Wistman's Wood

The basics

The fairytale-like scenery of Wistman’s Woods makes it an evocative excursion for outdoor enthusiasts, photographers, or even believers in imps and demons—there have long been legends of magical beings that inhabit this small but precious national nature reserve. Part of England’s rainforest, this upland oak wood is home to a number of rare and fragile mosses and lichens, including the Horsehair lichen (Bryoria smithii) that is found at only two sites in Britain.

Things to know before you go

• Wistman's Woods is a delicate ecosystem; park authorities request that all visitors follow the paths around the woodland and don’t enter it.

• Don’t walk through the wood, scramble across the boulders, remove branches or pick lichens and mosses, or light fires or barbecues.

• Camping and cycling are not allowed in the nature reserve.

• The weather can change dramatically on the moor so bring sturdy footwear and a rainproof jacket, even if the skies look clear.

• The footpath to Wistman’s Wood from the reserve’s parking area and back again is about 2.5 miles (4 kilometers), so allow about one hour to do the entire walk. The walk is not accessible to wheelchairs.

How to get there

Wistman’s Wood is part of the Dartmoor National Park and can be reached via an easy, marked walking path from the small parking area opposite the Two Bridges Hotel. The park is located between Exeter and Plymouth in southern Britain, and can only be reached by car.

When to get there

The weather is famously unpredictable in the moors of Dartmoor, so use extra caution when walking out to Wistman’s Wood to avoid getting caught in a sudden rainstorm. Visit on a clear, mild day and give yourself plenty of time to make the hour-long walk to the woods and back before sunset.

The legends surrounding Wistman’s Wood

Eerily beautiful, the landscape of Wistman’s Wood has given rise to a number of myths and legends surrounding the forest. Some people believe that Wistman’s Wood was planted by the druids; its name is said to derive from the words “wise man”, another name for a druid. The woods are also said to be inhabited by a pack of ferocious Yeth hounds that live in the trees and emerge by moonlight to steal the souls of those who dare to trespass on their domain. Other tales tell of hauntings by demons or simply a troop of mischievous fairies.