Hembury and Holne Woods

About this route

Hembury and Holne Woods are ancient woodlands on the southern edge of Dartmoor, managed by the National Trust. The area is home to diverse wildlife, including Dartmoor ponies, dippers, and grey wagtails. The woods consist of a mix of oak, beech, and hazel trees, creating a thriving habitat for birds, insects, and small mammals. The River Dart flows through the landscape, providing a habitat for aquatic species and offering opportunities for wild swimming. The combination of dense woodland, open moorland, and riverbanks supports a wide range of flora and fauna, making it a valuable conservation area.

Getting Around
Facilities
Limited roadside parking. Holne village has a cafe/tea room.
Terrain
Well-maintained paths for various ability levels.
Accessibility

Interesting information

Hembury and Holne Woods are home to dippers—small, aquatic birds that can walk underwater in the River Dart to hunt for insects and larvae!

You can explore more in this area

Chiffchaff National Trust Images Nick Upton

Yarner Woods

Yarner Wood is West of the town of Bovey Tracey and on the South East edge of Dartmoor National Park

Tarr Steps

Tarr Steps is a must-visit destination in Exmoor National Park. This ancient “clapper bridge,” the longest and oldest of its
Shaugh bridge National Trust Images Mel Peters

Shaugh Bridge

This landscape of woodlands and granite cliffs has been shaped by centuries of activity – you can find remnants of

Black-a-Tor Copse

Black-a-Tor Copse National Nature Reserve is a narrow band of high-elevation ancient oak woodland, where the trees take on stunted,
Chiffchaff National Trust Images Nick Upton

Yarner Woods

Yarner Wood is West of the town of Bovey Tracey and on the South East edge of Dartmoor National Park
Shaugh bridge National Trust Images Mel Peters

Shaugh Bridge

This landscape of woodlands and granite cliffs has been shaped by centuries of activity – you can find remnants of

Black-a-Tor Copse

Black-a-Tor Copse National Nature Reserve is a narrow band of high-elevation ancient oak woodland, where the trees take on stunted,

Tarr Steps

Tarr Steps is a must-visit destination in Exmoor National Park. This ancient “clapper bridge,” the longest and oldest of its

Tarr Steps

Tarr Steps is a must-visit destination in Exmoor National Park. This ancient “clapper bridge,” the longest and oldest of its