Way of the Dead (A Dartmoor Traverse East to West)

The Way of the Dead (formerly the Dartmoor Traverse east to west), returns for the second year, with a Dartmoor Traverse route from east to west.

Runners can either run in pairs or solo and our team will follow runners progress through live GPS tracking and there will be three checkpoints, which will double as feed stations. Bags will be taken to the finish at Tavistock, but we will also arrange a bag drop to the final feed station/checkpoint at Merrivale. The ascent is fairly minimal at 1389 meters but don't be fooled. The second half will require some navigational experience, as it is relatively unsigned but we will provide race GPXs and our team will be monitoring you throughout.

Transport will leave Tavistock for the start at 5.30am. 

Our other crossing the  RWNN has attracted some luminaries in the ultra running world, including Nicky Spinks, 2023 Dragons' Back winner Hugh Chatfield, Andy Connor, Justin and Melissa Montague, to name just a few. We also pride ourselves on our 90% success rate at getting runners through it. We believe this route, although 5 miles shorter than the north-south version, will prove slightly more challenging.

14 mile race (the undead)

For those who don't wish to run the whole 50k, there is a 14 mile option to Postbridge. A transport option will be included to Postbridge (pre race for an additional £15). This will take runners to the start at Trenchford Reservoir, from Postbridge, leaving at 6am.

Due to a saturation of north/south crossings, we've decided to put on an east to west crossing, which is self navigation but is also suitable for pairs and teams. We hope to alternate between the north-south, east-west in the future.

There will be one feed station on this route. Bags will be taken to the finish.

The Route

Starting at the car park at Trenchford Reservoir, you’ll head towards Kelly farm, down wooded paths and across the B382.

Crossing fields and then tarmac to the church in Lustleigh, you’ll cross behind the church before venturing in to the Cleave. In the Cleave, follow signs for Water and then you’ll soon see a path, which takes you up to Manaton tarmac ascent to Bowerman’s Nose and Hayne Down.

The next section to Kitty Jay’s Grave is pathed with gravel. You’ll need to look up to choose the best line up to Hameldown Ridge. But we recommend taking the right path along the wood boundary and past the war plane wreck memorial, as this will take you down past Grimspound and to the CP on the road boundary. All CPs must be visited on the route. You will then follow the road until you see a path which takes you through Sousson’s Wood to its western edge.

Follow the footpath which takes you to the west of Bellever plantation to Postbridge and on to Powdermills, the half way point and finish for the 16 milers. Climbing up to Longaford Tor and Lydford Tor, you follow the Lych, as if heading for Mary Tavy. But at the final fork below White tor, and before reaching Stephen’s Grave, take the south westerly footpath towards Merrivale, then crossing Whitchurch Common, until reaching the Moortown and the Dartmoor Way, which will take you to Tavistock and to the Printworks on Pym St (PL19 0AW
).

Ascent: 1389 meters

Cut Off: 10 hours (suitable for fast walkers)

14 miles Trenchford Reservoir to Postbridge

The route exactly follows the 50k but finishes at Postbridge, in the pub car park.

Ascent: 825 meters

Cut Off: 5 hours

What's Included:

- GPS trackers provided by Geotracks
- Marshalled course
- Professional first aid
- Fully insured
- Parking
- Bespoke medals to all finishers
- Prizes for all category winners
- Bag drop (50k only)
- Up to 3 feed stations