Dartmoor - best route through?

[Roundozo]

Hi all,

Not really a meet or road trip but advice on Dartmoor required! Mrs Roundozo and I are going down to Plymouth this weekend for my niece’s christening and I’ve noticed on the way back (to Salisbury) that we’ll be right next to Dartmoor. The Sat Nav would normally take us on the A38 but seeing as the park is right there it would be rude not to have a slight detour and explore.

I need to get back to the A30 near Exeter to get home but my question to you fine folk is what is the best way to go through the park to capture some of the most scenic areas? Looking at the map the B3212 would be the most direct route but it may not be the best and will probably be full of traffic (it will be the Sunday that we venture this way). Me and Mrs Roundozo might also fancy a short walk as well so any recommendations here would also be great.

In typical Roundozo style though I’ve left this to the last minute so any suggestions great or small will be appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[firebobby]

Put scenic route in your Sat-Nav.

 

[Roundozo]

Sat nav is a bit ancient, don't think I've got that option I'm afraid.

 

[firebobby]

If your not in a hurry, just follow your nose, I did this when returning from the coast once, it took ages but came across some lovely places. It's nice to get away from the rat race now and again

 

[RickRob]

We have been to this place:

http://www.canonteignfalls.co.uk

Not too far from the A38 and if I recall the road it is on is quite good, but it was a long time ago and we were in the Discovery, so we weren't hooning! The falls and te whole area around there is very scenic and the walks are good.

Have a great time!

 

[Roundozo]

That's my thinking. Could just go back on the main road but that's boring. Might just take the B3212 then and keep my eye open for any interesting roads.

 

[Ed Doe]

Dude, I did dartmoor earlier in the year. I'll Google map it for you later but basically head for Princetown, Postbridge, Warren house in, Moreton Hampstead, Bovey Tracey. I guarantee you won't be disappointed! A word of warning however, be aware the park is 40mph speed limit throughout, and sheep/horses/ramblers have a tendency to jump out of the hedges into the road..!! And the police are occasionally up there keeping an eye out for 'enthusiastic' driving! Pm me if you want the full route x

 

[buzyg]

No probs on this one here is the simplest and best route for a first trip across dartmoor.

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/50.4502687,-4.459452/50.6998761,-3.5429397/@50.5566235,-4.2267169,10z/data=!4m19!4m18!1m15!3m4!1m2!1d-4.4496476!2d50.4516536!3s0x486c83611c0005f5:0x48159e29e2024e83!3m4!1m2!1d-4.1504362!2d50.5464749!3s0x486cf4c639e5dad5:0x1085f0964203c964!3m4!1m2!1d-3.7862746!2d50.6548459!3s0x486daad4e1e3ce75:0xef63594ec725e74d!1m0!3e0?hl=en

Canonteign falls is nice enough, but not some where you would go twice. Castle Drogo is well worth a minor detour for also.
Great sit in Pastie shop in Tavistock Next to the Church. or a fine little Cafe at the old Police station in Prince Town.

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/castle-drogo/

Have a great weekend in the west Country.

I'd post a link to this weekends PH run but I'm guessing your busy Sunday Morning with the Christening. :wink:

 

[Roundozo]

Thanks for the info guys.

Ed, that's basically the route I’m taking but rather than going down to Bovey Tracey I will probably continue to Dunsford and then Longdown much like Buzyg suggests.

Funnily enough the Christening is on Saturday? Must be a Greek thing (my brother’s wife is Greek). Where is the run and what time? In all honesty though with the amount of booze consumed at these parties I doubt I’ll be safe to drive early on Sunday morning. Plan was to get up as late as possible, enjoy the hotel breakfast and then take a leisurely drive into Dartmoor.

I’ve heard about the 40mph limit in Dartmoor and being a Sunday I would have thought the plod would be out in full force collecting nice pictures of everyone enjoying the roads. :wink:

 

[buzyg]

Don't get Plod up there much. It's a nice run at 40 mph any how. The roads are very open and well sighted for the most part, should you feel the need.

PH run starts at 07;30 from Bodmin. Won't be expecting you, but vey welcome. Have a good party and a safe trip.

 

[Roundozo]

thanks! you too!

 

[Roundozo]

Finally got to Plymouth. Was hoping for a nice evening cruise down to Plymouth but some real looneys and driving rain made it quite stressful. Anyhow christening and booze tomorrow followed by Dartmoor on Sunday. Can only get better.