A Quick Introduction to Dartmoor, Devon
Dartmoor is located in the British county of Devon. Its name is comprised of two words. Moor refers to the type of land which is boggy short grassland on granite upland rock. Dart refers to the River Dart which has two tributaries that join at Dartmeet. The river is the principal river that runs through Dartmoor although the moor is characterized by the many rivers that run through it.
Dartmoor is a conservation area and is protected by the Dartmoor National Park Authority. Dartmoor falls under the civic governorship of Devon County Council. Over 50% of Dartmoor is still owned privately by the Duke of Cornwall. It has been their ancestral land since the Duchy was created.
Dartmoor is largely uninhabited space that is rich and diverse in wildlife. Commonly referred to as The Moors, Dartmoor is a particularly favourite haunt of hikers and campers. Due to the many rivers on the moor, it is also a popular place for water activities such as canoeing, kayaking and fishing. The rivers are traditional sources of trout and salmon.
Dartmoor does have a resident population but it is sparsely populated and the communities are mostly farming villages and homesteads. Many of the farm buildings are built from locally sourced granite stones and some date back to the medieval era. Those who are not engaged in farming or other local industries such as clay mining, are employed by the tourist industry. Dartmoor attracts thousands of people every year and there are many guesthouses and curiosity shops that cater to them.
Dartmoor plays an important role in Britain’s national security. The Ministry of Defense have used the moors for firing ranges since the early 1800’s. Dartmoor is also home to Britain’s most notorious high security prison. The prison is reputed to be escape proof and many high profile convicts have been held there over its 500 year history.
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Find out more about national parks and nature reserves in Devon, outdoor recreation and other Dartmoor information.
Dartmoor Holiday Accommodation: Private Listings
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