Opening times: Its land…it doesn’t close. Winter may be muddy and windy. Pack a mac.
Age: For all those who enjoy and walk and a hill.
Location: A few miles from Bovey Tracey, Devon.
The bulk of my posts are centred around family days out in the South West, you will see little boy is absent from these pictures courtesy of a playdate yet I still think the moors are fantastic places to let littles run off steam, providing you don’t lose them of course…
I spent my childhood amongst hills and sheep in tiny villages sandwiched between the Powys and Herefordshire border; it is undeniably beautiful yet I have settled in the South West. The grey sea churned up by the winder winds drew me in though I do pine for the dips and swells of the land back home…Hence our adventures up to the eastern edge of Dartmoor.
Haytor is a popular landmark; take a flask and some sandwiches. Plonk your bottom down on the short, springy grass. It is easily accessible by road. Granted some are winding, diminutive roads. Expect satnav confusion. Bus tours are popular, we tend to go early or late in the day and off season. Locally Teignmouth, Bovey Tracey, Stover and Newton Abbot are all serviced by bus so frequent and regular services operate near to the route.
There are good car parks in this area and toilet facilities are available next to the Visitor Centre (part of Dartmoor national park) which offers maps, guide books, staffed by knowledgeable locals. On occasion there is a refreshments and ice cream van, on lucky days, both.
The tor itself does involve a short climb, I had a huff and puff… some people do climb onto the rocks themselves although obviously that is dangerous. There are little walks and long walks depending on how adventurous you are; put your baby in a carrier or older children in sturdy shoes… Pack a picnic, a kite, or go mini beast hunting! I know little people’s attentions are short…but I am a great encourager of dragging your kids outdoors. North east is Haytor Quarry, from that the ‘Granite Tramway’ runs to Teignmouth. It is more of a hike to be honest but if you find yourself energetic and childless I would encourage it!
You can also do an audio walk which is divided into tracks which are then played when you reach each location, including Haytor Quarry, Haytor Rocks, Hound Tor Medieval Settlement and Hound Tor Rocks. Yarer Wood is also a short distance away and beautiful. I have yet to give it a go but there is a Murder Mystery themed driving/ walking Treasure Trail around Dartmoor on the Haytor Hoppa bus https://www.treasuretrails.co.uk/days-out/devon/dartmoor
The local areas has lots of interesting sites and places to visits including Widecombe-in-the-Moor which is one of my favourite picturesque villages.
There is only so much I can describe: you go for the views; heathland and moor, the coastline, rolling countryside and the horizon with rainclouds skittering across the towns. I had a chat with a friendly raggedy Dartmoor pony one day.
1 comment
These pictures are beautiful!! Looks like a nice way to spend the day.