Short answer: Bellever Forest is the sheltered way to walk Dartmoor on 1 January — forestry tracks, a shallow river and wild ponies. The high moor behind town is the serious option and needs an early start.
Bellever Forest, south on the moor. Forestry tracks, a clear shallow river and wild ponies. Trees take a surprising amount of weather out of a walk and the ground is kinder underfoot than open moor in January.
Okehampton Castle sits in woodland by the river — the largest castle ruin in Devon. It closes over the New Year, but the woodland and riverside walk around it does not.
High Willhays and Yes Tor, the highest ground in southern England. Check the military firing times before going up, take a map, and be honest about the daylight.
Almost everywhere opens later than usual on New Year's Day, and some places do not open at all. Ring in the morning rather than assuming.
The Dartmoor Line runs from Exeter, and Okehampton Interchange opened in August 2026 with a 200-space car park two minutes from the A30. New Year's Day rail services are reduced, but the Interchange makes driving and parking easy regardless.
Dartmoor on 1 January: the light goes by four, the weather turns faster than it looks from the car park, and the roads are unfenced with ponies and sheep on them. Start early, take a map, and tell someone where you are going.
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