The moor supports a rich variety of wildlife, including the iconic Dartmoor ponies - semi-wild horses that have grazed these lands for centuries. Notable bird species include skylarks, stonechats, and ring ouzels, while the area's streams harbor otters and Atlantic salmon. The moorland provides habitat for numerous butterfly species, including the high brown fritillary. Red deer, foxes, and badgers are common larger mammals, while the area's bogs support rare invertebrates including the bog hoverfly.
Dartmoor's diverse vegetation includes vast tracts of heathland dominated by heather, gorse, and bracken, alongside rare bog plants in the mire ecosystems. Ancient woodlands, particularly in the river valleys, harbor oak, ash, and hazel trees, supporting rich understory communities. The moorland's acidic soils host specialized plant communities including sundews, bog asphodel, and various lichens. Several rare species find refuge here, including the Vigur's eyebright and the southern wood ant, making it a significant site for botanical conservation.
Formed approximately 280 million years ago, Dartmoor's distinctive landscape is dominated by granite intrusions that created the characteristic tors - dramatic rock outcrops weathered over millennia. This granite batholith, rising through older sedimentary rocks, underwent extensive erosion to reveal the current moorland topography. The area's unique geological features include clitter (boulder fields), logan stones (rocking stones), and extensive peat deposits, all shaped by both glacial and post-glacial processes.
Dartmoor's human history spans over 12,000 years, from Mesolithic hunter-gatherers to medieval tin miners and modern-day farmers. The landscape is dotted with prehistoric remains including stone circles, burial mounds, and the iconic Bronze Age settlement patterns marked by stone hut circles. The medieval period saw the establishment of the Royal Forest of Dartmoor and the development of tin mining, which peaked in the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, the area maintains its historic character through traditional farming practices and protected archaeological sites.
Dartmoor's landscape is punctuated by dramatic granite tors, with High Willhays standing as the highest point at 621 meters (2,037 feet). The area features numerous prehistoric monuments including Grimspound, one of Britain's best-preserved Bronze Age settlements, and the iconic Merrivale stone rows. The landscape is crisscrossed by ancient trackways, medieval clapper bridges, and historic leats (water channels). Modern attractions include the Dartmoor Prison Museum, charming villages like Widecombe-in-the-Moor, and extensive networks of hiking and cycling trails.
Dartmoor experiences a typical upland climate characterized by higher rainfall and lower temperatures than surrounding areas. Annual precipitation averages 2000mm, with frequent mists and sudden weather changes common throughout the year. Winters can be harsh with occasional snow, while summers are mild with average temperatures around 17°C (63°F). Visitors should always be prepared for rapid weather shifts and carry appropriate clothing, as the exposed moorland can experience severe conditions even during summer months.
United Kingdom
50.5840°, -3.9040°
1951
954
Dartmoor is characterized by its granite tors, deep wooded valleys, and vast expanses of moorland. It is known for its prehistoric remains, wild ponies, and challenging terrain. The park offers extensive opportunities for hiking, climbing, and wildlife watching.