One of the biggest surprises during our road trip through Cornwall, Devon and Kent was the wild and barren landscape of Dartmoor National Park. A place unlike any other really. Dartmoor NP is located between Plymouth and Exeter in the south of Devon and is named as one of the last great wildernesses in the UK. Famous for its heatherclad moors, rugged tors, standing stones and wandering ponies, this area surely evokes the imagination.
The first day of our visit we were lucky to enjoy blue skies and a very rosy sunset, shining a light over the vast landscapes. The second day, clouds and mist gave the area an eerie look and feel. In the spirit of that latter landscape, Dartmoor has been immortalized in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s “The Hound of the Baskervilles,” one of the stories about Sherlock Holmes.
The park is stretching across 368 square miles and although there are some things to see and do over here (see the list below), the best way to enjoy it is just to get out onto it with your car. That sounds lazy perhaps, but it’s just a sign of how picturesque the park is. As most spots are located along the main B3212 road, this park is a convenient one if you are on a long road trip. If you’re more in an adventurous mood, a bicycle would work out in here too, but only when you avoid the busies summer months. During our visit in October we encountered not that many other visitors, a feeling that added to the desolate atmosphere of the surroundings.
So apart from touring around, what’s out there to do? See our highlights in here:
Clapper Bridge
Blink once and you’d miss this ancient bridge along the B3212. The Clapper Bridge, formed by large flat slabs of stone, is one of the oldest bridges in the whole of Europe. Even to this day it’s fascinating to see how it’s been constructed. Perhaps it’s not worth a detour, but if you’re crossing Dartmoor via this route (and quite logically you will if you’re visiting the park) it’s a worthy break along the way. Apparently there are often ponies to be found over here too, setting the scene for a photogenic shot (which I forgot to make).
A sunset walk from Warren House Inn ↓
You could basically stop anywhere around Dartmoor NP for a gorgeous walk. We chose to park the car close to Warren House Inn, a remote and iconic restaurant in the heart of Dartmoor, as it was possible to climb high up in here for a gorgeous overview of the area. There’s wild moorland as far as the eye can see up here, only to be interrupted by the sight of sheep and horses.
The Warren House Inn itself is a typical traditional Devon pub, lost in the mists of time and with a warm and cosy ambiance. Ideal for a hot chocolate in front of the log fire after a wild and windy walk. Dogs are very much welcomed in here too.
Belstone ↓
Located on the edge of Dartmoor NP, Belstone isn’t really a touristy destination. Nevertheless I personally thought it was the loveliest chocolate box village of all of Dartmoor.
There are superb walks in here for both human and dog along the Taw River. If you’re looking for some scones afterwards, the Old School Tearoom is your place to be.
Castle Drogo ↓
If you are a Game of Thrones fan, the name of this castle might lure you in anyway. That said, don’t expect an old-fashioned castle in here. Constructed between 1911 and 1930, Castle Drogo is not your typical British bucket list type of castle. More like a mock fortress. Moreover, for year the National Trust has been restoring the roofs and stonework of the building, which means you can’t enter the building anyway.
Nothing but credit for NT, but all in all castle itself isn’t the main feature why one should visit the area. It’s the garden and the surrounding grounds of the castle. The more adventurous among us should especially try (part of) the 4,5 miles walk along the Teign Valley. It’s a strenuous route, but quite a worthy one if you want to break a sweat!
Chagford ↓
In the picture above you can already see the next stop on this list: the quaint, little town of Chagford. This place is well worthy of a stop if you’re looking for a souvenir (f.e. Three Hare Gallery), some goodies (go to Blacks Delicatessen!), antiques, or a sandwich. The traditional stone cottages are centered around a square, with a nearby bordering 15th century church.
Here’s where to find the spots!
