Dartmoor

Dartmoor in Devon - West Country

The national park of Dartmoor is often described as southern England's last great wilderness. It covers an area of 945 square kilometres (365 square miles)-over half the size of Greater London. Set among verdant rolling hills are three picturesque villages: Buckland-in-the-Moor, Lustleigh, and North Bovey, all classic English idylls of cob-and-thatch cottages. On the bracken- and heather-covered uplands, strangely shaped granite outcrops (known as tors) rear up starkly along fault lines. Elsewhere, sheep and wild Dartmoor ponies graze among enigmatic standing stones and the remnants of tin, lead, silver, and copper mines. Postbridge, featuring the best example of Dartmoor's rustic stone "clapper" bridges, is a favourite starting point for walks on the moor.

Pony in Nationalpark Dartmoor

The West Country is an informal term for the area of south-western England encompassing the counties of Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Dorset and Avon (sometimes includes the more northernly counties of Gloucestershire and Wiltshire).

The area is mostly rural, with a few notable cities, such as Bristol, Exeter and Plymouth. Tourism and agriculture, especially dairy farming, play a significant role in the economy.

The landscape is principally granite moorland in the west, chalk and limestone downland and clay vales in the east. Historically, tin mining and the fishery were sources of income and employment, but not so much today, although the latter still contributes to the economy. The region is most famous for its produce of cider, clotted cream and pasties.

The national parks of England and Wales are areas of relatively undeveloped and scenic landscape that are designated under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. Despite the name, national parks in England and Wales are quite different from those in many other countries, where national parks are owned and managed by the government as a protected community resource, and permanent human communities are not a part of the landscape. In England and Wales, designation as a national park can include substantial settlements and land uses which are often integral parts of the landscape, and land within a national park remains largely in private ownership.

Logo des Nationalpark Dartmoor

Wanderung im Dartmoor

Walking in Dartmoor

Dartmoor has over 500 miles (800 km) of footpathes and bridlepaths, and there is access over all common land within the National Park. There are walks for all abilities and interests. In addition, a number of access agreement areas have been established with landowners, providing further walking opportunities.
When on the high moors, be sure to take a good map and compass and wear suitable clothing.
Plenty of shorter moorland routes as well as woodland, reservoir and riverside walks exists. You can also join a guided walk led by an experienced Dartmoor guide. Details of extensive programme of walks including events for children, are in The Dartmoor Visitor, and during the winter a free leaflet is available.

Cycling

Cycling is a good way to explore Dartmoor´s rural lanes amid stunning scenery. Details of cycle hire are available from Information Centres. For off-road cycling, the is a track linking Goodameavy, on the south western edge of Dartmoor, with Laira Bridge on the edge of Plymouth.

Riding in Dartmoor

Riding can be an enjoyable way to see Dartmoor; you may ride on the commons, bridleways and byways. There are many excellent riding stables in the area. Most have horses to suit all ages and levels of experience, and can take you on anything from a gentle, one hour trek to an all-day ride for the more adventurous. In the peak season, you may have to book a ride several days in advance. There are details of riding stables in The Dartmoor Visitor

Impressions of Dartmoor

More Information to Dartmoor in Photos and Videos.

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