Dartmoor is home to some of the UK’s most well preserved wildlife and provides an excellent environment to push yourself. Whether out for a ramble, an undulating bike ride or a cheeky wild swim, this mars-like place has something for everyone. Great places include:
Meldon Quarry
Located just off the A30, this spot will bring joy to both the keen walker and wild swimmer. There is lots of cool stuff to see in this area, including Meldon Dam, which sits 900ft above sea level, and a disused quarry, which boasts a deep expanse of water perfect for swimming and scrambling.
Cullever Steps
Closest by road to the village of Belstone, this idyllic area must be accessed first by a decent walk. A series of small pools that lines the base of a small valley, Cullever Steps is fun spot for a scramble, a streamside walk and even a wee swim for the hardy. (Note: these pools are quite shallow, so dive with extreme caution.)
Haytor
Okay, so this may not be as little known as others on this list as Haytor is one of the more accessible peaks on Dartmoor (the nearest carpark is just a few hundred meters away!). Combine with a walk from one of its sister peaks and this turns out to be a much better challenge for the keen walker. The views from the top of nearby Teignmouth and Dawlish are somewhat supreme.
Hound Tor
Striking in its appearance, Hound Tor is located near Bovey Tracey. This aesthetically pleasing and heavily weathered outcrop provides the perfect stop for those looking for an adventure on the East side of Dartmoor. This striking feature resides nearby a deserted medieval village and is sometimes traversed by slackliners.
Photo by @richpearson87 on Instagram
Badgers Holt
Blocks of granite that permeate the surface of a slow flowing river and situated next to a tea room – what more could one ask for. This tranquil spot is found on the middle of the moors, between Princetown and Widecombe in the moor.
Photo by @2003louise on Instagram
Burator Reservoir/Sheepstor
A favourite for walkers approaching from the south, this large reservoir was finished in 1898 and the dam holds drinking water that is used by most of Plymouth. This is a beautiful 4 mile walk with some severe dampness in places. You might want to give yourself a good few hours to complete this route, but you won’t be disappointed by the surroundings.
Sheepstor, the peak that overlooks Burator, is equalled in beauty and is well worth a visit if you have time to squeeze both into the same trip. While it’s a fairly sharp, intense climb from the nearest road, you will at least get a seat to admire the view from the top!
What are your favourite Dartmoor spots? We’d love to hear them. Also, if you liked this post then read more about Cornwall’s highest peaks, Brown Willy and Roughtor.
