"Even When Devon's Not Being Her Usual Green Self.." Top 5 Page for this destination Dartmoor National Park by johngayton

Dartmoor National Park Travel Guide: 66 reviews and 166 photos

...She's still pretty stunning...

The 368 square miles of Dartmoor National Park occupies the heartland of South Devon and the word "heartland" is more than apt - It's even shaped like a heart!!

Yet whilst perhaps the term "National Park" may imply an impression of homogenity, an idea of sameness throughout its vast acreage, nothing could be further from the reality. The Moor (and for its locals Dartmoor is THE Moor!) defies easy description: being simultaneously; lush, green and fertile, and then a mere mile up the path, barren, grey and hostile - and we are not talking about changing seasons here, just walking 1,760 yards on the same afternoon!!

...Even when she's in white...

Winter View From Widecombe

Walking The Moor is the way to truly experience it and whilst much of the land is privately owned very little is fenced-in - even the sheep, cattle and ponies of The Moor are generally allowed free range with their only constraints being the strategically placed roadway grids to stop them getting off The Moor and the hedgerows to stop them getting at their winter feed in the fields before winter arrives!!!

...And In Green...!

Summer View From Widecombe

The Moor is very much a tourist destination, especially during the summer months with day-trippers abounding by the coach load. But wherever you are, even on the busiest summer day, you need never walk far to escape the madding crowds!!

Pros and Cons

Pros:Mostly Unspoilt and Accessible Wilderness
Cons:The "Beaten Paths" can be a tad overbeaten at times!
In a nutshell:Get off the "Beaten Path" and enjoy (Summer or Winter!)

Intro Updated Dec 29, 2007
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Reviews (10)

Dartmoor's Dark Skies Favorites (3)

With its sparse population and tracts of uninhabited moorland Dartmoor can be spectacularly lit-up on clear nights. Only... more travel advice

Discover The Undiscovered Dartmoor! Favorites (3)

Here's a press release I got in my mail box today from the Dartmoor National Park Authority: Granite cross discovered... more travel advice

Typical Dry-Stone Wall - Dartmoor National Park

Dry Stone Walling Favorites (3)

Dartmoor has the UK's largest concentration of granite, much of which is exposed above ground level. This thus made... more travel advice

The 359 Bus At Dunsford - Dartmoor National Park

Getting Around Without A Car Transportation (1)

Much of Dartmoor is a true wilderness and the best way to experience it is to get off the beaten paths and walk - but... more travel advice

Hotels (4)
See All Not One I Can Say Much About

Warnings and Dangers (2)
See All Weather!!

Comments (3)

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hunterV Nov 16, 2010 at 3:08 AM

I am sure I would have enjoyed those picturesque views and the air etc. Thank you for your detailed story....
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janetanne Aug 27, 2010 at 4:28 PM

If only I had been there for you to bake me a BD cake, I would have had the perfect BD! No cake this year. NO beer, and no cheer! Spending miserable days in Michigan, counting the days until I return to my own space and peace!
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Ina22Marina Jul 12, 2010 at 10:09 PM

Oh yeah, the sound of silence... how calming indeed!