Dartmoor
A vast and wild moorland in Devon featuring rugged granite tors, ancient stone circles, and pristine wilderness ideal for hiking and experiencing unspoiled nature. Its dramatic landscape has inspired countless legends and remains one of England's most atmospheric natural areas.
Things to do
- Climb Hay Tor — Ascend this iconic granite outcrop for panoramic views across the moor and surrounding countryside.
- Walk the Grey Wethers Stone Circles — Explore two Bronze Age stone circles set on the high moor, among Dartmoor's most significant ancient monuments.
- Hike to Widecombe-in-the-Moor — Trek through moorland to this picturesque village famous for its church and traditional moorland character.
- Visit Postbridge Clapper Bridge — See this ancient stone bridge crossing the East Dart River, a 13th-century crossing still in use.
- Explore Scorhill Stone Circle — Discover this well-preserved Bronze Age circle near Chagford with excellent accessibility and views.
- Walk the Tors Circuit from Princetown — Navigate multiple granite tors in a scenic loop featuring dramatic rock formations and wild moorland.
Food to try
- Dartmoor Lamb Stew — A hearty local dish using lamb from sheep grazing the moor, traditionally slow-cooked with root vegetables and herbs.
- Clotted Cream Tea — Devon clotted cream served with fresh scones and jam at a traditional tearoom, a quintessential West Country experience.
- Moorland Game Pies — Pastry pies filled with venison, pheasant, or rabbit sourced from local estates and shoots across Dartmoor.
- Devonshire Cider — Sample local dry ciders made from apples grown in Devon orchards, often available at village pubs.
- Dart Valley Trout — Freshly caught trout from Dartmoor's rivers, typically prepared simply with butter and served at local restaurants.
Local customs & good to know
- Respect Open Access Land — Much of Dartmoor is open moorland where visitors can roam freely, but respect grazing livestock and breeding birds by staying on paths during sensitive seasons.
- Learn About Dartmoor Legends — The moor has inspired local folklore including tales of the ghostly Black Dog Wisht Hound and the Wild Hunt; understanding these stories enriches the landscape experience.
- Check Weather and Plan Carefully — Dartmoor weather changes rapidly and visibility can drop suddenly; always bring proper waterproofs, a map, and compass regardless of forecast predictions.
- Support Traditional Villages — Small moorland villages like Widecombe and Moretonhampstead depend on visitor spending; visit local shops, pubs, and farms to support communities.