When you’re planning a picnic on Dartmoor, there’s something special about picking the right bread to pack in your basket. The moor’s wild beauty just begs for a proper spread – and, let’s be honest, a good picnic bread Devon-style can make all the difference. Whether you’re after something crusty to go with local cheese or a soft loaf for jam, there’s a whole world of options out there. So, here are my top picks for the best picnic breads to bring along on your Dartmoor adventure.
Key Takeaways
- A good picnic bread Devon-style should be easy to pack and slice, and taste great on its own or with toppings.
- Local favourites like Devonshire Cob and Cornish Split bring a bit of West Country charm to your picnic.
- Mixing different types of bread means everyone gets something they like, and your picnic feels extra special.
1. Sourdough
There’s something about sourdough that just works for a Dartmoor picnic. Maybe it’s because it keeps fresh for ages, or maybe it’s that tangy flavour you get with every bite. If you need a bread that’s hardy enough to sit in your rucksack and still taste brilliant by lunchtime, sourdough is your best bet.
Here are a few reasons it makes such a cracking picnic companion:
- Keeps its shape and chew – even after a bumpy walk over tors
- Bit gutsier than your standard sliced loaf
- Pairs well with almost everything: cheese, chutney, soup, you name it
Crust is a massive deal with sourdough. It can go sturdy and crispy, which isn’t just tasty; it actually protects the bread inside from getting squashed.
Sourdough’s got that perfect mix of flavour, texture, and practicality – so you can concentrate on the views, not soggy sandwich disasters.
Honestly, if you only bring one bread for your Dartmoor spread, make it sourdough. You won’t regret it.
2. Baguette
If you only pack one thing for your picnic, let it be a baguette. The baguette is practically made for Dartmoor rambles—long, crusty, and easy to tear apart without a knife. There’s something about the snap of the crust and the soft centre that just feels right when you’re perched on a granite tor, unwrapping your lunch. Honestly, it’s almost impossible to get bored of them, because they go with everything, sweet or savoury.
Here’s why a baguette is a picnic winner:
- Stays fresh for ages – the thick crust keeps the centre nice and soft.
- Easy to pass round; everyone just breaks off a chunk.
- Partners perfectly with cheese, ham, or a simple chunk of butter.
There’s nothing better than pulling a fresh baguette out of your rucksack after a long walk. Sharing a loaf with mates, the moor stretching out behind you – simple things are usually the best.
I usually throw in some cheddar, salami, and a jar of chutney, but honestly, even just with tomatoes, it’s hard to beat. If you’re short on time, grab one from the bakery on your way through town. You won’t regret it.
3. Focaccia
So, focaccia is that one bread you pack and suddenly everyone becomes your mate at the picnic. Honestly, the soft crumb, chewy edges and that olive oil kick just work, especially after a proper stomp across Dartmoor.
It’s easy to tear up and share—no faffing about with knives or crumbs everywhere. Pair it with simple things and you’ve got yourself a feast. Here are a few easy combos:
- Rip pieces and dunk into olive oil, or balsamic.
- Layer it up with cured meats and a handful of rocket.
- Make a slab sandwich with your favourite cheese and tomato (add a splash of pesto if you’re feeling fancy).
Focaccia is often a blank canvas. Try rosemary and rock salt or sun-dried tomatoes on top before it’s baked. This means you can mix up the flavours for every trip, which is never boring.
Focaccia keeps well even in a rucksack. If you baked or grabbed yours fresh from a bakery in Totnes like The Daily Knead, it’ll still be a joy by lunchtime. Just wrap it in baking paper and tuck it somewhere near the top of your bag so you can pull it out for a quick snack when you hit the right spot.
4. Ciabatta
Ciabatta has this lovely chewy texture and soft crumb, which really does make it a picnic favourite. There’s just something satisfying about those open holes inside, and it’s got just the right amount of give without being stodgy. The crust is usually a bit crisp, but not so tough you break a tooth on it after a long walk on Dartmoor.
It’s ideal for strong picnic fillings, like aged cheddar or roasted veg, because it holds up well and doesn’t get soggy. If you want to make a proper sandwich, ciabatta’s your mate—it won’t fall apart in your backpack or get crushed, and it’s still decent hours later.
Here’s why ciabatta works well out on the moor:
- Keeps its shape, even with moist fillings
- Pairs with both sweet and savoury stuff
- Easy to rip and share
Stuffed with leftovers or just buttered and eaten plain, ciabatta always feels like a small treat when you need a break on a windy hillside.
Some places even make herby versions, which are brilliant if you want to feel like you’ve made more of an effort for your picnic than you actually have.
5. Rye Bread
Rye bread isn’t just a classic—it’s a practical pick for a Dartmoor picnic. What sets rye bread apart is its strong crust and chewy texture that won’t go soggy if you pack your sandwiches ahead. It handles a bit of rough treatment in the rucksack and laughs at our unpredictable moorland weather.
A few reasons why you’ll love packing rye bread:
- Stays fresh and surprisingly moist for longer than plain white bread
- Its earthy flavour works really well with robust fillings like smoked cheese, pastrami, or pickled veg
- Lower gluten content means it’s a little denser—good for keeping you fuller during long hikes
If you want your picnic to have a bit more bite and a flavour that stands out, rye bread is the way to go. It’s often overlooked, but honestly, it steals the show when paired with local cheeses and chutney.
Stick a few thick slices in your bag, add some ham or nut butter, and you’ve got yourself the ideal walking snack that actually survives the trek intact.
6. Pumpernickel
Pumpernickel might look a bit odd at first — it’s that almost-black bread you sometimes see lingering behind the lighter loaves. Once you get used to its earthy taste and slightly sweet aroma, though, it tends to become a favourite for outdoor lunches. What really makes pumpernickel stand out is its texture and ability to stay fresh for ages, even after a long trek across Dartmoor.
Here are a few reasons why throwing pumpernickel into your picnic basket is a solid move:
- Stays moist and chewy much longer than white or even wholemeal loaves — no need to fret if it sits in your bag for hours.
- Pairs brilliantly with punchy flavours, so you can load up with blue cheese, strong cheddar, or even salted meats if you fancy.
- Slices firm and holds its shape, so you don’t end up with a squashed sandwich mess.
If you’re stuck for sandwich ideas, try topping it with pears and salty prosciutto — trust me, it’s got amazing flavour combos, just like this prosciutto and pear sandwich.
The dark crumb soaks up any dressing without getting soggy, making every bite as good as the first. Take it up on the moor knowing it’ll taste just right after a long wander.
7. Cornish Split
The Cornish Split can be a bit of a surprise for anyone who hasn’t tried it before—a soft, slightly sweet roll that’s just asking to be packed in the rucksack for a picnic across Dartmoor. What really makes the Cornish Split a standout choice for outdoor snacking is its fluffy, light texture, which doesn’t get all stodgy after a morning in your bag.
Some quick reasons why a Cornish Split is great for a day out:
- Stays soft even after bouncing around in a backpack
- Ideal match for sweet or savoury spreads, so everyone’s happy
- Locally rooted in the South West, making it a picnic classic
There’s a certain magic in tearing one open, still a bit warm if you’re lucky, and slathering on some jam or golden syrup. And if you want to really treat yourself, bring along a little pot of clotted cream—trust me, it’s pure picnic joy. If you want to bake some for your own trip, it’s worth checking out a simple Cornish Split recipe for the proper mix of dried yeast, sugar, warm milk, and more from this baked treat recipe.
There’s something deeply comforting about the simplicity of a Cornish Split, especially when you’re sat somewhere like Meldon Hill, the wind in your hair, and not a care in the world.
8. Devonshire Cob
Alright, let’s talk about the Devonshire Cob. This bread just feels right for a wild day out on Dartmoor. It’s got that classic round, rustic look – and believe me, it’s surprisingly handy to pack in your rucksack. The thick crust holds together when you’re perched on a windy tor, and inside there’s a nice tender crumb that pairs well with cheese, chutney, or even a hunk of dark chocolate.
A Devonshire Cob has a few perks that make it great for picnics:
- The crust protects the bread from getting squashed in your bag.
- It’s usually big enough to share with the whole walking group – no one misses out.
- Because it’s versatile, you can slice it for sandwiches or just tear off chunks as you go.
You’ll notice a Devonshire Cob never feels too fancy, but it’s got enough personality to make any Dartmoor lunch feel proper. It’s the sort of bread that matches muddy boots and a flask of tea without fuss.
9. Wholemeal Loaf
Let me just say, nothing beats a wholemeal loaf when you’re out on Dartmoor with the wind in your face and your backpack stuffed to the brim. It’s humble, but don’t be fooled—a proper wholemeal loaf has a real knack for keeping you going longer than you’d think. That extra bit of fibre fills you up so you’re not grumpy or hangry halfway up the next tor. Plus, it can handle a bit of squashing in your bag and still taste amazing with cheese or jam smeared on top.
A few reasons people love bringing wholemeal bread on a moorland picnic:
- Keeps well in a scrunched-up rucksack
- Feels sturdy—great for thicker sarnies stuffed with leftovers
- Does the trick for both sweet and savoury toppings
I find the nutty flavour really stands out in the wild air of Dartmoor, especially with something simple like a slab of cheddar. If you’ve got a thermos of soup, dunk a chunk of this bread in—sorted.
When you’re craving something hearty after a long walk, nothing hits the spot like a slab of wholemeal bread and that first hot mug of tea. Brings you back to life, really.
10. Bath Bun
Last up on the list is the Bath bun, and you’d be daft to ignore it, even if you’ve got a packed rucksack already. There’s something undeniably cheerful about pulling one out with a flask of hot tea while you’re sat on a chilly Dartmoor tor.
Bath buns are light, a bit sweet, and dotted with those crunchy sugar pearls and sometimes a raisin or two. They’re a bit old-school and you don’t see them everywhere, which actually makes them a bit of a treat when you spot one for your picnic.
Here’s why they’ve made the cut for Dartmoor picnics:
- Perfect as a sweet pick-me-up after a long walk
- Travel well wrapped up, no mess or squashing like some cakes
- Go brilliantly with a mug of tea or some homemade lemonade
Blocking out the wind with my back to a granite slab, there’s nothing quite like sharing Bath buns with friends, crumbs everywhere and nobody minds. It’s a real bit of simple Dartmoor magic.
If you want that proper classic West Country picnic touch, snagging a few Bath buns before you set off is never a bad idea.
Bath Buns are a sweet and soft treat that many people love with their afternoon tea. If you want to see how we make our special Bath Buns, or try one for yourself, visit our website today!
Wrapping Up: Bread, Blankets, and Dartmoor Magic
So, there you have it – a few of my favourite picnic breads to pack for a Dartmoor day out. Honestly, there’s nothing quite like tearing into a crusty loaf with the wind in your hair and the sound of the moor all around you. Whether you go for a classic baguette, a seeded batch, or something a bit more adventurous, good bread just makes everything better. Dartmoor’s wild beauty turns a simple lunch into something special, even if you end up with crumbs everywhere (which, let’s face it, you probably will). So grab your blanket, pick your spot, and don’t stress too much about the perfect spread – it’s all about enjoying the moment and maybe sharing a slice or two with your mates. If you’ve got a go-to picnic bread or a top Dartmoor spot, let me know in the comments. Happy picnicking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which bread is best for a Dartmoor picnic?
Honestly, it depends on what you like! Sourdough is great because it stays fresh and has a nice chewy crust. Baguettes are classic for sandwiches, while focaccia is perfect if you want something with a bit more flavour and olive oil. If you want something local, try a Cornish Split or a Devonshire Cob – they’re proper West Country treats.
How do I keep my bread fresh during a Dartmoor hike?
The trick is to wrap your bread in a clean tea towel or pop it in a paper bag. This stops it from going soggy like it does in plastic. If you’re out for ages, slice it just before you eat – that way it doesn’t dry out as fast.
Can I find local bread near Dartmoor?
Yep! Loads of bakeries around Dartmoor sell fresh, local bread. Try a market in one of the nearby villages, or pop into a café – they often have homemade loaves. If you’re after something special, ask for a Devonshire Cob or a Cornish Split for a real taste of the area.
