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Outdoor activities at Parke

A group of people walking across a tree-lined field.
A group of people on a guided walk in winter. | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

There are many ways to enjoy an active visit to Parke. Head off on foot for a walk or run, test your map reading skills with an orienteering course or bring a bike to explore further afield.

Walking

There are footpaths throughout Parke which you're free to explore. There are two waymarked routes:

  • Orange route, a circular trail just over 1 mile (1.8 km) with no steps
  • Red route, a longer and more rugged circular trail 2.2 miles (3.5 km) with several sections of steps.
View the Parke map

Rugged paths

Please be aware that in some places the ground is uneven with tree roots and rocks sticking out of the path and can get very wet and slippery in places. 

Group walks

There are regular guided walks run by a team of friendly local volunteers. Perfect if you prefer not to walk alone, or if you need some gentle motivation to get out into the fresh air. You will meet like-minded people, discover new areas of the estate, and learn about some of the nature and history under your feet.

There are themed walks at different times of year - look out for the orchid and wildflower walks coming up in spring.

These guided walks are free to attend, however we ask you to book in advance so that we can manage numbers.

Events at Parke

Cycling

There's a section of bridleway, about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) that you can cycle on at Parke. This follows the route of the disused railway line and is part of the longer Wray Valley trail, which runs from Bovey Tracy to Moretonhampstead.

Wray Valley trail

Parke Parkrun

A free 5km event for runners of all standards, Parke Parkrun takes place every Saturday at 9am. It's not a race against other runners but a timed run, and can be whatever you want it to be, whether that's a fun pastime or part of a training plan. 

Taking part is easy, please register before your first-ever Parkrun, then just set your alarm for Saturday morning and get yourself there.

Parking is free for National Trust members or £3 for 2 hours and £5 for all day.

Parke Parkrun

Orienteering

There are four orienteering courses of varying difficulty if you want to test your map reading skills and enjoy an adventure around Parke.

Please contact parke@nationaltrust.org.uk for a copy of these maps and beginner's notes.

Or you can find out more and download the orienteering maps for Parke online from Go Orienteering, you will need to sign up but the downloads are free.

Go Orienteering
Painted lady butterfly on a strawflower

Discover more at Parke

Find out when Parke is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.

Plan your visit

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Things to do at Parke 

Explore the historic estate of Parke on the edge of Dartmoor, with its walled garden and mixed orchard plus abundant wildlife along the river.

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History of the River Bovey at Parke 

The River Bovey runs through Parke and was an important source of water to power Bovey Tracey's historic mills sited downstream. Find out more about its history.

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Our work at Parke 

Discover the important work of the ranger and garden teams at Parke, from conservation grazing and woodland management, to the productive crop and cutting garden.

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