Dartmoor
"OPERATION HENRY TRUST - HENRY THE MULE AND THE MOORS"
EXCLUSIVE TO IVYBRIDGE, a well known character, Henry, standing only 12 1/2 hands high, will escort visitors, their friends and families for walks on the moors pointing out places of interest while carrying all necessary victuals, equipment and extra clothing if required. Escorted by David Snelling (contact 01752 892191 for details).
Henry, who has recently returned from a 2000km trek over the Pyrenees, intends to keep fit entertaining families and even giving lifts to tired children who may wish to rest after a picnic with a difference! Henry's background may be found, courtesy of the 'Operation Henry Trust' on http://www.pilgrims.com/henry and further information may be obtained at any Tourist Information Centre in the South Hams.
368 square miles and one of the finest National Parks in Britain - stretching north from Ivybridge to Okehampton and east from Tavistock to Bovey Tracey. Proof of its fascinating history lies scattered over the land in the form of Bronze Age settlements and burial grounds, whilst the remains of Iron Age hill forts skirt the edge of the moor. Granite tors loom up from its surface. Wild flowers grow in abundance and with its vast moorlands, woods, rivers, streams and reservoirs, Dartmoor is a haven for the many animals that live here.
Buzzards and rabbits are easily spotted, but the timid deer are not so easily found, nor are the shy otter playing in the streams and rivers. The ponies that are seen roaming freely are not wild but belong to the local farmers with grazing rights. There is 90,000 acres of common land in the National Park which the public are free to wander, and there is also some 500 miles of public rights of way and other permitted paths. Dartmoor is a popular place for many activities, some are listed below.
Dartmoor Wildlife Park, Sparkwell, Nr. Plymouth.
Situated on the South Western edge of Dartmoor in thirty acres of beautiful Devon countryside, three miles from Plymouth and one and a half miles from the A38. A comprehensive Big Cat collection and a falconry Centre which is second to none. They also have a very successful animal breeding programme.
Becky Falls, Dartmoor, Manaton, Nr. Bovey Tracey, Devon.
A site of special Scientific Interest, stretching over 50 acres of
private woodland
which has been much loved since Victorian times. Visitors come to this place
to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of this beautiful secluded moorland valley
with its abundance of flora and fauna. Also includes a licensed "Woodland
Restaurant", Ice
Cream Parlour and Sweet Shop and a superb Gift and Craft Shop.
Canonteign Falls and Lakeland, Chudleigh Devon.
On the edge of Dartmoor this is an area of outstanding natural beauty and offers a breathtaking mix of waterfalls, lakes and cascades surrounded by ancient woodland and magnificent rock formations. Canonteign has something for everyone, including the Children's Adventure Area, the newly restored Victorian Fern Garden and the Wetland Nature Reserve. You can eat in the Cafe or Barbecue to sample the home-cooked fare, and you can pay a visit to the Gift Shop where you can buy unusual gifts to take home.
Burrator Reservoir
Burrator Reservoir, Nr. Meavy.Breathtakingly stunning, Burrator offers forty acres of tree gardens with two miles of paths, a must, not just for the walkers but also for lovers of true beauty.
Also, check out the Dartmoor.co.uk web site and discoverdartmoor web site.
For details about Tourist Information Centres in the South Hams and Dartmoor see the Tourist Information page