Dartmoor, England
Granite Tors, Wild Moorland, Ancient History and Folklore
Granite Tors, Wild Moorland, Ancient History and Folklore
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Overview
Dartmoor is a vast, beautiful national park located in the county of Devon, Southwest England. It is famous for its wide-open moorlands, covered in heather and peat, which are dramatically punctuated by granite rock formations known as tors. The landscape is rugged, remote, and steeped in mystery and folklore, inspiring countless stories and legends, including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Hound of the Baskervilles. It's home to unique wildlife and is a protected area, perfect for hiking and exploring.
The park is one of the last great wilderness areas in Southern England, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and human history. You can find everything from Bronze Age stone circles and medieval crosses to ancient villages. A visit to Dartmoor is an experience in pure nature, offering fresh air, stunning views, and an unforgettable sense of peace and timelessness.
Climb one of Dartmoor's famous tors, such as Haytor Rocks or Great Staple Tor, for incredible panoramic views across the national park.
Tip: Haytor is one of the most accessible tors and offers a great reward for a short walk.
Keep an eye out for the semi-feral Dartmoor ponies, which roam freely across the moor. These hardy animals are iconic symbols of the park.
Tip: Always observe the ponies from a distance; never attempt to feed or pet them.
Discover the numerous remnants of the Bronze Age, including ancient stone rows, circles, and hut circles (the remains of early settlements). The area around Merrivale is especially rich in these historical features.
Tip: Look for the informative signs explaining the history and significance of these Neolithic and Bronze Age structures.
Tour this beautiful, working Benedictine monastery located on the edge of the moor. You can see the stunning Abbey Church, explore the tranquil gardens, and visit the gift shop, which sells goods made by the monks.
Tip: The Abbey has beautiful, detailed stained glass windows that are worth seeing on a sunny day.
While parts of the Tarka Trail are outside Dartmoor, the moorland section offers beautiful scenery. This trail system is based on the route of the novel Tarka the Otter.
Tip: Stick to the well-marked trails, especially if the weather is misty, as the moorland can be confusing to navigate.
Visit the museum located just outside the active Dartmoor Prison in Princetown. The museum provides a safe and fascinating look at the prison's history, which was originally built to house prisoners of the Napoleonic Wars.
Tip: The museum is highly educational and provides historical context for the remote location of the prison.
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