Winter is here and there is so much to enjoy still in the beautiful British countryside at this time of the year. Get snuggled up in aran sweaters from shamrockgift.com and get out and about to explore. One of the very best places in the UK to enjoy a winter walk is Dartmoor – the ancient land steeped in mystery and myth has long been a place that has been enjoyed by people who want to get out and enjoy the countryside. Here are a couple of great places to enjoy a walk in Dartmoor…
Venford Reservoir Walk – This stunning walk will take you through the beautiful countryside where you will see views across the landscape from Bench Tor as you will see the gorge below with all of its mysterious deep pools. Head back and see the peaceful wintery woodlands that the River Dart flows through as well as pretty waterfalls.
Wistmans Wood – These woodlands have stood for hundreds of years and are a fantastic place to enjoy a relaxing winter walk. The unusual, twisted shapes of the trees have led to many local stories of the woods being haunted – from the hounds that live in trees and haunt the woods at night to the strange tale of the hairy hands of a dead worker who appear at a motorists wheel to force the car off the road. The woods are a rich ecosystem that are protected from the grazing animals due to their inaccessibility and they are also home to many varieties of lichen.
Waterfalls, woodland and history on the moor
The wetter months bring Dartmoor’s waterfalls to life, as heavier rainfall swells the streams. Canonteign Falls is a good spot for a walk, and it is far quieter once the summer crowds have gone.
Woodland walks are another highlight. Bellever Forest and the Teign Gorge woodlands sit among the open moorland, so you never have to go far to find shelter from the wind and a change of scenery. In late autumn the last of the coloured leaves make these routes especially attractive.
Dartmoor is also full of ancient sites and the legends that go with them. The stone circle at Mardon Down and the tiny church at Brentor are both worth seeking out, and plenty more history is scattered across the moor if you know where to look. After a cold day outdoors, the moor’s cosy local pubs serve home cooked food made with local ingredients, and a Devonshire cream tea is a fitting way to warm up.