Dartmoor National Park is made up of wild, open moorlands and deep river valleys. The park is a unique place, being rich in history and rare wildlife. Below we have put together everything we think you need to know before visiting but, if you want to know more, check out their website. It is simply a must visit on Your Devon Escape.
Dartmoor National Park is a fabulous place to go walking. With a variety of walks on offer from accessible walks to walks suitable for dogs, there is so much to see and explore. The park also offers organised guided walks. If you are not big on map reading but want to discover more of Dartmoor’s beauty, this might be the option for you. Dartmoor also offers a walking festival organised by the Moorland Guides each year. Explore a different side of the moors, from its folklore to history through a selection of different walks guided by experts. Check out their website to plan your perfect route based on your group’s mobility and ability.
Dartmoor is a great place to cycle with an extensive network of on- and off-road cycle routes. Since the Tour of Britain first visited Dartmoor, there has been an increase in popularity of on-road cycling but be careful of what you might meet on the roads, such as cattle and tractors. They also offer some great traffic-free and off-road cycle routes. With an extensive list of both long and short routes across Dartmoor, check out their website to find out more. Fancy making your cycle a bit of a competition. Why not enter the Dartmoor Classic on Your Devon Escape, and see much of what the moors has to offer from your bike?
The River Dart offers some of the best white water canoeing in the country. The riparian owners of the River Dart welcome canoeists from 1st October to 31st March each year. There is no general permission to canoe on Dartmoor’s inland rivers, but it is allowed on the River Dart during the winter below Dartmeet. There are various access points within the National Park, check out their website to find out more.
Many of Dartmoor’s granite tors offer both challenging and exciting bouldering opportunities for climbers. Got the gear? Check out the website to find some perfect locations to spend the day. Or if you fancy climbing but are new to it or not the most confident, then book to go on an organised climb.
The activity of Letterboxing originated on Dartmoor. From its early beginnings of leaving glass jars for visitors to leave visiting cards, it has grown into hikers leaving letters and postcards in boxes on trails. The concept combines both orienteering with treasure hunting and puzzle solving. If you are planning a letterbox walk, ensure you notify the National Park before setting out on your adventure. Or try out geocaching. This concept is similar but is done by GPS receivers and maps to hunt out hidden caches. If you have a GPS, check out the geocaching website to register on Dartmoor and plan your route today.
Horse riding on the open moor is an exhilarating experience and gives a totally different perspective to walking. Whether you are an experienced rider or on your first trek, Dartmoor is hard to beat. With great views and terrain, experience Dartmoor in a unique way. There are several stables on Dartmoor from which you can take a lesson or go on a trek. Check out Visit Dartmoor for more information on the different stables on offer.
SWIMMING
There are lots of opportunities to take a dip on the moors. From paddling and picnicking to wild swimming in gorges and valleys, there is something for all ages and abilities. The most popular is Spitchwick, where the River Dart curls round a picnic spot. It is perfect for a wet and wonderful day out. For those more adventurous, check out the Maverick Guide for some of the best wild swimming spots.
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