Dartmoor England s Last Great Wilderness
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Travel Leisure -> subcategory Destinations.
Dartmoor: England's Last Great Wilderness
Overview
Dartmoor, designated a National Park in 1951, is located in the southern part of Devon, southwest England, and spans 365 square miles. Nearly half of this area is swampland, offering a sanctuary for wildlife and a retreat for those seeking to escape urban life.
Historical Wilderness
Since 1307, Dartmoor Forest has been owned by the Duchy of Cornwall. Once a royal hunting ground, it dominates the region with its grass and heather moors, punctuated by large granite boulders. Wild ponies roam freely across the rugged hills, each pony having an owner who gathers them every autumn.
Natural and Historical Riches
Woodland covers approximately 10% of the moor, often found along serene river valleys. Ancient stone circles and burial chambers reflect Dartmoor's enigmatic history. Notably, the village of Grimspound was the setting for Sherlock Holmes's investigation into the hound of the Baskervilles.
In the 12th century, Dartmoor was one of Europe's major tin mining hubs. Ruins of stone-built miners' homes are visible along the area's streams and rivers.
Trails and Legends
The Abbot's Way crosses the southern moor, darting through wild country and bogs. Its name is derived from the abbots who traveled between Buckland Abbey and Buckfast Abbey. The landscape reveals Bronze and Iron Age hut circles, showcasing human presence through the ages.
Harford Moor, south of Abbot’s Way, attracted medieval tin miners. Now, it draws visitors to its vast wilderness and diverse wildlife. The medieval cross at Harford Church served as a waymarker for travelers navigating the moors.
Attractions and Scenic Beauty
Becky Falls Woodland Park, open to the public since 1903, offers some of the most enjoyable walks in England's southwest, complete with enchanting waterfalls and massive granite formations.
To the west, the Upper Plym Valley showcases a rich array of plants and wildlife. The tracks here are easier to traverse than elsewhere on the moors, offering a delightful exploration of abandoned tin mines and prehistoric relics like stone and hut circles, all set amidst spectacular moorland scenery.
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