In 2026, the battle between Devon’s two great moors offers a choice between Exmoor’s “Alpine Coastline” and Dartmoor’s “Prehistoric Wilderness.” While they share a name, they provide two completely different soul-soothing experiences for your 2026 adventure.
1. The 2026 Atmosphere: Coastal Drama vs. Granite Majesty
| Feature | Exmoor (The Coastal Moor) | Dartmoor (The Rugged Heartland) |
| Defining Landmark | The Highest Cliffs in mainland Britain (Great Hangman). | Granite Tors: Towering rock outcrops like Haytor and Hound Tor. |
| Vibe | Lush & Vertical: Deep wooded glens, waterfalls, and sea spray. | Bleak & Epic: Vast, windswept plateaus and Bronze Age ruins. |
| Wildlife | Red deer and the original Exmoor Pony. | The iconic Dartmoor Pony grazing around prehistoric stone circles. |
| 2026 Trend | “The Secret Coast”: Known as the least visited park, it’s the 2026 choice for quiet luxury. | “The Wild Explorer”: The go-to for wild swimming, bouldering, and “off-grid” hiking. |
2. Exmoor: Where the Moor Meets the Sea
Exmoor is unique because its heather-covered hills don’t just end; they plummet into the Bristol Channel. In 2026, it is being rebranded as the “English Switzerland” due to its steep, wooded valleys.
- The Valley of Rocks: A must-see in 2026. This U-shaped dry valley sits right on the cliff edge. Expect to walk among wild goats while watching the ocean crash hundreds of feet below.
- Lynton & Lynmouth: These twin towns are connected by a famous water-powered cliff railway. It’s the perfect base for a “civilized” adventure, combining Victorian charm with rugged coastal paths.
- Dark Sky Discovery: As Europe’s first International Dark Sky Reserve, Exmoor is hosting specialized “Starlit Walks” in 2026, perfect for those who want to hike under the Milky Way.
3. Dartmoor: The Ancient Granite Kingdom
Dartmoor is larger, higher, and feels significantly more “untamed.” In 2026, it remains the only place in England where you can find such a dense concentration of prehistoric history.
- The Tors: These natural granite sculptures are Dartmoor’s signature. Haytor is the 2026 favorite for accessibility, while Vixen Tor offers a more mysterious, sphinx-like silhouette for serious photographers.
- The Ponies: While Exmoor has ponies too, the Dartmoor herds are more integrated into the landscape. In 2026, visitors are encouraged to head to Bellever Forest or Widecombe-in-the-Moor for the best sightings.
- Wistman’s Wood: This high-altitude oak woodland looks like something from a fantasy novel—gnarled trees covered in moss and ferns growing out of granite boulders. It’s the peak of Dartmoor “drama.”
4. Which One is Best for Your 2026 Hike?
- Choose Exmoor if: You want the South West Coast Path. You love the sound of the ocean, eating seafood in harbor villages like Porlock Weir, and walking through lush, humid “temperate rainforest” valleys.
- Choose Dartmoor if: You want total immersion. You’re looking for high-energy activities like “Tor Bagging,” wild swimming in the River Dart, or exploring the eerie silence of Bronze Age stone rows and abandoned medieval villages.
Pro Tip for 2026: If you can’t decide, hike the Two Moors Way. It’s a 102-mile trail that links both parks, allowing you to experience the granite heart of Dartmoor and the soaring cliffs of Exmoor in one epic journey.