Wistman's Wood
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Wistman's Wood

4.7
·855 reviews·Two Bridges, United Kingdom

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early Saturday mornings

Beat the crowds, have it to yourself

CrowdLow
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Wistman's Wood

Wistman's Wood

Best Time

Early Saturday mornings

Beat the crowds, have it to yourself

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.7
(855 reviews)

"This place will always hold a special place in my heart. There’s a mystical beauty here that feels timeless."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 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 .

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ancient Gnarled Oaks

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

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

Dartmoor Hiking Trails

Surrounding Dartmoor National Park

Enjoy scenic hikes with stunning views, leading to or from the magical Wistman's Wood.

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Planning Your Visit

Respect the Ancient Wood

Wistman's Wood is a protected ancient woodland. Stick to marked paths to help preserve its delicate ecosystem and rare lichens. Over-visitation can harm the forest's health.Reddit

Prepare for the Trek

The walk to Wistman's Wood can be challenging, with uneven, rocky terrain. Wear sturdy walking shoes with good grip and ankle support. Bring water, especially on warmer days.

Best Times

When
Early Saturday mornings
Why
Beat the crowds, have it to yourself
Crowd
Low
When
Misty or overcast days
Why
Enhances the mystical, spooky vibe
Crowd
Medium
When
Sunny afternoons
Why
Great for surrounding hikes
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Wistman's Wood is England's highest oak tree forest and a Dartmoor gem. Also a little spooky in the mist.
variationghost
7K likes • 95.5K views

👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key

The path is rocky and uneven. Good grip and ankle support are essential for a safe and enjoyable walk.Reddit

💧 Bring Water

Especially on warmer days, the walk can be tiring. Stay hydrated on your pilgrimage to this magical spot.Reddit

Place I love to back often I can. Welcome to Wistman's Wood, place so magical that is hard to believe is exists. #sonya7siii #zeiss #zeisslens #woodlandtrust #nationalgeographic #magical #music #explore #fantastic_earth #fantasy #dartmoor
fpv_myjourney
10 likes • 49 views
Greatest hits of Wistman's Wood! @silvanhistorian @tanaudel
angelaslatter
31 likes • 620 views

🐕 Keep Dogs on a Lead

There are many sheep around Dartmoor. Ensure your dog is under control to protect wildlife.Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Stick to the Paths

Help preserve this ancient woodland. Wandering off-path can damage delicate flora and fauna.Reddit

The magical Wistman's Wood. Not as easy to find as I remembered from my first visit (seems my brain created some fake memories there). The moss adds to the mystery of this ancient wood which is believed to be a leftover of an ancient woodland from around 7000 BC. Some believe that the woods were full of fairies. Others, that humans were sacrificed in these woods. Whichever one you believe (or do...
no_notice_travel
53 likes • 797 views

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.Reddit

💧 Bring Water

Especially on warmer days, the walk can be tiring. Stay hydrated on your pilgrimage to this magical spot.Reddit

🐕 Keep Dogs on a Lead

There are many sheep around Dartmoor. Ensure your dog is under control to protect wildlife.Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Stick to the Paths

Help preserve this ancient woodland. Wandering off-path can damage delicate flora and fauna.Reddit

📸 Capture the Magic

The moss-covered trees and unique atmosphere offer fantastic photo opportunities.Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.7
(855 reviews)

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

Mystical, ancient atmosphere
Unique gnarled trees
Rare flora and mosses

What People Dislike

Challenging walk terrain
Crowds during peak times

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.Reddit 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.Reddit

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.Reddit

🎫 🎫 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.Reddit

The main restriction is to respect the ancient nature of the wood and stay on marked paths to aid preservation efforts.Reddit

🎫 🧭 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.Instagram

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.TikTok

Locals and folklore suggest Wistman's Wood has a spooky or haunted reputation, with tales of ghostly monks and ancient sacrifices.Instagram

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.Reddit

📸 📸 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.Instagram

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.Instagram

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.TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Wistman's Wood offers a unique adventure for families, but requires preparation. The walk to the wood is uneven and rocky, so sturdy footwear is essential for both adults and older children. While the wood itself is protected, the surrounding moorland provides space for children to explore (under supervision). The mystical atmosphere can spark imagination, turning the visit into a fairy-tale quest. However, younger children might find the walk challenging, so consider carrying them or opting for a shorter exploration of the surrounding paths.

🚶‍♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts

For hikers, Wistman's Wood is a rewarding destination within the stunning Dartmoor National Park. The walk to the wood is part of the experience, offering beautiful moorland scenery and a sense of journey.Reddit Once there, you can explore the edges of the ancient woodland, marveling at the unique flora and gnarled trees.Instagram The surrounding area offers numerous hiking opportunities, making it a great base for a day of exploration. Remember to pack essentials like water and snacks, and always respect the protected nature of the wood.

📸 Photographers

Wistman's Wood is a photographer's paradise, especially for those who appreciate moody, atmospheric shots. The moss-draped branches, ancient trees, and granite boulders create a scene straight out of a fantasy novel.Instagram Misty or overcast days are particularly good for capturing the wood's ethereal quality.TikTok Focus on details like the rare lichens and textures or wider shots that convey the scale and mystery of the ancient forest. Early mornings or late afternoons can provide softer, more dramatic lighting.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Ancient Ecology of Wistman's Wood

Wistman's Wood is a remarkable example of an ancient oakwood, thriving at a high altitude on Dartmoor. Believed to have originated around 7,000-8,000 years ago, after the last Ice Age, it represents a rare surviving fragment of primeval forest.Instagram The stunted growth of the oak trees, rarely exceeding 4.5 meters, is a direct adaptation to the harsh, exposed conditions at approximately 400 meters above sea level.TikTok This unique environment supports a rich diversity of life, particularly lichens and mosses.

The wood is renowned for hosting some of the rarest lichens in the world, including the Horsehair lichen (Bryoria smithii).Instagram 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.Instagram Visitors are urged to tread carefully and stay on designated paths to protect this fragile ecosystem from the impacts of over-visitation.Reddit

Folklore and Mystical Legends

Wistman's Wood is steeped in folklore and is often described as one of the most haunted places on Dartmoor.Instagram Its ancient, gnarled appearance, combined with the often misty conditions, lends itself to tales of the supernatural and mythical. Legends speak of the Wisht Hounds, spectral dogs that roam the moors, and whispers of ancient sacrifices that may have taken place within its depths.Instagram Some believe the woods were once inhabited by fairies, adding to their enchantment and mystery.Instagram

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.Instagram Whether you believe in the supernatural or simply appreciate the profound sense of history and nature, Wistman's Wood offers a truly captivating experience.

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