Two Bridges lies in a secluded spot in the heart of Dartmoor National Park, on the West Dart. The village combines scenic riverside surroundings with a history of bridges and trails to Wistman’s Wood. Nearby, you’ll also find the prehistoric standing stone Beardown Man and the man-made Devonport Leat. When planning your trip, the main consideration is the range of trail lengths and destinations: the routes described range from a walk to the wood to a longer excursion continuing to Crockern Tor.

Walking to Wistman’s Wood

An easy walking trail leads from the Two Bridges Hotel to Wistman’s Wood. The Wistman’s Wood Walk from the hotel to the wood and on to Crockern Tor is about five miles long and includes a steep climb to Longaford Tor. Another route description covers the round trip from the small visitor car park opposite the hotel to Wistman’s Wood: it is about four kilometres long. These routes differ in length and destination, so when planning, check which one is meant for your walk.

The terrain is also a factor when choosing a walk: after a gate, the path becomes narrower; the rest of the route is uneven, muddy and wet. Wistman’s Wood is a National Nature Reserve, valued for its delicate mosses and lichens. It is also home to the extremely rare horsehair lichen (Bryoria smithii), which grows in only two locations in Great Britain. This outing combines practical details about the route with a special connection to nature.

Bridges, river and local history

A map from 1765 suggests one possible explanation for the name Two Bridges: a road is thought to have crossed the West Dart and the River Cowsic upstream of their confluence, requiring two separate bridges. Two stone arch bridges were built between 1773 and 1774. A flood destroyed the bridge known as “Two Bridges” in 1784; a bridge was subsequently rebuilt at the present location. The road bridge at Two Bridges may also have replaced earlier clapper bridges. The village has long been an important crossing point on Dartmoor.

Nearby, Beardown Man is designated a Scheduled Monument. It is one of only two securely documented examples of a free-standing standing stone on Dartmoor. The Devonport Leat adds to the area’s landscape and history: it is a man-made water channel that also runs nearby. The inn’s current name also reflects local history: it was named the “Two Bridges Hotel” in the early 20th century.

A cycling route and a riverside break

For a longer excursion, the Dartmoor Way is a separate option for exploring Dartmoor. This 90-mile circular cycling route passes through Dartmoor National Park and can be ridden in either direction. It is different from the shorter routes to Wistman’s Wood and offers another perspective on the national park.

The Two Bridges Hotel serves a Devon cream tea with warm, homemade scones, strawberry jam and clotted cream. Enjoy it in the hotel lounges or in the riverside gardens. Alongside walking trails and a cycling route, this offers a taste of local cuisine and the riverside landscape.

Discover more destinations: Kingsbridge, Wotter, Chapelton, South Brent, Broadwoodwidger, Milton Abbot, Moreleigh, Ottery Saint Mary

For the broader travel guide: Devon.