Dartmoor National Park - Where Is Dartmoor on The Map?

Known as a moorland in southern Devon, England, Dartmoor National Park covers an area of 954 square kilometres (368 sq mi). This moorland contains several high granite hilltops known as ridges, which offer homes for the Dartmoor animals. Dartmoor National Park lies in Devon, halfway between Exeter and Plymouth. High Willhays is the highest peak, rising 621 meters (2,037 feet) above sea level. There are several ancient relics in this region.

It is one of the few places in the UK where Bronze Age relics can be found, and most of the moor appears to be littered with stone circles, rows of stones, and gravestones.

About Dartmoor National Park

A hidden gem in the heart of England. Photo by Ambrosiniv - stock.adobe.com

Dartmoor is an English area that preserves relics of its most primal era. It still retains legends of barren horsemen and demon visits that earned Dartmoor its enviable reputation and made it a preferred location for any tourist. Not only known as a place of historical sites and wildlife, but Dartmoor National Park is also a foggy area and is located on top of the ruins of a volcano.

Dartmoor has a permanent population of 33,000 people, which grows dramatically during the high tourist season. Ashburton (population approximately 3,500), Buckfastleigh, Moretonhampstead, Princetown, Yelverton, Horrabridge, South Brent, Christow, and Chagford are the major communities in this National Park.

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History of Dartmoor National Park

Dartmoor, a large wild environment of tremendous wealth and diversity spanning over 368 square miles, was designated as a National Park in 1951. It is a unique terrain, populated by towering granite blocks, mysterious circles and steep cliffs, old woodlands, robust bridges, quick streams, Dartmoor horses, lively stannary towns, and lonely villages. Dartmoor National Park's establishment means that the particular landscape beauty has been and continues to be closely safeguarded, with both wildlife and architectural and/or historic structures preserved.

Guide to Travel Dartmoor National Park

Approximately 40% of Dartmoor is available to the public and may be reached through several routes around the perimeter. The land is available to tourists all year and is free to enter. Dartmoor National Park is also one of the few areas in the UK that allow Wild Camping, but this is strictly enforced.

Check out the following for more about Dartmoor National Park planning.

How Do You Get To Dartmoor National Park?

By Car: Dartmoor is easily accessible from the M5 highway in Devon, as well as the A30 and A38. The drive from Exeter or Plymouth takes 30 minutes.

Please maintain an average driving speed; even if the road is vacant, you should not drive too quickly. Because there are frequently ponies, sheep, or cattle roaming the desolate road. If you run at a high pace, you will almost certainly get into an accident while attempting to avoid them.

By Bus: There are buses with operating times based on weekdays, so you should make a note to avoid catching the wrong bus:

Catch the Country Bus route 193 Bovey Tracey - Newton Abbot via Haytor on Wednesdays and Fridays (excluding public holidays).

From Monday through Saturday (excluding public holidays), take the Country Bus route 178 Newton Abbot – Okehampton via Moretonhampstead & Chagford and the 98 Yelverton – Tavistock.

By Train, Boat, Plane: There are rail services to Exeter, Newton Abbot, and Plymouth. Because Exeter has an airport and Plymouth has a ferry port, travelling by them will save you more time than commuting by bus or car.

Where Can You Stay in Dartmoor National Park?

Dartmoor's friendliness is a wonderful contrast to its normal pristine beauty: there are various alternatives, from pastoral campsites to classy B&Bs and trendy cottage hotels. Choose from a variety of alternatives, all with a distinct local character, and if you're lucky, you'll get to appreciate stunning moorland vistas. 

Camping is permitted on much of Dartmoor, but you should carefully consider locations where you can camp!. You can go wild camping in a tiny portable tent (backpack-sized), at least 100m off the road, for a night or two if you can remain in specified regions. You are not permitted to go wild camping in a large tent or car, and you are required to leave no trace.

20 Best Things To Do in Dartmoor National Park

Dartmoor National Park is no longer a desolate wasteland as it once was. If you’re planning to explore this amazing bit of land, here are the 20 best things to do in Dartmoor National Park to make your vacation more memorable!

Hiking

Dartmoor National Park spans 386 square miles and is home to moorlands, woods, rivers, ponds, and rocky granite tors.

There are several ways to experience and appreciate Devon and Dartmoor, whether on walking, by cycling, or on the back of a horse, but hiking seems to be the most popular.

These can range from a handful of miles to more than 12 miles, so please double-check your location before going on a Dartmoor National Park walk. Some of these routes will be difficult, while others will be easy, moderate, or guided treks.

Dartmoor is home to a variety of wildlife and cattle, so be mindful not to disturb, approach, touch, or feed any of them while on your walk.

Camping

There are some wonderful camping places in and around this rugged area that are well open to visitors, which is why camping in Dartmoor is becoming increasingly popular.

Wild camping is permitted on Dartmoor for up to two nights as part of a multi-day trip or hike. We described the sites where you are permitted to stay in the wild in the previous sections.

However, you must have a thorough preparation, because camping in a deserted place like this can be inconvenient.

You must not light a campfire when camping in the wild on Dartmoor. Use a steamer for cooking instead.

Some moor areas have no phone service, making navigation difficult in inclement weather.

Dartmoor does not accept big groups of people to camp in the wild, and huge tents are not permitted. Instead, pack tiny with lightweight tents to avoid getting bulky while moving the stuff around.

Camping must be at least 100 meters away from any road. The area where you pitch your tent must be kept clean, and any waste must be collected before you depart.

Even in the summer, heavy rain is possible on Dartmoor.

Some areas you might consider for this trip include River Dart Country Park, Hennock Hideaways Campground, Ashbourne Woods, etc.

Walking through Wistman’s Wood, Devon

Wistman's Wood is a short hike along a well-marked trail in the heart of Dartmoor National Park. Nestled among lichen-covered trees in a forest that has not been disturbed for hundreds of years. Climb the Wistman's Wood valley to the top of Longaford Tor, where you can enjoy panoramic views of windy Dartmoor and potentially see Princetown and its historic prison, Cut Hill - Dartmoor most remote from any road.

Fingle Woods - An Interesting Forest to Explore

Fingle Woods is an 825-acre ancient woodland in Devon's Teign Valley, at the northern boundary of Dartmoor National Park. It is located on the south bank of the river, downstream of Finger Bridge. Previously, many portions of Finger Woods were inaccessible to the public; however, during the last two years, the National Trust and Woodland Trust have installed several miles of improved walking trails and markers. Enjoy the lovely morning sun, or glimpse the brilliant blue of the kingfisher as it dashes down the banks of the Fingle River, and hear the rap of woodpeckers and otters. You may also try the Wildflower Search, which includes anything from weed lawns and anemones to daffodils.

Horse Riding - A Memorable Activity at Dartmoor National Park

Look at those semi-wild ponies. Rurik, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Dartmoor is a favoured destination to go horseback riding because of its stunning scenery, tough courses, wide sky and solitude, and surrounding elements. This is one of the most popular activities in Dartmoor National Park. 

Many Dartmoor public houses accept riders and provide leashes or oars, water for your horse, and a nearby picnic table. Even if you've tethered your horse to the brace, keep an eye on it when you're not riding.

Holwell Lawn Bluebell Circular Walk

In Dartmoor National Park, Holwell Lawn is the most popular location to see green dumbbells. Bluebells bloom for approximately a week in late spring, generally in May, and create a carpet of blue. From Hound Tor's large parking lot, you will see a massive pile of rock in front of you. Looking down from the peak, the green dumbbells of the Hound Tor Abandoned Medieval Settlement and Greater Rocks can be seen to the west and southwest.

White Lady Falls

Whitelady Falls pours down through Lydford Gorge, producing a stunning waterfall where the Lyd River joins the Burn River, surrounded by scenery resembling a mossy and fern rainforest. If you go after a hard rain, you'll see the falls at their most dramatic: white noise and sprays of water on your skin will help bury your thoughts and transport you far.

Haytor Quarry

Haytor Quarry, the largest of the region's five granite quarries, features two regions of historical mining activity and several accompanying damage heaps. The mine was constructed in the late 1800s and was dispersed over the nineteenth century until the 1860s. Despite having a lesser wildlife value than terrestrial plantations, this area is home to rare butterflies. Sky parks, pipit meadows, stonechats, wheatears, Dartford warblers, and crows are all common in moors. After you've climbed it, you'll see a lake with mysterious water at the moun