Top 20 Natural Monuments around Dartmoor Forest

Dartmoor Forest is renowned for its granite tors. Among the most famous are Haytor Rocks, known for its distinctive curves and panoramic views, and Hound Tor, famous for its unique rock shapes and nearby medieval village ruins. Other notable tors include Yes Tor summit and High Willhays summit, the two highest points in southern England, offering extensive vistas.

Yes, several natural monuments in Dartmoor Forest are suitable for families. Haytor Rocks is particularly popular for families and beginner walkers due to its accessibility and nearby parking. Bellever Tor also offers a nice steady climb with wide paths that can accommodate pushchairs, leading to great views and interesting rock formations for children to explore.

Dartmoor Forest is rich in prehistoric sites, boasting the highest concentration of Bronze Age remains in Britain. These include numerous stone circles, standing stones, and stone rows. Notable examples mentioned in research include the Merrivale Prehistoric Settlement, the Stall Moor (Upper Erme) Stone Row (possibly the world's longest), and the impressive Drizzlecombe site with its tall standing stones. These sites offer a profound connection to the past.

Many tors provide stunning panoramic views. Haytor Rocks offers expansive views across the moorland and, on a clear day, extends to the South Devon coast. Yes Tor summit and High Willhays summit, as the highest points, provide breathtaking vistas of North Devon and Cornwall. Bellever Tor also affords magnificent views in all directions.

The most distinctive geological features are the granite tors, which are hills topped with exposed granite bedrock, often appearing as piles of rounded boulders. Beyond these, you can find unique formations like the layered granite strips of Watern Tor, the dramatic outcrops of Great Staple Tor, and the rock basin on Great Mis Tor. The landscape also features fast-flowing rivers cascading through granite-strewn valleys.

Dartmoor Forest offers a wide range of hiking trails near its natural monuments. You can find easy walks, moderate loops, and challenging routes. For example, there are easy hikes like the 'Little Mis Tor & Great Lis Tor' loop, and moderate options such as the 'Postbridge Clapper Bridge' loop. For more challenging adventures, consider routes like 'Sittaford Tor – East Dart Waterfall loop'. You can explore various hiking options in the Easy hikes around Dartmoor Forest or Waterfall hikes around Dartmoor Forest guides.

Yes, Dartmoor offers challenging climbs and hikes, particularly to its higher tors. While some tors like High Willhays summit and Yes Tor summit are accessible, reaching their summits often involves significant elevation gain and rugged terrain, especially when combined into longer routes. The dramatic cliff face of Haytor Rocks is also popular for climbers.

The best time to visit Dartmoor's natural monuments for walking is generally during spring and summer (April to September) when the weather is milder and the days are longer. However, Dartmoor's landscape offers beauty in all seasons, with autumn bringing vibrant colours and winter providing a stark, dramatic atmosphere. Always be prepared for changeable weather conditions, regardless of the season.

Many areas of Dartmoor National Park, including trails around natural monuments, are dog-friendly. However, it's crucial to keep dogs on a lead, especially during lambing season (March to July) and near livestock, as Dartmoor is a working landscape. Always follow the Countryside Code and respect local signage regarding dog access.

Yes, parts of Dartmoor are used as military firing ranges. Specifically, Yes Tor summit is close to a military range. It is essential to check for firing times before your visit to ensure safety and avoid restricted areas. You can often find this information on the Dartmoor National Park website or specific military range websites.

Visitors frequently express enjoyment for the breathtaking panoramic views from the tors, the sense of achievement in reaching summits like High Willhays summit, and the unique rock formations that make each tor distinctive. The opportunity to explore ancient history through prehistoric sites and the wild, rugged beauty of the moorland are also highly appreciated.

Beyond the iconic tors and ancient stone structures, Dartmoor Forest features internationally important blanket bogs and upland heaths, which provide unique ecosystems and a sense of wildness. The landscape also includes deep, sheltered river valleys with fast-flowing rivers and significant upland oak woodlands like Wistman's Wood, Black-a-tor Copse, and Yarner Wood, which are Sites of Special Scientific Interest.

Yes, parking is generally available near many of Dartmoor's natural monuments, though it can vary from designated car parks to roadside lay-bys. For popular spots like Haytor Rocks, there is ample parking. For others, like Yes Tor summit, parking can be found relatively nearby, making them easily accessible for a shorter trip.