The One Where It All Began

There are basically two parts to the seventh stage; Morchard Bishop to Witherage and then Witherage to Knowstone, both 8 milers and through interesting Mid Devon agricultural landscape. We follow the River Datch for a while to reach Washford Pyne, then follow the Little Dart River. We meet the Ridge and Valley Walk at Witherage and, cross over the A 371.

A wonderful circular walk from Clifford Bridge to Fingle Bridge on a gentle path along the River Teign before heading steeply onto Butterdon Down and descending back to Clifford Bridge. Beautiful woodland views.

Stage 6 is a tricky navigational test as we leave the Dartmoor National Park and head into Mid Devon. The route crosses the A 30, the main Exeter to Barnstaple rail line and the busy A 377. There's plenty to keep you occupied and some pretty hamlets to go through (avoiding some interesting villages, so you might be tempted to go off-route at some point).

A beautiful walk past granite Devon longhouses and open moorland on the edge of Dartmoor. It's recommended to do this walk clockwise as the last footpath is difficult to find going in the other direction.

A Dartmoor walk that includes the most north-easterly summit in the National Park which offers some fine views especially to the north. The route needs careful navigation at the start and in poor weather you need a good sense of direction and compass skills.

A demanding Dartmoor walk that requires careful navigation and preferably good weather. The route uses a section of the Tarka Trail, visits some ancient monuments and visits the summits of a number of granite tors.

Stage 8 takes us into Exmoor National Park and back to some high ground but mostly it's a riverside walk along the River Barle that is a tributary to the River Exe that flows all the way to the south Devon coast at Exmouth. The route goes over Tar Steps near Hawkridge and has the option of finishing at Withypool or continuing to Exford to stay at the YHA.

A circular walk combining moorland, streams and woods on Dartmoor, passing the dramatic Hound Tor and iconic Bowerman's Nose, with places for refreshments at the half waypoint. It is a good length with some steep hills for hearty exercise and is mainly off-road, taking advantage of footpaths and tracks. You could start at Lustleigh or Manaton if you prefer, and there are short-cuts available if you wish to shorten the walk.

NOTE: this description has been amended to correct a route error.