Yarner Wood National Nature Reserve
12 miles from Exeter • 2.6km Nature Trail (0.5-1 hour)
Yarner Wood is part of the East Dartmoor Woods and Heaths National Nature Reserve, one of England's finest oak woodlands. Free car park, toilets, information board and bird hide. Great for dogs - miles of woodland paths with atmosphere of ancient Dartmoor woodland.
© jeff collins, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph
Easy
2.6km Nature Trail (0.5-1 hour)
Lead required
Free
Overview
Yarner Wood is part of the East Dartmoor Woods and Heaths National Nature Reserve, one of England's finest oak woodlands. Free car park, toilets, information board and bird hide. Great for dogs - miles of woodland paths with atmosphere of ancient Dartmoor woodland.
What to Expect
Peaceful ancient woodland with waymarked nature trail. Famous for pied flycatchers, wood warblers, and rare butterflies. Moss-covered oaks and atmospheric walking. Bird hide overlooks stew pond opposite toilets. Part of larger East Dartmoor reserve (Yarner Wood, Trendlebere Down, Bovey Valley Woodlands).
Best For
- ✓Nature watching
- ✓Ancient woodland
- ✓Peaceful walks
- ✓Rare wildlife
- ✓Photography
- ✓Free parking
Not Ideal For
- ⚠Off-lead exercise (livestock on moor)
- ⚠Major facilities
Things to Be Aware Of
- ⚠Keep dogs under close control - livestock on surrounding moor
- ⚠Ticks common in woodland
- ⚠Limited mobile signal
Local Tips from Evie
Listen for pied flycatchers in spring. Visit the bird hide opposite the toilets overlooking the stew pond. The reserve is special - take time to appreciate the ancient woodland atmosphere. Part of larger East Dartmoor NNR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed in Yarner Wood?
Yes, dogs welcome. Keep under close control as livestock often present on surrounding moor.
Is parking free at Yarner Wood?
Yes! Free car park managed by Natural England with toilets and bird hide.
How long is the Yarner Wood walk?
The nature trail is 2.6km (about 0.5-1 hour) with 79m elevation. Miles of additional woodland paths available.
Practical Information
Yarner Wood, Bovey Tracey
TQ13 9XP
Free car park managed by Natural England. From Bovey Tracey take B3387 towards Manaton (don't take left fork to Haytor) - after about 1.5 miles see Yarner Wood car park signs on left. Can also access from Trendlebere Down and Haytor Down car parks.
Need a Dog Walker?
I walk dogs at Yarner Wood National Nature Reserve regularly. Get in touch if you need help.
Contact Me
