Situated in the south west of England, right in the very heart of Devon, Dartmoor is a landscape of stunning views, awe inspiring granite tors, deep wooded valleys with fast flowing rivers, and rugged, wide open spaces.
But Dartmoor also has a very gentle side. Safe, quiet areas where you can picnic with the family, easy to follow trails for strolling, walking and cycling, many lovely open spaces where the children can run to their heart’s content and a huge number of child friendly and dog friendly places to stay, to eat and attractions to visit.
Walking is good for your body, mind and soul, and where better to do it than amongst some of the most stunning, magical landscapes in the world.
Whether you’re looking for a challenging trek across windswept moors, or just a relaxing stroll through secluded woods, you’ve come to the right place.
Dartmoor has it all. Blaze your own trail, be a pioneer, explore and take the less trodden route. If you are a keen, confident walker, try one of the hard or moderate routes, gather your kit and head out the door.
If perhaps you are a little less confident of your surroundings, why not try a guided walk with one of the many superb walking groups or take advantage of the experience and knowledge of a walking guide. There are some excellent planned routes for families - including ones designed to put the children in charge - lasting from an hour to a full day.
The Official Tourism Guide http://www.visitdartmoor.co.uk/
Haytor and Hound tor Rocks
Haytor
Haytor is one of the more prominent granite outcrops on Dartmoor. It has wonderful views of the surrounding countryside and on a good day you can see the sea
How Do I Get There?
Car
There are a number of car parks approximately 3 miles from Bovey Tracey on the B3387 to Widdicombe road within easy walking range of the rocks
Bus.
The Haytor Hoppa operates a limited service see
Hound tor
Hound tor is one of the more prominent granite outcrops along with Haytor on Dartmoor. From here Haytor can be seen over the valley that seperates the two tors. It has wonderful views of the surrounding countryside as it is 414 metres above sea level .
The name was first recorded in the Domesday Book as 'Hundatora' and is thought to take the name from the animal name hound and nearby there are the remains of a medieval settlement.
There are refreshments available from the Hound of the Basket meals, a mobile van at the car park at the bottom of the tor.
How Do I Get There?
Car
From Bovey Tracey turn onto the B3387 and follow it to Haytor and then continue on towards Widecombe in the Moor. There is a right turn before the village which leads to Hound Tor.
Bus
There is currently no bus which travels via this tor
Dartmoor Way Cycle Route
The Dartmoor Way Cycle Route is a 95 mile-long circular route which winds its way around the natural beauty of Dartmoor National Park, linking hamlets, villages and towns along its length.
This recreational route takes cyclists through the varying landscape surrounding the High Moor, visitingattractive and interesting locations which offer a wide choice of places to eat, drink and stay for the night. The well-signed Dartmoor Way Cycle Route follows quiet Devon lanes and minor roads,and uses traffic-free cycle tracks wherever possible.
In addition to the main circular route, there is a 27 mile-long High Moorland link. This allows you to follow a 'figure of eight' route, or alternatively enjoy either of the shorter north or south circular routes.
The Dartmoor Way offers many possibilities for a break away - from a day trip or weekend, to a full 5 - 7 day holiday. From winding, secret, Devon lanes, to airy moorland roads with panoramic views, this route has interest packed into every mile.
Cyclists will discover full days of pedalling, and wonderful places to stay a while, and explore.
How Do I Get There?
See website for map www.dartmoorway.co.uk/home.php
The Templar Way
A scenic and historic waymarked route for walkers from Haytor on Dartmoor to Teignmouth and passing through the edge of Bovey Tracey.
The route as far as possible follows the route by which granite was taken from the quarries at Haytor to the sea at Teignmouth. From Haytor to Bovey Tracey, it follows the line of a granite tramway and further down, the route of the former Stover canal.
Click on the website link to download the Devon County Council leaflet about the Way or pick up a copy free from Bovey Tracey Information Centre (Station Road, Bovey Tracey).
The Information Centre also has a sheet describing walking routes from the centre of Bovey Tracey to Haytor which include the large part of the tramway section of the Templer Way.
Web
East Dartmoor National Nature Reserve
East Dartmmor National Nature Reserve is one of the best places in the country to enjoy the outdoors and to encounter wildlife. The reserve lies just a stone's throw from the iconic Haytor Rocks, and straddles both the high open moors and lower wooded valleys of dartmoor National park. It comprises three joined but distinct areas: Yarner Wood, Trendlebere Down and the valley of the River Bovey.
You are welcome to Walk the entire area of the reserve. There is an extensive network of footpaths and tracks to explore as well as trails to guide you.
There are car parks at Yarner Wood, Trendlebere Down and nearby Pullabrook Wood. There is a public toilet with disabled facilities at the NNR office located at the Yarner Wood car park.
Dogs are welcome but please respect other visitors, wildlife and livestock by keeping them under close control at all times.
How Do I Get There?
By car, from Bovey Tracey take the B3387 to Manaton (taking care not to fork left to Haytor). After about 1.5 miles, you will see the Yarner Wood car park signs on the left. Follow the driveway for 300m to the car park and the NNR office.
By bus use service 671, Okehampton to Newton Abbot, Wednesday only
Address
Yarner Wood, Bovey Tracey. TQ13 9LJ
Phone
01626 832330
Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust
Visit our all-weather visitor centre at Parke Estate, near Bovey Tracey, south-east Dartmoor
Come and meet the adoption ponies and learn about their heritage and future
The Centre is open on Sunday afternoons from Easter to end October from 1.00pm to 4.00pm.
Preserve the indigenous Dartmoor Pony.
Maintain its presence on Dartmoor.
Protect our heritage for future generations.
How Do I Get There?
PLYMOUTH to National Trust Estate, Parke, Bovey Tracey:
Enter A38 travelling north. About 26 miles.
Off at slip road onto Drumbridges roundabout. Second exit left onto A382 Newton Road towards Bovey Tracey. Travel 1.4 miles.
Enter roundabout and take second exit onto A382 Monks Way. 0.8 miles.
Enter roundabout and take first exit onto B3387. PARKE IS 200 YARDS ON RIGHT.
EXETER to National Trust Estate, Parke, Bovey Tracey:
Enter A38 travelling south. About 12 miles.
Off at slip road onto Drumbridges roundabout. Fourth exit left onto A382 Newton Road towards Bovey Tracey. Travel 1.4 miles.
Enter roundabout and take second exit onto A382 Monks Way. 0.8 miles.
Enter roundabout and take first exit onto B3387. PARKE IS 200 YARDS ON RIGHT.
NEWTON ABBOT to National Trust Estate, Parke, Bovey Tracey:
Enter A382 travelling towards the A38 at Drumbridges roundabout.
Third exit left onto A382 Newton Road towards Bovey Tracey. Travel 1.4 miles.
Enter roundabout and take second exit onto A382 Monks Way. 0.8 miles.
Enter roundabout and take first exit onto B3387. PARKE IS 200 YARDS ON RIGHT.
Address
Parke Estate, near Bovey Tracey,. TQ13 9JQ
Phone
01626 833234
Email
admin@dpht.co.uk
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