Popular Dartmoor walking route reaches major milestone after 50 years
The Two Moors Way, one of Devon's best-known long-distance walking routes has reached a major anniversary, with organisers announcing a development that could change how many people experience the trail
The Two Moors Way has celebrated its 50th anniversary, marking five decades since the long-distance walking route was first launched to link Exmoor and Dartmoor.
Morchard Bishop, the halfway point on the route, marked the half century milestone with partners, volunteers and walkers gathering to reflect on the trail’s history and future.
Route first opened in 1976
The Two Moors Way was first opened in 1976, originally running from Ivybridge on the southern edge of Dartmoor, crossing the moor and Mid Devon before continuing across Exmoor and finishing at Lynmouth on the North Devon coast.
The route became one of Devon’s best-known long-distance walks, connecting two National Parks and more than 100 miles of countryside, moorland and coastal landscape.
Extension confirmed to South Devon coast
As part of the 50th anniversary, partners confirmed an extension to the route which will formally incorporate the Erme-Plym Trail between Ivybridge and Wembury.
Wembury, therefore, will now be recognised as the southern end of the Two Moors Way.
The Erme-Plym Trail will continue as a named route in its own right, but will also form part of the continuous coast-to-coast journey, now measuring around 117 miles with almost 16,000 feet of ascent.
Partners said the change reflects how many walkers already experience the route in practice and highlights Devon's unique position as the only county in the country with two coastlines and two National Parks.
Celebrations at Morchard Bishop
The 50th anniversary event at Morchard Bishop brought together volunteers, walkers and partner organisations involved in the upkeep and promotion of the trail.
Speaking on behalf of the Two Moors Way Association, chairman John Howell said the route has been shaped by decades of volunteer effort.
“For 50 years, the Two Moors Way has been shaped by volunteers, walkers and partners who care deeply about this landscape,” he said.
“Today is a celebration of that shared commitment, and of a route that continues to inspire people to slow down, walk and really experience the beauty of Devon, from its coasts to its countryside.”
National Park and council support
Representatives from Dartmoor National Park Authority and Exmoor National Park Authority said the route plays an important role in helping people connect with landscapes across Devon.
Dartmoor National Park Authority’s Director for Conservation and Communities, Richard Drysdale, said long-distance routes encourage people to spend more time in the landscape.
“They invite people to spend time, notice details and build a lasting relationship with such special places," he said.
Dan James, from Exmoor National Park Authority, said the Two Moors Way demonstrates the value of collaboration between protected landscapes, supporting both access and rural communities.
Devon County Council said the county’s rights of way network is “extraordinary”, with the Two Moors Way described as one of its key long-distance routes.
Five decades of walking heritage
Since its creation, the Two Moors Way has been used by thousands of walkers and has become a recognised coast-to-coast route across Devon.
A third edition of the official guide to the route by Sue Viccars, Information Officer for the Two Moors Way Association, is due to be published later this summer.
Looking ahead
The formal incorporation of the Erme-Plym Trail means walkers can now follow the Two Moors Way from the South Devon coast at Wembury to Lynmouth on the North Devon coast, creating a continuous 117-mile route linking Devon's two National Parks.
Further information on the route and anniversary walks is available via the Two Moors Way Association.