For all intents and purposes, tors are essentially the rocky granite deposits you see which were leftover from the last ice age. However, to confuse matters further some tors are not even called a Tor! One such outcrop is Blackingstone Rock on the eastern boundary of the moor. And, not all tors on Dartmoor are made up of granite. Perhaps the most famous of these is Brentor which is made up of volcanic material with the ancient church of St. Michael perched atop. There were three major quarries on Dartmoor — Haytor, Foggintor and Merrivale and numerous smaller ones spread across the moor.
The most famous of these today, popular among tourists and locals alike, is that of Haytor Quarry. Apart from being used in many Devon and Cornish buildings, the stone from the quarries has been used in the construction of some world famous structures. Close to Postbridge, there are the remains of a gunpowder factory that was opened in until This was crucially important for the blasting in the quarries and the tin mines that were operational at the time.
Today the outbuildings are opened as a craft centre and during the summer months, there is a small cafe serving cake and cream teas. However, there is evidence of alluvial mining from a later period visible in many areas across the moor.
A good example of this is the tin streamworks dating from the 12th to 18th century that can be seen close to Haytor quarry. Tin mining across the moor was major business from the beginning of the 14th century and King Edward I created the Stannary Charter in establishing the moorland towns of Tavistock, Ashburton and Chagford as Stannary towns. All tin produced in Devon was assayed in one of these towns Plympton was added in The Stannary towns had their own Parliament which used to convene at a midway point which happened to be Crockern Tor close to Two Bridges.
The last commercial tin mine on Dartmoor was the Golden Dagger Mine which closed in A number of these are an absolute must-visit either for their picture-postcard looks or historical interest. For a full list of places of interest, check out our guide to Dartmoor towns and villages.
Ashburton is a vibrant small town with oodles of character and plenty of small independent shops. Likewise, the attractive stannary town of Chagford on the north-east edge of Dartmoor is popular with locals and tourists alike. Castle Drogo, the last castle to be built in England, is just a short drive away at Drewsteignton. Lustleigh , nestled in the Wrey Valley, is arguably one of the most attractive villages on the moor.
Take a hike through Lustleigh Cleave and then have a hearty meal at the quintessential thatched village pub — The Cleave. Lydford is a historic village on the Western part of Dartmoor which is alleged to lie along a ley line.
There are often ponies or cattle grazing on the village green which can be viewed as you partake of a tasty lunch at the Cafe on the Green. If you fancy a pint why not try the Rugglestone Inn? There are large swathes of open moorland with cattle grids to ensure that the livestock stays within the set boundaries. In alone over animals were killed in Road Traffic Accidents across Dartmoor. One of the most iconic sights on Dartmoor are the semi-wild Moorland Ponies. These animals have been associated with the Moor throughout the centuries, but, the first written evidence is documented in a manorial record of AD The ponies were used as packhorses to transport goods over the rough Moorland and across the clapper bridges.
The moors are also known for ponies owned by local farmers and turned loose to graze in season. Dartmoor houses the largest concentration of Bronze Age ruins in England, including numerous stone rows, circles, and round houses. Burial cairns and barrows bear silent witness to veneration of the ancient dead. About a dozen Iron Age hill forts also dot the landscape, as do many castles and country homes of later days.
Some 33, people live inside the national park today; its largest town is Ashburton. James Perrott built a cairn on remote Cranmere Pool where visitors could leave their calling cards.
Many sell produce and other products direct to any visitors who stop by. Farmers markets gather the best veggies, honey, breads, beef, lamb, cheeses and other products in the lively traditional atmosphere of a town center. Such markets offer a true taste of local culture. A shuttle bus may be available to facilitate downriver trips.
Anglers head to these waters for wild brown trout, sea trout, and salmon. Buses also service the park. Spring visitors find bluebells in bloom while in summer the park is clothed with pink heather and yellow gorse. The park is worth a nocturnal visit in any season—its extremely dark skies make stargazing a delight. Dartmoor is home to more than miles kilometers of public rights of way for walkers as well as miles of moors that can be walked off-track. On- and off-road cyclists are also spoiled for choice.
The park puts on a wide range of year-round guided walks and events that showcase everything from botanical species to industrial archaeology of the tin ore industry. Self-guided audio walks are available for download to an iPod or mp3 player. Book Tickets Online. History of Dartmoor Dartmoor was designated as a National Park in , a vast tract of largely untamed countryside of huge richness and diversity stretching across square miles.
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