Way of the Dead (a Dartmoor Traverse East to West)
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Way of the Dead: Dartmoor East to West Traverse
The Way of the Dead is a point-to-point footrace crossing Dartmoor from east to west. The event offers two distance options for participants:
- 50 km
- 16 miles (25.7 km)
The 50 km route begins at Trenchford Reservoir and concludes at a brewery in Tavistock. The course features an approximate total ascent of 1,389 meters. The initial stages lead runners through wooded paths, the village of Lustleigh, and the Manaton ascent toward Bowerman’s Nose. The terrain includes a mix of tarmac, fields, and gravel paths. As the route continues, participants pass landmarks such as Hameldown Ridge, the war plane wreck memorial, Grimspound, and Postbridge.
The second half of the course involves self-navigation as the route is relatively unsigned. Runners pass through Powdermills, which serves as the finish line for the 16 miles distance. The final section crosses Whitchurch Common and the River Tavy before reaching the finish.
Participants can enter as solo runners or in pairs and teams. The event has a 10-hour cut-off time. Organizers provide live GPS tracking for all participants and transport from Tavistock to the start line. There are up to three checkpoints that function as feed stations, and a bag drop service is available to transport belongings to the finish line.
Mandatory kit includes off-road shoes, water-resistant clothing, a mobile phone, and a map or GPS device. All finishers receive a medal, and category winners receive prizes. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
