Dartmoor's Ancient Crossing
The clapper bridge at Postbridge dates to the 13th century, built for packhorses carrying tin and wool between Exeter and Cornwall. Three massive granite slabs — the longest over 4.5 metres — span the East Dart River on rough stone piers, creating one of the finest and most complete medieval bridges in England. It has stood here for over 700 years, a testament to the skill and ambition of its builders and a reminder that Dartmoor's apparently wild landscape has been shaped by trade and travel for centuries.
This circular walk combines the historic crossing with the best of central Dartmoor — open moorland with wide-sky views, the conifer plantation of Bellever Forest, the granite summit of Bellever Tor, and the beautiful wooded valley of the East Dart River. Postbridge sits in the heart of Dartmoor, surrounded by open access moorland, and this route captures the variety and character of the moor in a manageable half-day walk.
🪨 Clapper Bridges
Dartmoor has several clapper bridges but Postbridge's is the finest and most accessible. The bridge consists of four large granite slabs (the longest over 4.5m) resting on stone piers. It was built to carry packhorses across the East Dart River on the route between Exeter and Cornwall. The modern road bridge stands alongside — the contrast of medieval and modern is striking.
The Route
🗺️ Postbridge Clapper Bridge Circular (4 miles · 2–2.5 hours)
From the car park, cross the road to the clapper bridge beside the B3212. Take time to explore the bridge and the river below before starting the walk. The massive granite slabs and stone piers are best appreciated from the riverbank.
Follow the East Dart River south along the well-marked path through riverside meadows. The path enters Bellever Forest, a Forestry England conifer plantation with walking trails. Follow signs for Bellever Tor.
Climb out of the forest to Bellever Tor (443m), a granite tor with panoramic views across central Dartmoor. On clear days, Great Mis Tor, Yes Tor and Haytor are all visible from the summit rocks.
Cross the open moorland north, following the bridleway back toward Postbridge. This is classic Dartmoor — gorse, bracken, granite boulders and wide-sky views. Navigation is straightforward in clear weather; carry a map in mist.
The path descends gradually through rough pasture back to the East Dart valley and Postbridge village. Cross the modern bridge and return to the car park.
🌫️ Moorland Navigation
The open moorland section between Bellever Tor and Postbridge can be disorientating in mist. Carry OS Explorer OL28 (Dartmoor) and a compass. In clear weather the route is obvious — you can see Postbridge in the valley below. Don't attempt the moorland section in heavy mist unless you're confident with map and compass navigation.
Walk Highlights
Clapper Bridge
Dartmoor's finest medieval clapper bridge, built in the 13th century with massive granite slabs spanning the East Dart River. One of the most photographed spots on the moor.
Bellever Tor
The 443m summit gives 360-degree views across central Dartmoor. An easy scramble to the top rocks with views of distant tors in every direction.
East Dart River
The beautiful wooded valley of the East Dart, with clear moorland water flowing over granite boulders. Wild swimmers use the deeper pools in summer.
Open Moorland
Classic Dartmoor upland between Bellever and Postbridge — gorse, heather, granite clitter and wide open skies. Dartmoor ponies graze the moor.
Bellever Forest
Bellever Forest is a Forestry England conifer plantation on the hillside south of Postbridge, with waymarked walking trails, picnic areas and a peaceful atmosphere among the trees. The forest provides welcome shelter on exposed days when the open moorland above is windy and bleak. Bellever youth hostel sits at the edge of the forest and makes a good base for exploring central Dartmoor. The forest trails are also popular with mountain bikers — several routes thread through the trees and connect with wider Dartmoor bridleways.
East Dart River Swimming
In summer the East Dart River has several natural pools suitable for wild swimming. The pools near Bellever Forest are popular — clear, cold moorland water over granite, shaded by riverside trees and surrounded by open moorland. The water is refreshing rather than warm, even in high summer, and the river level depends on recent rainfall. See our wild swimming Devon guide for more Dartmoor swim spots, safety advice and seasonal water temperature information.
Dogs on the Postbridge Walk
Dogs are welcome throughout the Postbridge circular walk. Keep dogs on a lead near livestock — Dartmoor ponies and cattle graze the open moorland year-round, and ground-nesting birds are present on the moor in spring and summer. The East Dart River provides plenty of places for dogs to paddle and cool off, particularly along the riverside section between Postbridge and Bellever Forest.
Getting There
Postbridge is on the B3212 in the centre of Dartmoor, between Princetown and Moretonhampstead. There is a pay-and-display car park in the village beside the road bridge. The 98 bus (Tavistock–Moretonhampstead) passes through Postbridge but the service is infrequent — check timetables in advance and don't rely on the bus for a return journey. A car is the practical option for most visitors.
🏔️ Extending the Walk
For a longer day, continue south from Bellever Tor to Laughter Tor and Bellever Tor Plantation, adding 2 miles. Or combine with the Dartmeet walk (3 miles south along the East Dart) for a full-day riverside adventure.