Dartmoor National Park

Gidleigh Park lies within Dartmoor National Park, a rare and singularly beautiful area of moorland that extends over some 953 square kilometres.

It’s been called the last remaining wilderness in southern England and it’s easy to see why Dartmoor’s unique landscape has so much appeal.  The granite rock at it’s core has resulted in the formation of the characteristic tors, of which there are about 160; giving the moor its distinctive appearance, while the layer of peat on the surface is responsible for the often boggy nature of the moor and the particular plants that grow there.

As well as the high moor, the National Park which covers some 368 square miles, includes the 'In-country' surrounding it; the hills and pastures and deep valley where the countless moorland streams merge into clear, fast-flowing rivers.  This variety of landscape is part of Dartmoor's charm.  The high moor appeals to trekkers and those seeking wide open spaces, while the moorland fringes are ideal for gentle strolls and riverside picnics.  These steep-sided valleys offer a variety of scenes, on the west side of the moor is Tavy Cleave, rocky and rugged with sharp tors towering over it, while on the east side can be found the dramatic wooded Dart Gorge and the sylvan beauty of Lustleigh Cleave.