As the low sun stretches golden light across frost-tipped moorland, there’s something special about pulling on your woolliest scarf and stepping out into Dartmoor’s winter hush. Staying at Nymetwood Treehouses, you’re perfectly placed for peaceful rambles: ancient woods, rushing rivers, and open moorland all within easy reach.

Here are four of our favourite winter walks – each one ending with the promise of a glowing fire, a pint in hand, or sea-salted cheeks and a steaming mug of tea.

1. Belstone → Cullever Steps → Tors Inn

A gentle circular walk that begins in the pretty village of Belstone and leads to Cullever Steps – a series of stepping stones across the East Okement River. Even in winter some brave souls dip here, though we recommend simply admiring it before looping back across the moor. Finish up with a well-earned pint or hearty meal at the cosy Tors Inn.

• Distance from Nymetwood: Around 15 minutes by car—close enough to feel like part of your ‘home-border’ moorland adventures.
• Parking Coordinates: 50.727577, -3.954927

Tip: Pop this coordinate into Google Maps for an easy parking spot to start your walk

2. Meldon Reservoir → Black-a-Tor Copse → Black Tor → The Castle pub

For a more adventurous winter hike: start at the Meldon Reservoir car park and tread along the wind-swept dam wall. Continue along the reservoir’s edge into the West Okement River valley, passing through the cathedral-like Black-a-Tor Copse—one of Dartmoor’s ancient oak groves, soft with moss, alive with lichens. Climb onward to majestic Black Tor’s vantage points, then wrap up your day with dinner (and maybe a pint) at Lydford’s Castle pub.

• Distance from Nymetwood: About 20 minutes by car.
• Parking Coordinates: The Meldon Reservoir car park: 50.707910, -4.039181

This walk is dramatic, grounding, and finishes with a sense of real winter-day accomplishment—and a castle feast to match.

3. Castle Drogo → Fingle Bridge → River Route → Fingle Bridge Inn Pint

A favourite for those craving a blend of forest, river, and architectural drama. From majestic Castle Drogo, descend through wooded slopes toward the river and Fingle Bridge. Then return via a peaceful riverside path that loops through woodland and river meanders, ending back in the moorland with a well-deserved pint in front of the fire at the Fingle Bridge Inn—one of the most gingerly welcome pubs this side of Dartmoor.

• Distance from Nymetwood: About 10–15 minutes by car.
• Parking Coordinates: Park at Castle Drogo: 50.698010, -3.806611

This walk has woodland seasonality, making it especially enchanting in winter—the bare trees framing the river and castle in delicate silhouettes by the day’s end.

4. Sandymouth Beach (National Trust)—Cornish Coastal Stroll

For something more dramatic and bracing, head west to Cornwall’s wild north coast and the National Trust beach at Sandymouth. This dramatic stretch of pebble and sand backed by twisted cliffs is especially arresting in winter. A coastal stroll—maybe as far as Duckpool and back—offers bracing sea air, howling gales, and tectonic ruggedness that surprisingly warms the heart.

• Distance from Nymetwood: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes by car—but the winter coastal magic is worth every minute.
• Parking Coordinates: Sandymouth car park: 50.861708, -4.553934

Here, frost, wind, and surf join in a dance that’s wild, elemental, and utterly unforgettable. Just make sure to bundle your layers well—and perhaps reward yourself with a steaming tea or cocoa from the café before heading back.

Cosy Wrap-Up Thoughts

Nymetwood Treehouses sits at the heart of it all: only a short, scenic drive from each of these walks. Whether you crave the tranquility of Belstone’s wild pool, the ancient hush of Black-a-Tor Copse, the castle-and-river romance of Fingle, or the elemental drama of Sandymouth’s cliffs—they’re each close enough to feel like home.

In winter, the moor hushes itself into a softer palette. Heather turns silver, streams glide quietly beneath frost, and each path crackles underfoot like a hidden treasure. These four walks are our favourites precisely because they offer connection—between land and lore, water and warmth, adventure and animals tucked home for the season.

Pro tip from us at Nymetwood: print these parking coordinates and pop them into your sat-nav before setting off. That small touch ensures you’re focused on the magic of winter Dartmoor, not map fumbling.

May your walks be wild, your pubs warm, and your cheeks rosy with seasonal joy.