A moderate walk (low hills and fells (below 600m)) in national park Dartmoor starting and finishing in Devon, England, about 18.20km (11.31 mi) long with an estimated walking time of about 5:45h. It is unsuitable for families with children, prams & pushchairs, wheelchairs.
Ascent
168m (551ft)
Descent
281m (921ft)
Max. Elevation
510m (1673ft)
Altitude Gain & Loss
449m (1472ft)
End
Lydford, Okehampton, Devon, England
Created by Anonymous Walker on 26 Dec 2012
This ancient path across Dartmoor follows the route that people used to take to church in Lydford from their farms on the moor. This included walking there for funerals, hence the path being known as the Coffin Way, or the Way of the Dead. There's more background at this website:
www.legendarydartmoor.co.uk/lych_way.htm, and the book 'The Wild Rover' by Mike Parker has a good account of walking the route at night, which is a popular option.
The walk starts at Postbridge and finishes at Lydford; both have bus connections with Tavistock, but they are not all that regular, so plan carefully.
The route passes through land used for army training, so check if the moor is accessible before setting out:
www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk. Also, although clearly marked on the OS map, the route passes through wild ground and you cannot rely on simply following the path. You will need a map and a compass: it's not a place you want to get lost. Especially with all those ghosties chasing you.