At the end of what has been another manically busy season here at Duchy House B&B, it’s nice to take the time to enjoy the beauty of Dartmoor and reconnect with what draws our guests here from the world over. So on a typical late November day (damp and foggy!), we filled a flask with our favourite blend from the Dartmoor Coffee Company, and embarked on the five minute drive to the magical Wistman’s Wood.
Nestled in a valley an easy 15 minute walk from the car park, Wistman’s Wood stands as a captivating testament to the rich history, legends, myths, and folklore that have woven themselves into the fabric of this ancient woodland. With its unique flora and fauna, as well as tales of the eerie whist hounds, Wistman’s Wood has become a place of intrigue and fascination for locals and visitors alike. The wood holds a significant place in Dartmoor’s history, dating back centuries. It is believed that the wood’s name is derived from the Old English word “wisht,” meaning “haunted” or “eerie.” This suggests that the wood has long been associated with supernatural occurrences and mysterious happenings.
Parking at the old quarry, just off the road and at the start of the footpath, we were the only people there and it looked like we’d have the place to ourselves. Apart from the sound of the odd car driving past, you could already get a sense of the serene stillness that echoes around. The path is clearly marked and doubles up as the access track to Crockern Farm, soon after which we get a glimpse of our destination. As we continue to the boundary of the wood, the first thing that strikes us is the hushed atmosphere – fog dampening the sound, creating a sense of tranquillity and isolation. Wistman’s Wood is a captivating destination for anyone seeking a calm and mystical experience and on any day this ancient woodland fires up the senses, but on a foggy day transforms into an ethereal realm, shrouded in a veil of mist that adds an extra layer of enchantment to the surroundings. The air feels cool and moist, carrying with it the earthy scent of moss and damp leaves.
Wistman’s Wood is steeped in legends and myths that have been passed down through generations. One such tale tells of the whist hounds, spectral black dogs that are said to haunt the area. According to local folklore, these ghostly hounds can be heard whistling through the trees, their presence foretelling doom or misfortune. Many have claimed to have encountered these spectral creatures, adding to the allure and mystique of Wistman’s Wood.
Treading carefully along the moss-covered ground, delicate spider webs glisten, creating a jewelled tapestry between the trees. The fog lends an otherworldly quality to the scene, making it feel as though we’ve stepped into a fairytale or a Sherlock Holmes novel. As we take a moment to enjoy a cup of steaming coffee, the fog lifts revealing the beauty of what had been concealed. The gnarled branches of the twisted stunted oak trees are adorned with hanging lichens reaching out like skeletal fingers and you can’t help but feel a sense of awe and reverence for the centuries of history that this woodland holds.
Wistman’s Wood boasts a unique ecosystem, with its ancient oaks and labyrinth of moss-covered granite boulders which stand as silent witnesses to the passage of time creating an enchanting landscape. The wood is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including more than 100 different species of lichens, ferns, and mosses that thrive in the damp and shaded environment. It also provides a habitat for various bird species such as the pied flycatcher and the redstart, but today it seems it’s just us and the woodlouse perusing the flask.
The woods are designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and in recognition of the importance of preserving this unique woodland, conservation efforts have been put in place. Dartmoor National Park Authority works diligently to maintain the delicate balance of the ecosystem while allowing visitors to experience the wood’s magic. It is however crucial for visitors to respect the wood’s fragility and adhere to guidelines to ensure its preservation for future generations.
As we drain the last drops of refreshment and head back towards the 21st century, the fog returns to conceal the ancient woodland and we leave with a sense of gratitude for having been allowed to transport ourselves to a realm where the past and present merge. It is a very special place where history, legends, myths, and nature intertwine, creating an enchanting experience and the close proximity to Duchy House B&B should make a visit to this unique place a high priority during your stay.
Wistmans Wood