The moors cover an area of 365 square miles, the last un-spoilt wilderness of Southern England. The whole area lends itself to outdoor pursuits best enjoyed on foot, horseback or bike. However, there are numerous car parks for those who like to motor across the moor and stop to admire the scenery, watch out for the ponies and sheep! From Lydford House you can access the moors at the top of the lane and find a rich and varied landscape.

Though the area speaks of isolation, man has left his mark through the centuries and there are numerous archaeological sites and interesting ruins (book a guided walk exploring the history of the region). At Princetown is the High Moorland Visitors Centre with a wealth of information on what to do and see. Its famous prison dominates the town and there is a prison museum you can visit. Surrounding the high moors are numerous attractive and interesting villages and towns to explore. In particular the un spoilt Chagford, Buckfastleigh with its Abbey, Lustleigh one of the prettiest villages, Widecombe-in-the-Moor immortalised in the song Uncle Tom Cobberly and all, Ashburton with its specialist shops, and many more.

 

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