for the dog as there were plenty of shady spots and places to access the river as you went through the wooded East Okemont valley.
The walk takes you to the pretty village of Belstone where you can grab a drink or lunch at The Tors Pub or a cream tea at The Old School Tea Room before we headed up the hill and onto the open moorland. Chance to visit the bronze age Nine Stones Circle and explore the Belstone Tor before we made our way across the moor towards Moorgate and Okehampton Army Camp.
There is a small section of road walking before accessing a public bridleway and path that leads up and over the A30 on a bridge before the last wooded section back to the station and the journey home.
Walk Info
You will find really good detailed directions, map and information on this walk at The Great Scenic Railways Site.
All the information on the Dartmoor Line can be found on their website. A return train ticket cost us £8 from Exeter St Davids to Okehampton with no charge for the dog.
Dartmoor is notorious for rapid weather changes so always be prepared with walking boots, waterproofs, map and your mobile phone.
Taking your dog on a train
While dogs can be taken on most trains National Rail do have a few rules and regulations to be aware of -
Passengers can be accompanied for free by up to two dogs – if you bring more, there may be an additional charge.
Keep your dog on a lead throughout your journey.
Enclosed pet carriers or crates must be used for dogs not on a lead.
Any pet carrier must be rigid and not open (to prevent escape) and the dog must be able to stand and lie down in comfort.
Dogs are not allowed to occupy seats.
Even dogs in pet carriers are not allowed on seats – you can be charged for an additional occupied seat if you do so.
Dogs aren’t allowed in restaurant cars unless they’re assistance dogs.
Train companies can refuse carriage or entry to any animal (except assistance dogs) due to its size or behaviour. Be aware that if your dog is causing nuisance or inconvenience to other passengers then you could be asked to remove it from the train or railway premises.
Some sleeper trains, such as the Caledonian Sleeper, allow dogs on board, but you need to check ahead. A charge for heavy duty cleaning will apply. This charge is waived for assistance dogs.
Over to you
We loved not taking the car and enjoying the train journey to Okehampton to access the moor. Please do share any favourite train journeys you take with your dog in Devon.