Dartmoor - Bellever Forest
19 miles from Exeter • Various signposted routes with well-maintained gravelled paths
Bellever Forest is a large, well-managed Forestry England woodland popular with dog walkers. Signposted routes with gravelled paths plus the beautiful East Dart River with pools for dog swimming. Dogs really enjoy exploring here - getting muddy and burning energy in this fantastic combination of forest and moorland.
© Derek Harper, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph
Easy to Moderate
Various signposted routes with well-maintained gravelled paths
Yes
Pay and display (card only). £1 for 2 hours or approx £5.50-6.50 for longer. Free for Forestry England members (£28/year).
Overview
Bellever Forest is a large, well-managed Forestry England woodland popular with dog walkers. Signposted routes with gravelled paths plus the beautiful East Dart River with pools for dog swimming. Dogs really enjoy exploring here - getting muddy and burning energy in this fantastic combination of forest and moorland.
What to Expect
Conifer plantation with some broadleaf areas. The East Dart River runs through with lovely pools for swimming and quick drinks. Picnic tables by the car park and along the riverbank. Less crowded than Haytor. Climb Bellever Tor for panoramic moorland views.
Best For
- ✓Forest and moorland combination
- ✓River swimming for dogs
- ✓Card/contactless parking
- ✓Quieter Dartmoor experience
- ✓All-weather walking (forest shelter)
- ✓Forestry England members (free parking)
Not Ideal For
- ⚠Cash payers (card only)
- ⚠Those wanting dog bins
- ⚠Dogs who chase ponies
Things to Be Aware Of
- ⚠Parking is CARD ONLY - no cash accepted (download RingGo app)
- ⚠No dog bins - bag and take waste home
- ⚠Keep on lead by river (popular picnic area and ponies)
- ⚠Dartmoor ponies may be present
- ⚠River can be dangerous after heavy rain
Local Tips from Evie
Park at Bellever and explore the forest first, then head to the river for swimming. Climb Bellever Tor for views. The river has great pools for dogs who love water. Download RingGo app before visiting as there's no cash payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs swim at Bellever?
Yes! The East Dart River has lovely pools perfect for dog swimming. Keep on lead near the river as it's a popular picnic area and Dartmoor ponies may be present.
How do I pay for parking at Bellever?
Card/contactless only at machines or RingGo app. NO CASH accepted. Forestry England members (£28/year) park free.
Are there dog bins at Bellever Forest?
No - there are no dog bins. Please bag and take all dog waste home with you.
Practical Information
Bellever Forest, Postbridge
PL20 6TU
Bellever village car park (main car park). Alternative at Postbridge. Card/contactless only at machines or use RingGo app (download before visit). Cash NOT accepted. Forestry England members park free (membership £28). First parking spot off B3212 is free, main Bellever car park is 1 mile further.
Dogs welcome throughout. Keep on lead by the river (popular picnic area with Dartmoor ponies). On lead in presence of grazing animals. No dog bins on site - bag and take away.
Need a Dog Walker?
I walk dogs at Dartmoor - Bellever Forest regularly. Get in touch if you need help.
Contact Me
