Dartmoor National Park is located in central Devon and is one of the county’s most significant natural landscapes. It is known for its open moorland, granite tors and wide, exposed views. The park covers a large area of upland terrain and forms the core of inland Devon. It is widely visited for walking, cycling and exploring prehistoric sites, with access points across the moor via a network of roads and villages.
About Dartmoor National Park
Dartmoor covers approximately 954 square kilometres and consists mainly of open moorland, interspersed with river valleys, farmland and small settlements. The landscape is defined by its granite geology, which forms the distinctive tors that rise above the surrounding terrain.
The area has a long history of human activity, with evidence of prehistoric settlements, stone circles and burial sites scattered across the moor. Later use included farming, quarrying and tin mining, traces of which remain visible in the landscape.
Much of Dartmoor is designated as open access land, allowing visitors to walk freely across large areas outside of enclosed farmland. Roads cross the moor, linking key locations such as Princetown, Two Bridges and Moretonhampstead, making it relatively accessible despite its remote character.
Landscape and Key Features
Dartmoor is defined by its varied upland landscape, combining open moorland with rivers and wooded valleys.
Granite tors – Large exposed rock formations scattered across the moor, often forming high points with wide views over the surrounding landscape.
Open moorland – Extensive areas of grassland and heather with few trees, creating a sense of space and exposure.
River valleys – Deep valleys such as the Dart and Teign, with woodland, fast-flowing water and contrasting enclosed scenery.
Prehistoric sites – Stone circles, standing stones and hut circles reflecting early human settlement across the moor.
Reservoirs – Large bodies of water such as Burrator and Roadford, used for water supply and accessible for walking routes.
Things to Do
Dartmoor offers a wide range of outdoor activities, primarily focused on walking and exploring the landscape.
Walking – Extensive network of footpaths and open access land allows both short walks and longer routes across the moor.
Cycling – Quiet roads and designated trails provide options for road cycling and off-road riding in selected areas.
Exploring tors – Many tors can be reached on foot, offering viewpoints and short objectives for walks.
Visiting villages – Settlements such as Widecombe-in-the-Moor provide access to the landscape along with basic facilities.
Wildlife observation – The moor supports ponies, birds and other wildlife, particularly in quieter areas away from main roads.
Key Locations and Access Points
Dartmoor can be accessed from multiple directions, with several well-established entry points and centres.
Princetown – Central location with visitor facilities, parking and road access across the moor.
Two Bridges – Key junction within Dartmoor, providing access to river valleys and walking routes.
Widecombe-in-the-Moor – Popular village with access to tors and shorter walking routes.
Haytor – One of the most visited areas, with roadside parking and easy access to a prominent tor.
Postbridge – Small settlement known for its historic clapper bridge and access to nearby moorland.
Practical Information
Dartmoor is accessible by car via roads crossing the moor, with parking available at many roadside locations and designated car parks. Public transport is limited, though some bus routes serve villages around the edge of the park.
Facilities vary by location, with visitor centres, cafes and toilets available in larger settlements such as Princetown and Widecombe. Outside these areas, services are limited.
Navigation can be challenging due to open terrain and limited signage away from main paths. Weather conditions can change quickly, and visibility may be reduced by mist or rain. Appropriate clothing and basic navigation awareness are important, particularly for longer walks.
When to Visit
Dartmoor can be visited throughout the year, though conditions vary significantly by season. Spring and summer offer longer daylight hours and generally more stable weather, making them the most suitable for extended walking.
Autumn provides quieter conditions and changing colours in the valleys, while winter can bring harsher weather, including strong winds, heavy rain and occasional snow on higher ground. Visibility can be limited at any time of year, particularly in mist.
Summary
Dartmoor National Park is one of Devon’s most significant natural landscapes, defined by its open moorland, granite tors and historic sites. Its combination of accessible roads, open access land and varied terrain makes it suitable for a wide range of visitors. It can be explored as part of a wider visit to central Devon or combined with nearby towns and coastal areas.