s of which there are about 160. Over 30,000 people live here. The highest point is
High Willhays at 2,039 ft (621 m) and is easily accessible from the car park at
Meldon Reservoir.
Places in which to base yourself
There are a number of 'gateway towns' around the fringes of the moors. To the north and east try
Chagford and
Moretonhampstead. To the north and west try
Okehampton and
Lydford.
Ashburton, to the east, is gorgeous and
Tavistock, to the west, is a great place from which to explore the high moors as well as the
Tamar Valley AONB.
Rich prehistory
People have lived on these moors since prehistory with few areas in the UK having a higher concentration of
prehistoric monuments. Once a royal hunting forest, in medieval times tin-mining flourished here. Today the British Army use areas of Dartmoor for their training and control around 30,000 acres.
Dartmoor Ponies
Dartmoor Ponies roam the moors, hikers pound its
trails. There are
castles and
gorges,
museums and ancient
woods. We recommend a visit in Spring and early Summer to see the wild flowers in full show.
Oh, and lanes can be sunken and hedges high so drive with care!
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