 Dartmoor National Park is situated in the southern part of the county of Devon, and is the most southerly national park in Britain, covering an area of 368 sq miles (953.11 sq.kms). Its core consists of a high, rolling upland, with the highest ground being found in the north moor. Dartmoor's relatively large area of unenclosed moorland, its farmed landscapes, and its valleys of broad-leaved woodland, combined with its imposing array of wildlife and cultural heritage and its integrity as uninterrupted upland, provides enjoyment to millions of people every year and is the home to over 33,000 people.
Dartmoor National Park Authority 2003 |
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Of our five identified 'Beacon Villages', Belstone and Throwleigh are very much moorland based, while South Tawton was a Norman manor, South Zeal, in the valley, was historically a farming and trading village and Sticklepath a coaching stop on the old Cornwall Road. All are centred round the great Cosdon Beacon, great not so much in height as in sheer bulk, a recognisable feature from many miles around. However, Dartmoor's highest peaks, Yes Tor and High Willhays both lie in the northern area of the moor from Throwleigh Common to Meldon, that is regarded as 'our' part of the moor. All are within good hiking distance and a Sunday morning walk from South Zeal, through Sticklepath, over the moor past Skaigh Warren to the Belstone Tors public house, is a quite acceptable way of developing a thirst. For those of a more equine leaning, it is a good exercise ride from one of the four villages over Cosdon and back via South Tawton Common if you have your own mount failing which, a moorland trek, in a party from one of the nearby riding stables can give you the appetite to go with the thirst. |
Dartmoor National Park Authority
www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk |
Dartmoor "The Last Great Wilderness"
"If you want sternness and loneliness, you may pass into Dartmoor. There are wastes and wilds, crags of granite, views into far off districts and the sounds of waters hurrying away over their rocky beds, enough to satisfy the largest hungering and thirsting after poetical delight. I shall never forget the feelings of delicious enhancement with which I approached the outskirts of Dartmoor."
William Howitt, Rural Life of England, 1838, Vol 2, p 378 |
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