We were delighted to join almost 100 people in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Two Moors Way on Friday the 29th of May. We walked a 7 mile stretch from Witheridge to Morchard Bishop, using lanes, footpaths and bridleways, and then celebrated with talks, a photographic display and of course a cake. As a very special treat, Beech Hill Community Campsite also arranged a refreshment stop for the Witheridge group of walkers, with fresh homemade lemonade.
The Two Moors Way was launched in 1976, linking the South West’s two National Parks, Dartmoor and Exmoor, and the north and south coasts of Devon. Stretching coast to coast between Dartmoor and Exmoor, this much-loved trail has inspired generations of walkers to explore the county’s diverse landscapes, charming villages, and welcoming communities. To mark 50 years of this much used and cherished long distance walking route, the Two Moors Way Association joined with partners including Exmoor National Park and Dartmoor National Park, to offer a series of celebratory walks across 2026. Running from spring to autumn, these walks have been curated by the Exeter and District Group of the Ramblers to cover the entire Two Moors way in manageable sections.
Lining the high street of Morchard Bishop were a selection of walking boots and wellies, which had been planted up with flowers to mark the 50th anniversary of the route. One pair of boots had even walked to the opening of the Two Moors Way, 50 years ago!
Over 60 people took part in two linear walks on the 29th of May, one starting in Witheridge and the other starting from Whelmstone Cross. Both arrived back at Morchard Bishop for 3:30, where the groups were able to refuel with some cake and tea provided by the Morchard Bishops Women’s Institute. Walkers were then joined in the village hall by further invited guests, including representatives from the DPA, Open Spaces Society and the Ramblers. Speeches were given by Kate Ashbrook, Exmoor National Park, Dartmoor National Park and Sue Viccars from the Two Moors Way Association, all of which illustrated the value of the Two Moors Way and looked ahead to making it even more accessible for the future.
To mark this milestone, it was also announced that The Two Moors Way is officially being extended to incorporate the Erme–Plym Trail between Ivybridge and Wembury, establishing Wembury on the South Devon coast as the formal southern end of the route. The Erme–Plym Trail is still a trail in its own right, but is now part of the continuous Two Moors Way journey from coast to coast – 117 miles and almost 16,000 feet of ascent.
A representative from the Two Moors Way said: ‘What a brilliant day we had on Friday, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Two Moors Way! Thank you to the 60+ walkers who walked into Morchard Bishop from north and south and joined invited guests for tea and chat, looked at our memorabilia displays, purchased TMW merchandise and listened to speeches from Kate Ashbrook, Exmoor National Park, Dartmoor National Park and Sue Viccars from the Two Moors Way Association. Thank you to the Beech Hill Community for providing much-needed home-made lemonade to the Witheridge group of walkers; and to Morchard Bishop WI who did us proud when it came to the catering side of things. The huge, wonderful (and delicious) TMW cake was provided by The Cakery in Exeter. We made it onto the BBC online news, and ITV News West Country on Friday evening.
Visit Mid Devon.’
The DPA would like to extend our gratitude to John Howell, our Chairman and also an active member of the Exeter and District Group of the Ramblers, who has planned and delivered many of the celebratory 50th anniversary walks. His dedication to the promotion of walking and his infectious enthusiasm for the Dartmoor and Exmoor landscape has, without doubt, inspired many thousands of people to Explore the Two Moors Way and beyond. There are two further free walks coming up, one on the 6th of June from Ivybridge, and another on the 3rd of September from New Bridge, as part of the Dartmoor Outdoor Festival.