
Wistman's Wood
A mystical, ancient oak forest on Dartmoor, famed for its gnarled trees, rare lichens, and enchanting, otherworldly atmosphere.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds, have it to yourself

Wistman's Wood
Best Time
Beat the crowds, have it to yourself

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A mystical, ancient oak forest on Dartmoor, famed for its gnarled trees, rare lichens, and enchanting, otherworldly atmosphere.
"This place will always hold a special place in my heart. There’s a mystical beauty here that feels timeless."

👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The path is rocky and uneven. Good grip and ankle support are essential for a safe and enjoyable walk .
💧 Bring Water
Especially on warmer days, the walk can be tiring. Stay hydrated on your pilgrimage to this magical spot .

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ancient Gnarled Oaks
Wistman's Wood
Witness England's highest oak forest, with stunted, moss-covered trees creating a mystical, otherworldly atmosphere.

Rare Lichens and Mosses
Wistman's Wood
Discover unique flora like the rare Horsehair lichen, clinging to ancient trees in this temperate rainforest.

Dartmoor Hiking Trails
Surrounding Dartmoor National Park
Enjoy scenic hikes with stunning views, leading to or from the magical Wistman's Wood.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respect the Ancient Wood
Prepare for the Trek
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The path is rocky and uneven. Good grip and ankle support are essential for a safe and enjoyable walk.
💧 Bring Water
Especially on warmer days, the walk can be tiring. Stay hydrated on your pilgrimage to this magical spot.
🐕 Keep Dogs on a Lead
There are many sheep around Dartmoor. Ensure your dog is under control to protect wildlife.
🚶♀️ Stick to the Paths
Help preserve this ancient woodland. Wandering off-path can damage delicate flora and fauna.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The path is rocky and uneven. Good grip and ankle support are essential for a safe and enjoyable walk.
💧 Bring Water
Especially on warmer days, the walk can be tiring. Stay hydrated on your pilgrimage to this magical spot.
🐕 Keep Dogs on a Lead
There are many sheep around Dartmoor. Ensure your dog is under control to protect wildlife.
🚶♀️ Stick to the Paths
Help preserve this ancient woodland. Wandering off-path can damage delicate flora and fauna.
📸 Capture the Magic
The moss-covered trees and unique atmosphere offer fantastic photo opportunities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Wistman's Wood for its unique, mystical beauty and ancient atmosphere, calling it a truly enchanting and timeless spot. However, some note the walk can be more challenging than expected, and emphasize the importance of respecting the protected nature of the wood by staying on paths.
"If you’re going to Wistman’s Wood, you should be expecting that you haven’t been able to actually enter the forest for a long time. It’s ancient and needs ongoing preservation because of people not respecting the basic rule of “don’t wander from the paths near the forest”. It is a wonderful sight, even from the edges and the surrounding area is brilliant for hiking in sunny weather.
The walk up to Wistman’s Wood takes around 15-30 minutes depending on your mobility, the trail is bumpy but manageable if you are an older individual, but do take care as there are a few places where you can lose your footing."
Ebonheart_ Spy
"This place will always hold a special place in my heart. There’s a mystical beauty here that feels timeless, and it’s wonderful to see steps being taken to protect it. A truly enchanting spot—well worth a visit, but tread with care."
Kim Blee
"Parking up the car at Princetown we expected a walk of around 15 minutes. In reality it was more like 30+ minutes. But as with any experience the journey is just as important as the destination. The walk to the woods was very enjoyable. There are stretches of straight flat paths but there are also parts where you have to pick your way through a fair few stones and rocks similar to a coastal walk. All part of the fun. There are also plenty of sheep to say hi to (dog walkers should keep their dogs on a lead). On arrival the wood does not disappoint. It is small and due to its protected status you are requested to walk around, rather than through it. However, there are some great photo opportunities. Take some water with you, as on a warm day it can be a little tiring. Walking shoes would be better than trainers. The phone signal was ok. Treat this as a pilgrimage and your soul will soar."
Paul Gray
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Exeter, you can take a bus to Princetown. From Princetown, Wistman's Wood is approximately a 30-minute walk. Some visitors suggest parking at Princetown and walking from there. Public transport options to Dartmoor can be limited, so check schedules in advance.
Yes, there are small, free car parks available. One option is near Princetown. Be aware that the walk from the car park can take longer than expected, around 30+ minutes.
The walk is about 15-30 minutes from the nearest parking, but can feel longer due to the terrain. It's bumpy and rocky, requiring careful footing. It's part of the adventure!
While direct public transport to the wood itself is difficult, you can reach nearby Princetown by bus from Exeter. From Princetown, it's a hike. Research bus routes and schedules carefully.
The trail is bumpy and can be challenging due to stones and rocks. While manageable for some older individuals, caution is advised as there are places where you can lose your footing.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Wistman's Wood is a natural woodland within Dartmoor National Park and does not require an entrance fee or tickets.
Wistman's Wood is open to visitors at all times as it is a natural outdoor space. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and enjoyment.
There is no entry fee to visit Wistman's Wood. It's a freely accessible natural site within Dartmoor National Park.
Due to its protected status and the need for preservation, visitors are requested to walk around the edges rather than through the heart of the wood.
The main restriction is to respect the ancient nature of the wood and stay on marked paths to aid preservation efforts.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Wander around the edges, soak in the mystical atmosphere, and admire the ancient, moss-covered trees. It's a place for quiet contemplation and appreciating nature's artistry.
It's one of England's highest oak forests, with ancient, stunted trees and a unique, almost magical ambiance. It's also home to rare lichens and mosses.
Locals and folklore suggest Wistman's Wood has a spooky or haunted reputation, with tales of ghostly monks and ancient sacrifices.
You'll likely see sheep roaming freely in the surrounding areas. The wood itself is a habitat for rare lichens and mosses, and a unique ecosystem.
Allow at least 1-2 hours to enjoy the walk to the wood, explore its surroundings, and take in the atmosphere. The journey is as important as the destination.
📸 📸 Photography
Focus on the gnarled, moss-covered branches, the interplay of light and shadow, and the unique textures of the ancient trees. The surrounding moorland also offers scenic vistas.
Use a wider aperture for shallow depth of field to isolate the mossy details. Consider a tripod for low-light conditions, especially if it's misty or overcast.
Absolutely. The ancient trees, granite boulders, and the surrounding Dartmoor landscape provide dramatic and atmospheric scenes for landscape photographers.
Drone usage in national parks can be restricted. It's best to check the Dartmoor National Park Authority guidelines before flying a drone to ensure compliance.
Early morning or late afternoon can offer beautiful, soft light. Misty conditions can also create a wonderfully atmospheric and mysterious look for your photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ancient Ecology of Wistman's Wood
The wood is renowned for hosting some of the rarest lichens in the world, including the Horsehair lichen (Bryoria smithii). These epiphytic organisms, which grow on trees, are highly sensitive to air pollution, making their presence a strong indicator of good air quality. The dense covering of mosses and lichens on the gnarled branches and granite boulders contributes significantly to the wood's surreal and mystical ambiance. Visitors are urged to tread carefully and stay on designated paths to protect this fragile ecosystem from the impacts of over-visitation.
Folklore and Mystical Legends
The very name 'Wistman's' is thought by some to derive from 'Wisht,' an old West Country word meaning 'wished' or 'bewitched,' further fueling the eerie reputation of the wood. The timeless dream-like quality of the forest has inspired artists and writers for centuries, drawing people to experience its unique, almost otherworldly atmosphere. Whether you believe in the supernatural or simply appreciate the profound sense of history and nature, Wistman's Wood offers a truly captivating experience.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit