Dartmoor
Journey into Britain’s forgotten rainforests
When we think of rainforests, the Amazon or the Congo spring to mind, but Britain has its own share, full of wild character, thronging with life and in desperate need of protection. Guy Shrubsole tells the story of these secret forgotten habitats.
Podcast: Listen to the poetry of moss in a Dartmoor rainforest with Elizabeth-Jane Burnett
Be soothed with a wonderfully cooling wander with poet Elizabeth-Jane Burnett in a wild rainforest on Dartmoor – in episode 11, season 16 of the Countryfile Magazine Plodcast
Best walks in Devon
The county of Devon comprises two national parks – Dartmoor and Exmoor – along with a host of other beautiful landscapes, from rugged coasts and wildlife-rich nature reserves, to waterfalls, river valleys and moorland. Explore this glorious county on foot with our favourite Devon walks.
Head to Dartmoor for one of the most controversial countryside stories of recent years
Back in January, the High Court ruled that wild camping was not a legal right in Dartmoor National Park. A huge protest ensued so the Plodcast went along to hear the arguments – in episode 6, season 15 of the Countryfile Magazine Podcast
Podcast: Exploring a wildlife haven on Dartmoor and discovering the power of soil
Learn how understanding the soil beneath our feet can transform the future of our farms, our wildlife and our approach to climate change – in episode 4, season 13 of the Countryfile Magazine Podcast
Podcast: Creating natural flood defences on Dartmoor
Enjoy a walk on the uplands of Dartmoor with Emma Howard Boyd of the Environment Agency exploring how natural solutions can stop flooding downstream
Podcast: Strange tales of family and folklore from the wilds of Dartmoor with author Tom Cox
Author Tom Cox lives on Dartmoor and infuses his writing with the spirit of the landscape. In episode 14 of the Countryfile Magazine podcast, he reveals some of his favourite tales and legends from the area
Walk: Bovey Tracey to Moretonhampstead, Devon
A trail extension, new waymarking, improved access and the creation of poor-weather routes makes the revamped Dartmoor Way a must for long-distance enthusiasts. Here's one of the very best sections of the Dartmoor Way to give you a taster of this exciting trail
Walk: Rough Tor, Devil’s Tor and Beardown Tors, Devon
Head out on an undulating moorland walk to some of southern England’s most remote hilltops
Walk: Hembury Woods, Devon
Wander beneath a canopy of fiery, ancient trees where wild animals forage and flit along the banks of the coiling River Dart
Day out: Becky Falls and Canonteign Falls, Devon
Britain’s most southerly national park is a landscape of ethereal beauty, thanks in part to its myriad waterfalls.
Podcast: How wild farming is helping cuckoos and rare butterflies on Dartmoor
See how good farming practices are helping wildlife in Dartmoor National Park and meet some of the wild inhabitants on this latest Plodcast walk for BBC Countryfile Magazine: season 6, episode 3
Walk: White Tor, Devon
Explore mysterious remains left by our distant ancestors on wild and beautiful Dartmoor with this circular walking route.
Walk: Hound Tor, Devon
Ghosts, witches and dragons: walkers looking for some scary stories should head for Dartmoor National Park
Walk: Venford Reservoir and Bench Tor, Devon
Climb from the placid waters of Venford Reservoir to a grand vista overlooking the hills and valleys of Dartmoor National Park – it’s the perfect place to spread out your picnic blanket before returning via charming waterfalls
Day out: Dartmoor Artisan Trail, Devon
Visit the studios, workshops and farms of Dartmoor’s artisans where you can learn new skills and even create crafts to take home
Day out: Brentor, Devon
This famous medieval church is the fourth smallest in England. It is also the highest, and comes with
its very own legend
Bike-packing: essential gear for off-road adventures
There is no such thing as a definitive list of must have kit for bikepacking adventures. Time of year, location and your comfort threshold will all dictate what you need to pack for each trip. Here cycling expert Matt Orton explains the basic gear you'll need to take bikepacking.
Walk: Gutter Tor, Devon
Discover the landscape that inspired Michael Morpurgo's War Horse with this four-mile walk from Gutter Tor toHigher Hartor Tor in Dartmoor National Park
How to explore Dartmoor by horse
Mount up for a horse ride across the untamed landscape of Dartmoor
Investigate Sherlock's countryside
With the return of Sherlock to BBC One, discover the atmospheric rural locations of some of his greatest adventures. By Abigail Whyte
Visit Dartmoor National Park: Places to stay, things to do
Helen Tew provides some useful tips on how to maximise your mysterious Dartmoor weekend and where to find the best pub grub