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Dartmoor: the walking and dining guide
Dartmoor, home to where Sir Arthur Conan Doyle penned his most famous Sherlock Holmes adventure, The Hound of the Baskervilles, is one of the best places to enjoy the outdoors in England.
The landscape is wild and with wide open expanses of heather-clad moorland, broken only by rocky tors and in the neighbouring villages, fine dining awaits.
Dartmoor National Park
Hound Tor, thought to be one of the inspirations for Conan Doyle’s book, is a jumble of boulders that provides some of the most expansive views of Dartmoor. Located to the east of the moor, it’s also one of the easier tors to access.
Indeed, the Hound of the Baskervilles also featured the treacherous Grimpen Mire, thought to be based on Fox Tor Mire. It’s only a minor tor but it’s surrounded by swampy land.
Dartmoor is a wonderful place to walk – rugged and remote but go prepared. There is plenty of advice available on the national park’s website here.
Of course, there are plenty of walks for the less experienced hikers and families too.
One of the most famous is Castle Drogo – the last castle built in England – to Fingle Gorge. It takes about two hours as you follow the Hunters Path high above the River Teign. There is also the Fingle Bridge Inn – the ideal place for a pit-stop and some refreshments.
Tea rooms and more in Dartmoor
When it comes to food and drink, Dartmoor’s small towns and villages are renowned for their cream teas. Freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam are an absolute must. It’s impossible to pick a favourite but the Hotel Endsleigh and Primrose Tea Rooms come recommended.
The latter is set in Lustleigh – a beautiful little village with thatched-roofed cottages set around a 13th century church. It’s almost too picture perfect on a clear summer’s day – a wonderful counter to the wild of the moors.
For those looking for a stylish setting for their cream tea, Gidleigh Park is the place. Home to the two Michelin starred chef Michael Caines, the hotel and restaurant is located just outside Chagford
Chagford was recently named the best place to live in Britain’s countryside. With beautiful 15th century homes, fine dining and a wonderful community spirit the so-called ‘Jewel of Dartmoor’ is the perfect place to while away an afternoon – or stay for longer at the Mill End Hotel.
On the opposite edge of the moor lies the popular town of Tavistock. There is plenty to see and do here – from shopping in the pannier market to tasting local cheeses.
By: David Burrows
