Dartmoor, located in the heart of Devon, is a beautiful moorland area with wooded valleys, wind swept Tors and the source of many rivers.     It was designated one of the National Parks of England and Wales in 1951.   It covers an area of 368 square miles  (953 square kilometres).   Some 33,000 people live in it, along and in harmony with, a rich and varied wildlife.

Dartmoor has been inhabited by humans for many thousands of years and as a result has a wealth of archaeological remains.   All the land is owned yet the public is able to roam at will on open moorland by foot or by horse.  There is also in excess of 500 miles of public rights of way.

On the Dartmoor commons there are free ranging sheep, ponies and cattle.  These animals are semi-wild and don't always take kindly to being handled - TAKE CARE-THEIR BITE IS ALWAYS WORSE THAN THEIR BARK!   Please note - it is an offence to feed these animals, it encourages them to stay by or on the roads where they are in great danger.  

For well over 100 years Dartmoor has been used for military training.  Currently, the Ministry of Defence has three live firing ranges on the northern part of Dartmoor.  The Danger Areas are marked with a series of red and white posts plus warning notices.   Access by the public to these areas is permitted except when the ranges are in use for live firing.  When planning to walk in these areas FIRING TIMES must  be checked and warning signals heeded.  Red Flags are hoisted by day and Red Lights by night when live firing is taking place.   To check current firing times 'phone 0800 458 4864 or can be seen on the internet on http://www.dartmoor-ranges.co.uk    At other times military training continues using blank ammunition and thunder flashes etc.  The military ensures that this training doesn't endanger the general public.              Over the years many areas of Dartmoor have been used for military training.  Therefore anywhere on Dartmoor - if you find an unusual or strange object, don't touch it or throw stones at it - it could be fatal!  Leave it well alone, make a note of its location and inform the Police or Military as speedily as possible. 

When travelling on Dartmoor please observe the 40mph speed limit and drive with great care.    When camping on Dartmoor please use registered camp sites.   It is an offence to camp on roadsides or on moorland car parks and you could face prosecution.

When walking on Dartmoor, particularly cross country, it is important to go prepared - good walking shoes, wet weather gear, a good map and a compass.  The weather on Dartmoor can change very abruptly and, when the heavy mist comes down  in hardly any time at all, visibility is virtually nil.   They didn't put Dartmoor Prison where it is for nothing!!

When Holidaying in this area allow plenty of time to explore Dartmoor - it really is something special and unique.