Wistman’s Wood: the secret forest outside the UK!

Want a moment out of time and magical during your stay in the UK? Spend by Wistman’s Wood, an oak forest pretends to come out straight from a fantastic novel!

The United Kingdom remains a beloved destination for tourists from all over the world. However, it is often in Scotland, Edinburgh , or in England, and especially London, that tourists choose to spend their vacation. Indeed, tourist attractions, museums, activities and places of interest are not missing. There is a little known, but nevertheless extraordinary place to visit outside these major cities: Wistman’s Wood!

Located in the vicinity of Devon, southeast of England and about 4:30 am from London, Wistman’s Wood is a forest surrounded by a mysterious atmosphere. It is crossed by a hike of less than 8 km, whose path bears the same name. In order to make you discover this destination, Génération voyage gives you all the information you need to prepare your visit to this incredible Southeast wood of the United Kingdom!

In the footsteps of Devon’s Wistman’s Wood

We cannot really date the appearance of this wood, but we know that it would most likely be the remains of an old forest that covered Dartmoor. This primitive forest was spread here more than 9,000 years ago, but it was greatly shaved in 5000 BC.

The forest did not evolve much in the ensuing millenniums, at least not before the nineteenth century. At that time, the climatic conditions of the region have changed significantly; They've become much hotter. These changes have led to major changes in the forest. Thus, the development of the moss and lichen on the trees, the accelerated growth of the ancient Wistman’s Wood oaks and the emergence of a new generation of trees.

Today, this place out of time is protected. Wistman’s Wood is a mystery taken by tourists from all over the world passing their holidays in the UK and having had wind of this magical forest.

A forest full of mysteries and legends

Wistman’s Wood has always been a fascinating and magical place, so many legends have seen the day, all related to this mystical forest:

• druids performing pagan rituals;
• ghosts and other spirits;
• fantastic place home to witches performing magical rituals.

This wood has long spoken about it and here are two of the most popular beliefs surrounding Wistman’s Wood:

• Wisht's dogs

According to a legend dating back to centuries now, Wistman’s Wood is only charming in the day. At nightfall, the forest shows a much more threatening face. Indeed, it is said that the Wisht Hounds , a group of dogs with yellow eyes and sharp crawls, walk through the forest looking for visitors having the courage to walk alone at night, led by their leader, the Wild Huntsman . Moreover, in the local dialect of Devon, the term wisht means ghost , haunted .

• Pixie Led

The Pixies, or fairies, are creatures known in the UK to be tiny malicious characters to the humanoid form. Would Wistman’s Wood be a place where these fantastic beings appear during the night and illuminate the place? You're going to have to go and decide this question yourself!

What's behind Wistman's Wood?

What can you see? Fully green trees, covered with mosses and lichens, which twist in every direction. The whole sometimes creates true walls of vegetation. These wood knots, coupled with the many rocks in the region, give a landscape that seems straight out of another world. It offers an ideal place for breathtaking photos!

During your hike, you can obviously enjoy this unusual vegetation that can only be found in an ancient forest. Do not hesitate to take a moment of rest by the river crossing the forest to enjoy the absolute calm of this place, only broken by the noise of the water flowing between the soft rocks.

For info, the Wistman’s Wood hike is considered easy, with a 209 m gap over a 7.6 km round trip. However, be careful to stay a maximum on the hiking trail, as the rocks and the forest floor are covered with foam, it is easy to slip and fall. The entrance of the hike is located near Yelverton and is indicated by signs.

To go

Do you want to take a day during your stay in the UK to visit Wistman’s Wood? We have gathered the necessary information to get to the place and organize your hike at best!

How?

To get to Wistman’s Wood, from London, there are several possible means of transport: the car, the bus, the train and the plane.

By car

From downtown London, you’ll need about 4:30 to get to Devon and get to the entrance of the Wistman’s Wood hike. For this, you can follow the A303 or take the M4 then the M5, while following the directions for Devon. It will be easy for you rent a car from London .

By train

Head to London Paddington Station and take a train to Newton Abbot Station. You will need about 2 h 30 to connect the two stations, and a minimum budget of 85 euros for your train ticket.

In addition, you will then have to take a taxi to join Wistman’s Wood. The journey is 34 km, and the price of the taxi usually varies between 50 and 60 euros.

By plane

If you would like to fly to Wistman’s Wood, you should know that you can get to Exeter Airport. You can access it from the entire territory. However, you should know that since London, the plane ticket costs between 50 and 230 euros. If you want to find a flight ticket at the best price, you can turn to our partner, Ulysses .

However, from Exeter International Airport, you will have to take a taxi to Wistman’s Wood. If you leave the day the 123 bus passes, take bus 56 from the airport to the St Davids Station, then take bus 123 to Two Bridges, Powder Mills. It is just under 3 km from the entrance of the Wistman’s Wood hike.

When?

You can hike at any time of year. However, for security and comfort matters, it is not advisable to go to Wistman’s Wood:

• in winter, when temperatures often fall below the 0°C bar;
• during rainy days, making the trail difficult and slippery, even if the clichés during such days in the forest are incredible;
• at night, not because of the Wisht Hounds, but by security measures! The hiking path is long. It is sometimes on the slope where the soft rocks accumulate and jonched pieces of wood. In low brightness conditions, it is easy to stumble, slide or simply put your feet where you do not need, and fall.

How much?

The hike is of course free. However, there are some guided tours of Devon that offer a detour by Wistman’s Wood with explanations about it, but also about the many legends that surround this ancient forest.

What I can find out in the area

After walking in the middle of this beautiful forest, you will probably want to enjoy a little more of your time in Devon. This part of the UK has many visits and activities to do, and you could include:

• take a walk in Kayak on the sea from Devon;
• participate in a cruise on the Greenway Ferry or the River boat;
• visit the Dartmouth Museum, which includes many works and objects of time that were used or created in Dartmouth, or in the nearby districts;
• enjoy a quiet visit to St Saviour’s Church;
• admire the Dartmouth Castle, a monument over 600 years on the banks of the Dart River;
• enjoy a walk at the Fast Rabbit Farm Gardens, and admire the typical English gardens;
• for art lovers, stroll through the Flavel Arts Centre;
• make an Escape Game at Dartmouth Escape Rooms for a convivial moment;
• Enjoy a moment of gourmet relaxation at The Cherub Inn Bar after you are open your appetite during your walk at Wistman’s Wood.

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