The search for blue bells was our first outing after the initial lockdown in 2020, this was our first time visiting these woods which are situated just outside of Bovey Tracey on the very cusp of Dartmoor National Park.

We chose this woodland walk as it’s fairly unknown and off the beaten track. Parking is limited here and in a small layby by the entrance to woods. The large woodland area has two public right of ways and a permissive path which creates a circular route which also takes in Shaptor Rocks which offers incredible views of Wray Valley and west over Dartmoor National Park.

The circular route takes around 2 hours to navigate and features two main woodlands, Bearacleave Wood & Shaptor Wood. Bearacleave is owned and maintained by the National Trust and covers just over 32 acres and borders the larger woodland of Shaptor which is closer to 195 acres which is managed and owned by the Woodland Trust.

Both woodlands feature stunning carpets of blue bells so Mid April to May is the best time to visit to see these stunning views. My favourite stretch of this walk was in Shaptor Woods around the half way point, deep in the dense woodland which rich floor of stunning blue bells.

Location: Shaptor Woods, North Bovey Tracey.
Car Park Postcode (Nearest): TQ13 9LU / Free. This is just a layby so parking here is extremely limited.

Journey:

1. From they layby head through a gateway into into the National Trust woodland Bearacleave.

2. Soon after entering the woodland take the left folk in the trail following the line of huge beech trees.

3. Continue along the path through the woodland until reach a ancient sunken road.

4. Along the sunken road you’ll find a Woodland Trust gateway, head through the gate and into Shaptor Wood. Continue along the winding woodland pathway heading down hill and over a couple of small streams before slowly climbing back up to the most northern point of the woods where you’ll find some giant granite boulders.

5. Turn right and up hill when you reach a waymaker and continue along the trail.

6. Along the trail, on you your left hand side you’ll see the giant rock face of Shaptor Rock, you’ll find a small path which loops up to the summit of the rocks for incredible views over Dartmoor. We took a short rest here and rehydrated. Wander back down the path and turn left to continue along the trail.

7. As you continue along the trail you’ll then leave the woodland and walk through Shaptor Farm before passing Higher Bowden where you’ll reach a road.

8. Turn right and follow the road back to the layby where the route started.