Dartmoor National Park wilderness guide
National Park · Devon, England
Horse%20Riding Guide

Dartmoor National Park

Dartmoor National Park offers a rugged landscape rich with history, wildlife, and outdoor opportunities. It is renowned for its moorland, tors, and ancient archaeological sites.

National Park368,0004+ Trails

Designation

National Park

Total Wilderness Area

368,000

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Dartmoor National Park

Dartmoor National Park offers a rugged landscape rich with history, wildlife, and outdoor opportunities. It is renowned for its moorland, tors, and ancient archaeological sites.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Dartmoor National Park encompasses over 368 square miles of open moorland in Devon, England, characterized by its granite tors, valleys, and wooded areas. Established in 1951, the park presents a striking natural landscape with a mix of ecosystems, including heathlands and forested areas. Historically, Dartmoor is dotted with prehistoric stone circles, Neolithic tombs, and remnants of medieval villages, providing a fascinating window into the past. The park is a haven for hikers, offering diverse trails and picturesque landscapes that cater to various skill levels. Key landmarks include the famous granite tors, such as Haytor and Hound Tor, which offer breathtaking views. The park's diverse flora and fauna include ponies, deer, and a variety of bird species. Its natural beauty and cultural heritage attract millions of visitors annually, who engage in activities such as hiking, cycling, rock climbing, and wildlife watching.

Field Guide · National Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Dartmoor National Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

Haytor, a famous granite tor offering stunning panoramic viewsSpotting the iconic Dartmoor Ponies roaming freelyExploring the archaeological site of Grimspound, a Bronze Age settlementEnjoying a trek to the secluded Wistman's Wood, a rare upland oakwood
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Dartmoor National Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Dartmoor National Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free access to the park, but some car parks may charge fees.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Dartmoor National Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Lydford Caravan and Camping Park

Located near Lydford Gorge, offers facilities like showers and toilets.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Dartmoor National Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Princetown, England, United Kingdom
2.56 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Princetown, England, United Kingdom

Princetown, set in the heart of Dartmoor National Park, is a rugged outdoor hub offering hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife watching amid sweeping moorland and granite tors. Perfect for adventurers seeking raw nature and wide-open skies.

Late Spring to Early Autumn
Explore Town
Princetown, Devon
2.56 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Princetown, Devon

Princetown is a gateway to the wild landscapes of Dartmoor National Park, perfect for hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and wildlife watching. This moorland town offers vast open spaces and rugged terrain that outdoor lovers will appreciate.

Late Spring to Early Autumn
Explore Town
Yelverton, Devon
7.83 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Yelverton, Devon

Yelverton is your launch pad to Dartmouth adventures—with trails through scenic landscapes and landmarks like Burrator Reservoir and Buckland Abbey. Perfect for all adventurers!

Spring and Autumn
Explore Town
Buckfastleigh, Devon
8.43 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Buckfastleigh, Devon

Buckfastleigh offers easy access to Dartmoor’s wild landscapes with hiking, mountain biking, and paddling on the River Dart. Enjoy historic railways, quiet camping, and nature watching in Devon’s peaceful countryside.

Spring to Early Autumn
Explore Town
Dartmoor, Devon
8.93 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Dartmoor, Devon

Dartmoor offers wild moorland, granite tors, and ancient woodlands in southwest England. Popular for hiking, biking, paddling, and backpacking, it’s a landscape rich with history and outdoor adventure year-round.

Late Spring to Early Autumn
Explore Town
Belstone, Devon
12.02 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Belstone, Devon

Belstone, a quaint village in Devon, serves as a gateway to Dartmoor’s vast moorlands. Ideal for hiking, mountain biking, wildlife spotting, and backpacking, it offers immersive, rugged outdoor adventures in a peaceful countryside setting.

Late Spring to Early Autumn
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Dartmoor National Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Safari & Skills: 90 Minutes of Off‑Road Segway Riding in Cann Woods
ADVEXPEDITION
Plymouth, United Kingdom
SegwayADV Bookable

Safari & Skills: 90 Minutes of Off‑Road Segway Riding in Cann Woods

The Safari & Skills Top Tour at Cann Woods is a 90‑minute session that pairs one‑to‑one training with miles of woodland trails and a dedicated skills course—this guide lays out what to expect and how to prepare.

SegwayPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip