Self-guided holidays : Self-guided short break walking holidays : Rural retreats
Dartmoor
The name Dartmoor conjures up a variety of images. For many it is a savage upland wilderness, prone to thick fog and covered in deep peat bogs waiting to trap the unwary. Throw in a demonic dog and a less prepossessing place to spend a walking break would appear hard to find!
Dartmoor is one of Britain’s National Parks and those of us who have grown up with the moor see the region in a completely different light. The best of the walking is around the edge of the moor where the rivers which rise on the upland plateau lose height rapidly, and cascade through a series of green valleys. The most distinctive feature of this beautiful landscape is the myriad of granite outcrops, a legacy of a volcanic age, which protruding through the verdant moorland; exhilarating highpoints from which to view the surrounding countryside.
Dartmoor supports a wealth of flora and fauna. In spring hedgerow flowers line the tracks, lanes and woodland margins, whilst in late summer heather throws a cloak of purple across huge swathes of the land. Gorse spatters the hillsides with gold and scents the air with a coconut fragrance. Wild Dartmoor ponies roam across the moor, ground nesting birds including lark, red grouse, plover and the elusive ring ouzel make their homes in the rough moorland grasses, birds of prey hover overhead, and the moorland streams team with wild brown trout. In all but the wettest of conditions the short springy turf of the moorland paths makes for perfect underfoot conditions.
The first of your walks will take you to across the springy moorland of Ripon Tor and down into the valley of Ruddycleave Water to the village of Buckland-in-the-Moor with its picturesque thatched cottages. A climb across Pudsham Down will bring you to the the rocky summits of Pil Tor and Top Tor for grand views of Saddle Tor, Hay Tor, Hound Tor and across towards Princetown. Your second walk will take you from the moorland village of Manaton, past the weathered granite pillar of Bowerman’s Nose to Houndtor Cross. A short climb will bring you to the summit of Hound Tor with its jumbled mass of rocks, followed by a descent through a deserted medieval village to reach a stone clapper bridge over the Becka Brook. This is an idyllic spot, particularly in high summer when the cool water is irresistible! Up to Smallacombe Rocks and then an inviting walk across open moorland leads to Haytor Rocks - Dartmoor’s best-known landmark - and a rolling grassy descent to Haytor Vale
You will stay at the Rock Inn in the small village of Haytor Vale, which nestles in the shadow of Haytor Rocks - one of Dartmoor's most spectacular and atmospheric locations. The historic coaching in offers comfortable individually decorated rooms which combine traditional beamed ceilings with 21st century comforts. Excellent food with a local flavour, and a well stocked bar serving local ales complete the picture. Who could ask for more?
Holiday options
| Code: SBDTM |
| Nights: 3 |
| Price: £355 |
- All of the above prices are per person, and based upon two guests sharing a double or twin-bedded room.
- Single traveller supplement; £180
(More about single supplement). - Discounts available for parties of three or more guests.
Currency Converter
All of our prices are in British pounds. To estimate the cost in another currency use our currency converter.