How long is the walk to Wistmans Wood?

approximately 5 miles
Wistman’s Wood Walk The circular walk, taking in Wistman’s Wood and Crockern Tor, is approximately 5 miles, and you should allow a good 2 hours or so depending on your walking pace.

Can you visit Wistmans wood?

Wistman’s Wood is in the Dart river valley and has views of wild Devon that you won’t find anywhere else in the country. When: Open all year however as an upland site, the weather is prone to sudden change.

How big is Wistmans Wood?

Wistman’s Wood walk The oaks grow barely taller than 5.5m (18ft) high, and their tangled branches and the uneven rocky floor make it impossible for Dartmoor ponies and cattle to enter. This is the main reason why the wood still exists on the moor – its inaccessibility keeps it protected from destructive grazing.

Where can I find Wistmans wood?

The walking route to Wistman’s Wood is easy to follow, it leads north from the small car park; just follow the footpath fingerpost. You’ll pass by a small farmstead and then you’ll quickly be on open moorland as you walk towards Littaford Tors in the distance.

Are there adders in Wistmans wood?

Wistman’s Wood is meant to be filled with adders and lots of people visit just to get sight of one! The Wistman’s wood adders are meant to slither and writhe around these woods camouflaged by the mossy trees. Their bite is said to be venomous but they are not violent creatures seeking out to bite you.

Why is it called Wistmans wood?

The name of Wistman’s Wood may derive from the dialect word “wisht”, meaning “eerie/uncanny” or “pixie-led/haunted”. The legendary Wild Hunt in Devon, whose hellhounds are known as Yeth (Heath) or Wisht Hounds in the Devonshire dialect, is particularly associated with Wistman’s Wood.

Where are the adders on Dartmoor?

Clearly there are adders on Dartmoor and you may see one or none. They tend to occur on the upland heathlands and the many woodlands. I have seen them on Black Hill, Huntingdon Warren, Fox tor mire, Scorhill circle, and the O Brook.

How old is Wistman’s Wood?

It has been estimated to be 168 years old.

Can you swim in Fernworthy reservoir?

Places on Dartmoor where wild swimming is forbidden Dartmoor’s many reservoirs. For example, notices tell you not to swim at Fernworthy Reservoir, Burrator Reservoir and Meldon Reservoir.

Are there toilets at Fernworthy reservoir?

The area has good facilities with toilets, a catering van and parking on the south side of the reservoir. This walk starts at the car park and takes you along the reservoir and into Fernworthy Forest.

What are the trees at Wistmans wood?

Flora. The trees within the wood are mainly pedunculate oak, with occasional rowan, and a very few holly, hawthorn, hazel, and eared-willow. The oaks are distinguished by their dwarf habit, and rarely reach more than 4.5 metres (15 ft) in overall vertical height.