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Simply Devon and Cornwall. Hotels in Devon. Hotels in Cornwall. Devon information. Cornwall information. Devon days out. Cornwall days out. Devon webcams. Cornwall webcams. Eating out in Devon. Eating out in Cornwall. Devon holidays. Cornwall holidays. Simply Devon and Cornwall.
SPECIAL FEATURE
Dartmoor for Wimps
Dartmoor is a wild, varied, moody and beautiful haven for hard-core outdoor types.
However, if you want to experience a bit of Dartmoor, but aren't keen walking miles and miles, getting cold and wet, getting blisters, and spending the night in a draughty bunkhouse, our guide to "Dartmoor for Wimps" is just the thing for you. We've put together our top five of ways to enjoy Dartmoor, without getting too cold, miserable and muddy. Our guide is especially useful if you have a couple of reluctant kids in tow.
Introduction to Dartmoor
Dartmoor is an area of moorland in the centre of Devon. Protected by National Park status, it covers 368 square miles.
The granite upland dates from the Carboniferous period of geological history. The moorland is capped with many exposed granite hilltops (known as tors), providing habitats for Dartmoor wildlife. The highest point is High Willhays, 621 m above sea level. The entire area is rich in antiquities.
Parts of Dartmoor have been used as a military firing range for over 200 years. The public enjoy extensive access rights to the rest of Dartmoor, and it is a popular tourist destination. The Park was featured on the TV programme Seven Natural Wonders as the top natural wonder in South West England.
3. Widecombe-in-the-Moor
Widecombe is a lovely moorland village, with cozy pubs, a nice church, warm teashops and the National Trust's historic Church House which occasionally hosts farmers' markets and village events. If you feel inclined to walk, you can either head out of the village on foot or drive to nearby Haytor for a short and pleasant walk up to the tor where there are nice views to be had.
Click to visit the Widecombe-in-the-Moor website for lots more information on Widecombe and the surrounding area
4. Walk or cycle around Burrator Reservoir
This is the second reservoir in our top five. We like Dartmoor's reservoirs because they are all fabulously scenic, have mainly flat circular walks, and are ideal for picnicing in the warmer weather. The full circuit of Burrator is a very pleasant 3.5 miles - and if you really must, there are various detours up to high tors around the reservoir along the way. If you've got bikes with you, the reservoir's flat circuit also makes for a pleasant ride. There's a bit of a shortage of places to eat or drink nearby, although the Burrator Inn has a decent reputation, and there are tea shops in nearby Yelverton and Princetown.
The BBC website has a good feature on walks around Burrator Reservoir -
click here to visit.
Dartmoor for Wimps - Top 5
(in no particular order)
1. An easy walk around Fernworthy Reservoir
Close to the pretty Dartmoor town of Chagford and home to a wide variety of birds and wildlife, Fernworthy is a great place to visit whether it is to walk, bird watch, fish or picnic. There are a number of way marked walks around the lake and forest including a circular waterside walk of about three miles and a walk designated for less able visitors with seats and information en-route.
The circular walk from the car park and around the reservoir is mostly flat (with the exception of a steepish climb down and back up again by the dam). It can get a bit muddy, but as long as you wear wellies or decent trainers/walking boots you should be fine. Even with reluctant kids in tow, it should take under an hour. For a civilised recovery from your walk, head back to Chagford for lunch in one of the nice pubs, or for a cream tea in one of the village's teashops.
Click to visit the South West Lakes Trust website for more information on Fernworthy Reservoir.
2. The Two Bridges Hotel, near Princetown
The Two Bridges Hotel is delightful. It has a "country house hotel" feel, but is very welcoming whether you are staying the night or just dropping in for coffee, afternoon tea, or a spot of lunch. In winter (and it's nearly always winter on Dartmoor) there are two huge crackling log fires in the main lounge area - and even a few board games if you are so inclined.
Click for more information on the Two Bridges Hotel, or to book a stay.
The Bedford Hotel
Tavistock ***
Warm traditional hotel in the award-winning market town of Tavistock.
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