Yelpri two

Slow Way not verified yet. Verify Yelpri here.

The earlier review from the Youth Rangers is on the button. Walked as part of the National Parks Challenge 2026 in heavy rain and wild winds. There was water everywhere so doing the route in winter and autumn will require careful planning and possibly wellingtons. The dam is worth a visit.

Dartmoor Youth Rangers assessed YelPri 2 and YelPri3. They walked in groups of 5 or 6 and shared the navigational and decision making responsibilities. All walkers were aged 12-17 and had a mix of experience of walking routes and expeditions. The weather was dry with mixed cloud and sunshine with a gentle breeze. The route was mostly dry underfoot.

They describe this route as multi-terrain going through a mixture of open moorland, woodland, towns and villages, and around a reservoir. They chose to walk on the round reservoir path rather than take the bridleway above Beechcroft and Narrator plantations. The round reservoir path runs between the road and the reservoir edge avoiding the many cars and cyclists that were using the road. The views were also much more interesting. The road would be more appropriate for those with wheelchairs or pushchairs and is commonly used by pedestrians and wheelers. The round reservoir path is not indicated on OS maps and one group of walkers said that they weren't confident from the signage on the gates whether that would be the right way to go so remained on the road. Local knowledge helps here.

They describe the route as easy to moderate difficulty in terms of navigation. They commented that to walk this route you need to have knowledge of the countryside code, Dartmoor byelaws, and an understanding of common/access land and rights of way and how to distinguish these from private property/areas without access. They assessed the route as safe for most and highlighted challenges/obstacles on the route including road traffic, fallen trees on the path around the reservoir, uneven terrain with lots of loose stones and rocks during the ascent from Burrator, and livestock (particularly cows and ponies with calves and foals).

There are cafes, shops, pubs, and public toilets in both Yelverton and Princetown. There is also a pub in Meavy and public toilets at Burrator dam. Key features from the route include Burrator reservoir and its dam, South Hessary tor which you can climb up and discover a metal creature, and other great views including Plymouth Sound and Bodmin Moor!

They describe the route in its entirety as unsuitable for those who use mobility aids such as a wheelchair, pushchair, or tramper.

The walkers found a great spot for lunch by the stream a little way up from Norsworthy car park - a peaceful spot to rest and refuel and spy on dragonflies.

Overall Dartmoor Youth Rangers enjoyed this route and awarded it 4 stars.

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