The misty moors and rugged landscape of Dartmoor National Park have long inspired tales of mystery and intrigue. It’s a place where folklore seems to spring from every rock, tor, and wooded valley. Over the centuries, stories of strange creatures, restless spirits, and ominous events have been woven into the fabric of this wild landscape. Want to discover the fascinating myths of Dartmoor? We’re exploring some of its most captivating legends and the connections they have to the land.
The Hound of the Baskervilles
Few Dartmoor legends are as famous as the tale that inspired Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Hound of the Baskervilles. While the chilling story is a work of fiction, its roots lie in the local folklore of Dartmoor. Tales of ghostly black dogs with glowing red eyes haunting the moors had circulated in the area long before Doyle’s novel brought them to life.
One likely inspiration came from Crockern Tor, a desolate landscape said to be haunted by spectral hounds of the devil. Another was an eerie, now-lost stretch of moorland near Black Tor, where stories of malevolent beasts were whispered around firesides. Today, fans of Sherlock Holmes often visit Dartmoor to trace the footsteps of the infamous detective and soak up the haunting atmosphere that defined the novel.
Jay’s Grave
Jay’s Grave, nestled near the village of Widdecombe-in-the-Moor, is perhaps the most poignant of Dartmoor stories. The grave belongs to a young servant girl named Kitty Jay, who, as legend has it, tragically took her own life after being betrayed by her lover. Owing to the stigma surrounding suicide at the time, Kitty Jay was buried at a crossroads.
What makes this site truly mysterious is the phenomena associated with it. Fresh flowers are said to appear at the grave every day, with no one knowing who places them there. This enduring act of kindness has become a symbol of compassion amidst the bleak moors, and many visitors leave their own tokens of remembrance. Jay’s Grave is a striking reminder of Dartmoor’s ability to preserve the stories of those who came before us.
The Legend of the Hairy Hands
One of Dartmoor’s most chilling legends concerns The Hairy Hands, a mysterious force that supposedly haunts a stretch of road near Postbridge. Numerous accounts from travelers report feeling an unseen force take control of their steering wheels or handlebars, causing terrifying accidents. Witnesses often describe seeing large, ghostly hands grabbing at them just before they lose control.
Some believe the legend stems from ancient tales of the restless spirits of the moors. Others attribute it to the dangerous design of the narrow, twisting roads and Dartmoor’s often-foggy weather. Whatever the truth behind it, the Hairy Hands remains one of the area’s most spine-tingling stories.
Bowerman’s Nose and the Cursed Huntsman
Among Dartmoor’s most striking landmarks is Bowerman’s Nose, an unusual rock formation that resembles the figure of a man. Local folklore tells of Bowerman, a skilled huntsman who was cursed by a group of witches he accidentally disrupted during one of his hunts. Angered by their spell, Bowerman raced through the moors, only to be turned to stone as punishment.
This story is a classic example of how Dartmoor’s dramatic geology inspires its folklore. The landscape itself often feels alive, with the shapes of the tors resembling ancient figures frozen in time.
The Pixies of the Moors
No Dartmoor legend would be complete without mentioning the pixies. These mischievous and elusive creatures are said to roam the park, playing tricks on unsuspecting travelers or helping those lost in the mist. Many local tales describe how pixies could “pixie lead” you, making you wander in circles until you admit you’re lost. However, they could also be helpful if you treated them kindly.
Areas like Pixie’s Holt and Pixie Rocks are said to be places where these tiny beings live. The folklore of the pixies adds a playful dimension to the otherwise eerie stories of Dartmoor.
Connections Between Stories and the Landscape
The myths and legends of Dartmoor are deeply tied to the land itself. The moors, especially when shrouded in mist, evoke a sense of mystery that almost demands explanation. Ancient burial sites, stone circles, and rugged formations have fueled imaginations for centuries, creating a perfect backdrop for tales that spark wonder and unease.
Modern visitors to Dartmoor often find themselves wondering if these stories are just folk tales or something more. That’s the allure of Dartmoor’s folklore—to walk these moors is to step into a landscape where reality and myth blend seamlessly.
Final Thoughts
The legends of Dartmoor National Park offer more than just ghost stories; they’re windows into the past and reflections of humanity’s deep connection to the land. Whether it’s the chilling tale of the Hairy Hands or the touching mystery of Jay’s Grave, these stories are part of what makes Dartmoor such a magical and unforgettable destination. For those who venture here, there’s no telling what you might find. One thing is certain, though—you’ll leave with stories of your own to tell.