The Way explores the rugged and spectacular countryside on the western fringe of the Dartmoor National Park along the 18 miles between Okehampton, where it links with the Tarka Trail, and Tavistock. From there it continues a further 17 miles mainly in river valleys to Plymouth, where it connects with the Erme-Plym Trail (see Two Moors Way). After Tavistock the River Walkham is crossed and below Yelverton the valleys of the Meavy and Plym are followed.

The Way links with the Tamar Valley Discovery Trail and the Two Castles Trail to form a circuit of approximately 90 miles, dubbed the “West Devon Triangle”. See Dartmoor Way.