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

Event

Way of the Dead is a 50k Dartmoor traverse organised by Wild Running on 28 March 2026. The event starts at Trenchford Reservoir and finishes at Tavistock Stannary Brewing Company in Tavistock, Devon. Entrants must be 18 or over on the event date. The advertised entry price is £49. The course ascent is 1,389 metres and the cut off is 10 hours.

Format and logistics

Runners may enter solo or in pairs. The event uses live GPS tracking and course marshals. Bags will be taken to the finish at Tavistock, with an arranged bag drop to the final feed station at Merrivale. The route includes checkpoints that double as feed stations and organisers state there will be up to three feed stations. All checkpoints must be visited on the route.

Route

The route follows paths, tracks and some tarmac across Dartmoor. Key points on the route include Kelly Farm, Lustleigh church, the Cleave, Manaton ascent to Bowerman’s Nose and Hayne Down, Kitty Jay’s Grave, Hameldown Ridge, Grimspound, Sousson’s Wood, Bellever plantation, Postbridge, Powdermills (halfway), Longaford Tor, Lydford Tor, Merrivale and Whitchurch Common before crossing the River Tavy to the brewery finish.

What is provided and kit

Included: GPS trackers supplied by Geotracks, a marshalled course, professional first aid, insurance, parking, bespoke finisher medals, prizes for category winners, bag drop (50k only). Recommended kit includes a map or GPS device, water-resistant top and bottoms, minimum 250 ml water, suitable off-road shoes, mobile phone, base layer, hat or buff, gloves and £20 cash. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.