We are planning a trip to London in June but would like to get out of the city to Dartmoor. I know we can catch a train to Exeter, but then is there transportation to/from Dartmoor? Trying to figure out how to enjoy the park without having to rent a car.
Anyone have experience with this or suggestions of where to go?
Thanks!
I haven't been to Dartmoor, but the links on this VisitDartmoor webpage may be helpful.
I hope you're as lucky as I was in moving around Cornwall this summer. Many of my buses were double-deckers from whose upper deck there was a great view of the countryside even when the road was bordered by high hedges.
Be careful about time of year as well as day of week when you look at bus and train schedules.
Here's a quote from the following website "The Okehampton buses leave early from Exeter and you can get off at Sticklepath or Ramsley for a more direct route on to the moor. The Exeter-Okehampton bus can be combined with the Plymouth Citibus to get access to the west of the moor (e.g. Dartmoor Inn) on a weekday from Exeter"
http://www.dartmoorwalks.org.uk/resource/transport.php
My husband and I traveled to Dartmoor last May - it was amazing! Definitely my favorite place in England thus far. We had a car and I was very glad to have it. We did the short hike to Scorhill stone circle and it is pure magic. Such an amazing feeling to be alone on the moor in an ancient stone circle. I'm not sure how we would have been able to reach the trail head using public transportation (maybe hire a driver in Chagford?) It was miles of driving on super narrow, twisty roads - lots of hedgerows covered in wildflowers, steep hills, and reversing to pull outs/pulling in the side mirrors/waving to folks in the passing cars. There are also a couple of clapper bridges nearby and a huge stone with a hole in it down the river a bit.
Ask the guy in the hardware store in Chagford for directions (you can also buy a map there - this tip is also in the RS England). There are also some great stores for picnic supplies in Chagford - a cheese monger who sells delicious meat pies and at least one bakery. We ate a lovely picnic lunch at Scorhill.
That night we stayed at the Edgemoor, had wonderful dinner there, and sampled some of the proprietor's extensive gin collection. We planned on driving a bit farther on from the hotel that evening for sunset on the moor, but I was exhausted from the narrow roads (it was my first day of driving on the left) so we stayed in, which was a definite mistake! The road opens up just beyond the hotel and you're right near Haytor and Hounds Tor. Plus - the Dartmoor ponies are there!!
We hiked up to the top of Hounds Tor in the morning. It's a short walk, but the views are amazing. My husband stumbled across a letterbox hidden at the top in one of the rock formations (without even knowing what it was - luckily I had read the RS guidebook :) We drove through the moor and stopped at Postbridge on the way out. We only stayed for one night, but I wish we had been able to stay longer.
Two extra fun facts - Hound of the Baskervilles is set on Dartmoor. I read it while we were there and highly recommend it (I love reading things set in the places I visit). And finally, in case you're a Bowie fan, the production design for the movie The Labyrinth was based on the Dartmoor landscape. Enjoy your trip! :) I'm so jealous!
About the ponies -- a B&B hostess cautioned me to keep your distance from them because, according to her, they bite!
Dartmoor is best explored by car imo. We stayed on the edge of it for a week this past August and enjoyed the surrounding countryside as well as a long hike at Castle Drogo.
I agree with others who has posted here, this area is one where a car will add to your experience. On our last trip there my wife and I explored stone circles, small villages such as Chagford and the beautiful and vast moors most of which I'm sure we could not have reached without a car rental. If you don't want to drive, consider hiring a private guide who will do the driving for you.
It is easier to explore by car; however, if you’re up for walking or cycling, you can explore that way. There are a few local buses that get you into the park and several villages.
From there you can walk out each day and hike around the moor or along the roads. In 1983, I would take the local bus each day from my hostel, get off in a town and hike from there. Then, I would hitch-hike back to the hostel. I don’t know how good the hitch-hiking is now.
Here are a few links to local bus schedules and a bike rental agency.
http://www.carlberry.co.uk/rfnlistr.asp?L1=TWO0010&op=B
http://transport-points.co.uk/pointsearch.asp?Loc=TWO0010&Loc2=Two%20Bridges&op=7
http://www.carlberry.co.uk/rfnshowl.asp?L1=TWO0010
Bike rental about 1.6 miles from Two Bridges
My wife and I did it by rental car on our 2013 England trip. We were lucky to be there on two days when it was not raining. Be aware it rains a lot in that region, but don't let that discourage you. It's spectacular. I think a rental car is highly advisable.
