Dartmoor National Park Reviews Summary

Category: National park

Address: United Kingdom

Phone: +441626832093

Rating: 4.8
based on 428 reviews.

Scenery and Landscape

Pros:

  • "Fantastic, hauntingly beautiful area with ancient rock outcroppings."
  • "The Dartmoor landscape is very dramatic, from striking granite tors to steep wooded river valleys."
  • "Absolutely stunning setting, great for walking, cycling or just taking in the views."
  • "Great scenery and views, worth heading away from the roads for the peace and quiet."
  • "The view is outstanding I have never seen such a beautiful countryside before."
  • "Stunning scenery, beautiful views from every hill."
  • "Anywhere you stop and every direction you turn and gaze has another stunning view."

Cons:

  • "In the winter it has a certain bleak beauty and harshness about it."
  • "Empty, nothing here to see or do, it's time to build 6 lane wide roads, factories, houses, shops etc."
  • "The scenery is absolutely beautiful but there are no signs marking trails and the paths are far from straight forward."
  • "The rugged beside of Dartmoor is captivating."
  • "However, it can be very easy to get lost especially if you go off track."
  • "The view from Down Tor is really beautiful, but the trails can be hard to navigate in low visibility."
  • "If only people wouldn’t insist on coming unprepared, then leaving their litter and both dog and human waste to contaminate the land."

Wildlife and Flora

Pros:

  • "Animals are friendly but best to keep your distance to be safe."
  • "A beautiful historic landscape, both ancient and man made, with a few accessible paths and lots of beautiful wooded valleys with red listed birds, bats and other wildlife."
  • "During summer it blooms and is full of animal and plant life."
  • "Great chance to see animals out and about too although they do walk on the road."
  • "What took our breath away were the bluebells! The haze of lavender blue hillside, as we looked across from Smallacombe Rocks turned out to be drifts of scented bluebells."
  • "One can enjoy the varied plant and animal life."
  • "It is lovely seeing the foals just after they've been born."

Cons:

  • "Be prepared to be bitten by ticks."
  • "Drive carefully so you don’t hit and kill sheep, pony’s or cows."
  • "Make sure dogs are kept on leads as there are sheep and horses grazing."
  • "Don’t understand that ANY dog off it’s lead (yes, even yours) can suddenly decide to chase livestock or disturb ground nesting birds."
  • "Unfortunately, there were people allowing their dogs to run wild despite signs stating they should be on leads."
  • "Try and avoid getting too close to the ponies they can kick if startled which happened to me!"
  • "Pity about the litter in some places."

Weather and Climate

Pros:

  • "The more you go the more you love it.... The weather is in its own entity up there though."
  • "Weather was mostly dry which was a bonus."
  • "The weather here is unpredictable and fast moving."
  • "The summer typically provides good temperatures, although its not uncommon for showers."
  • "Really nice place to walk on a cold, crisp, clear winter day."
  • "Fabulous views, walking, peace & quiet."
  • "A wonderful place to get outdoors with hills that are not too steep that would suit any level of hiker."

Cons:

  • "Make sure you check the weather forecast as it cam catch you out up on the moor."
  • "Weather can be horrendous and change quickly."
  • "Please don’t get lost as the weather can change in seconds."
  • "Just watch out for the weather. It can change very quickly."
  • "The weather can, and often does, change very rapidly on the Moor."
  • "If weather is bad on low ground, it will be worse on Dartmoor."
  • "However, the weather has its own plans and you should always take a jacket or rain gear with you."

Accessibility and Amenities

Pros:

  • "Some lovely villages with nice pubs to stop for lunch."
  • "It's an amazing open space with unobstructed views, great for all levels of mobility, and of immense historical value."
  • "Numerous car parks at various points along the route through the park."
  • "Parking was easy, access points all around."
  • "Throughout the park there is free parking."
  • "There is a fairly large car park in the village, which is free."
  • "Very good. Good large car park. Toilet facilities."

Cons:

  • "Public stops and parking need monitoring for litter and offenders need to be fined on the spot."
  • "Carpark spaces aren't segregated though, so make sure you can get out before you park up as a careless driver blocked is in."
  • "Some areas are restricted so beware of no entry signs in case of roaming bulls or other untamed animals."
  • "Would be nice to have a map by the car park and several restricted areas present."
  • "Also bring snacks and be prepared to have a big bladder because there's a lack of amenities around here."
  • "Parking wasn't free but not expensive."
  • "Unfortunately, there were people allowing their dogs to run wild despite signs stating they should be on leads."

Outdoor Activities and Experiences

Pros:

  • "We camped out, went for a dip and a few walks."
  • "Walking here is fantastic but you should be properly prepared and equipped."
  • "Fallen in love with this place! Such a lot to see and do and only spent 2 days exploring."
  • "Love this place. Wild camping is a must, lazy days and relaxed eating."
  • "Is only place in England you can officially wild camp with some restrictions."
  • "Great for ourdoors actives hiking running and bikes, wild camping."
  • "Amazing place lots to do and see lots of walks and trails."

Cons:

  • "Be very careful when driving!"
  • "Went wild camping in early spring, it was cold wet and very much a case of trekking through swamp land."
  • "Be careful driving or cycling along the road as there may well be animals either walking or lying in the road, especially when it's warm."
  • "My only issue is not with the landscape or wildlife, it’s the people driving through at speed and tailgating those who decide to respect the speed limit."
  • "Watch out tho as sometimes there’s illegal hunting on the grounds!"
  • "But please take care folks. The weather here is unpredictable and fast moving."
  • "Love this place but needs more visible rangers and certainly needs a speed camera or two."

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