Wistman's Woods
A leisurely walk (woodland) in national park Dartmoor in Devon, England, about 7.30km (4.54 mi) long with an estimated walking time of about 2:30h. It is suitable for families with children, but unsuitable for prams & pushchairs, wheelchairs.
Elevation Profile
Ascent
142m (465ft)
Descent
129m (423ft)
Max. Elevation
500m (1640ft)
Altitude Gain & Loss
271m (888ft)
Start & End
Two Bridges
Distance
7.30km
(4.54mi)
(4.54mi)
Duration
~2:30h
Difficulty
Leisurely
Ordnance Survey Map
Created by Anonymous Walker on 21 Aug 2012
This short walk is one of the most popular in Dartmoor. Wistman's Woods is a small patch of ancient woodland a short walk from Two Bridges. The oak trees are all stunted and thick with moss, giving the woods its unique appearance.
Typically for Dartmoor there are lots of myths around the woods: www.legendarydartmoor.co.uk/wistman.htm
Walk Functions
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- $walk->POI array(0)
Waypoints
OS Grid SX608749
Take the bus to Two Bridges in the middle of Dartmoor.
OS Grid SX612762
From the car park, take the footpath signposted to Wistman's Woods.
About 1.29 km (~0.8 miles) from 
OS Grid SX612769
The path leads into this ancient woodland. The stunted trees are thickly coated with moss, giving the woods a mysterious air. You half expect to see Gollum leap out from behind a tree.
About 0.70 km (~0.43 miles) from 
OS Grid SX613779
Leave the woods via the far end and pick up the bridleway just before Longaford Tor.
About 1.01 km (~0.63 miles) from 
OS Grid SX602778
Cross the river (take care in high water) and head over to the top of Beardown Tor for views back across to the woods.
About 1.02 km (~0.63 miles) from 
Devenport LeatOS Grid SX609762
A path leads south from the tor back towards Two Bridges.
About 1.69 km (~1.05 miles) from 
Two Bridges once moreOS Grid SX606751
... to finish back in Two Bridges. If you're not too muddy, then go for a drink in the hotel, just down near the two bridges.
About 0.40 km (~0.25 miles) from 
1 comment... join the discussion!
Janet Rogers
We did the walk on Mothering Sunday 2017. We followed the directions from the Pub Walks in Dartmoor & South Devon book. However we had to abandon trying to cross the river as it was too difficult. We were supposed to cross the river at the weir and an old shed, but we couldn't find either of them. The approach down to the river was very wet. In the end we decided to go back the way we came.