Walking Through Dartmoor’s Living Legends
Devon’s wild heartland holds stories in its granite bones. For centuries, Dartmoor’s misty valleys and lonely tors have inspired tales that blur the line between history and fantasy. These aren’t just stories – they’re part of the moor’s DNA, waiting to be discovered.
The Ghostly Residents of Dartmoor
The Hound of the Baskervilles Trail
- Follow in Sherlock Holmes’ footsteps at Fox Tor Mires
- Visit Grimspound, the Bronze Age village that inspired the novel
- Join evening ghost walks from Princetown
Dartmoor’s Phantom Pack
Legend speaks of:
- Black Shuck, the demon dog seen near ancient crosses
- The Wisht Hounds, spectral hunters that chase lost souls
- Prison dogs that still patrol former inmate routes
Ancient Sites With Dark Pasts
Wistman’s Wood: The Haunted Copse
This dwarf oak forest features:
- Trees twisted into unnatural shapes
- Reports of whispered conversations
- Strange lights seen after dark
Childe’s Tomb: The Cursed Monument
This ancient cross marks:
- A nobleman who froze to death
- A warning to never disturb the stones
- Mysterious carvings that appear in certain light
Modern Encounters With the Past
Recent visitors report:
- Shadow figures at Jay’s Grave
- Unexplained noises in Dartmoor Prison
- Time slips near Bowerman’s Nose
Experience the Legends Yourself
Ghost Hunting Hotspots
- Okehampton Castle – Devon’s most haunted ruin
- Warren House Inn – Home to multiple spirits
- Postbridge Clapper – Phantom travelers seen crossing
Legend-Themed Activities
- Mythical Dartmoor guided walks
- Folklore evenings at local pubs
- Torchlight tours of ancient sites
Planning Your Legend Hunt
Best Times to Visit:
- October for Halloween events
- Winter solstice for mystical atmosphere
- Foggy days for atmospheric photography
Essential Kit:
- Waterproof walking boots
- OS Explorer Map OL28
- Camera with night mode
Stay in Character:
- Book the Baskerville Suite at Hotel Endsleigh
- Try legend-inspired cocktails at The Drewe Arms
- Join a storytelling supper in Widecombe
Why These Tales Matter
Dartmoor’s legends:
- Connect us to centuries of oral tradition
- Bring the landscape to life in unique ways
- Offer alternative ways to experience history
These stories continue because the moor remains wild enough to believe them. When the mist rolls in and the ponies disappear into the gloom, even skeptics feel the ancient magic of Dartmoor.
