Dartmoor is widely regarded as one of the UK’s finest landscapes, and its diverse habitats, ancient culture and unique wildlife, not to mention the sometimes-challenging weather conditions, combine to make it a photographer’s paradise. Every season has something to offer, from snow-capped peaks in winter, carpets of bluebells in spring, purple-flowered heathland in the summer, and the golden and red tones of autumn. While the moors are a fantastic place to go exploring with a camera, do bear in mind that the weather here can be unpredictable, even in summer, so make sure you are prepared if you plan to go off the beaten track.
Haytor is probably the best-known of the many tors on Dartmoor, and its rocky outcrops make for some stunning shots, particularly at sunrise or sundown. Nearby Hound Tor is just as picturesque, and often less crowded, and offers views back to Haytor. Another really iconic Dartmoor location close by is the Hawthorn Tree at Holwell Lawn – this stunted, wind-ravaged tree really looks as though it is part of the tor and has appeared in many photographs.
Other photogenic Dartmoor rock formations include Bowerman’s Nose, on the northern slopes of Hayne Down, close to the village of Manaton. This 6.5m stack is the hard granite core of a former tor, standing above a ‘clitter’ of blocks that have eroded away from it. Brent Tor is one of the most impressive rock formations on the moors. With the little church of St Michael’s perched on top, it makes a distinctive and highly photogenic landmark in north Dartmoor. Interestingly, Brent Tor, which is actually a long-extinct volcano, is one of the few tors on Dartmoor that is not made of granite, being composed instead of basaltic lava.
If you prefer wide vistas, then be sure to visit Sharpitor, on the south-west side of the moor. The expansive views available from here take in Burrator and Sheep’s Tor. Wild Tor is also a great spot, and you’re likely to have it all to yourself. On a clear day, the Mendips are visible in the distance, making it ideal for a sunrise expedition. If you really want to get off the beaten track, then Fur Tor is probably the moor’s most remote location, and offers unrivalled views of the surrounding moorland.
The stunted oak copses at Wistman’s Wood and Black-a-tor Copse offer a glimpse into what Dartmoor used to look like, before human intervention. The eeriness of the moss-covered wood is enhanced in foggy weather and leads to some remarkable, and unique, views that you’ll want to capture.
Dartmoor has the highest concentration of Bronze Age remains in the UK, many of which make great subjects for the keen photographer. An estimated 5000 hut circles still remain on the moors, although many have been raided over the years for wall-building on nearby farms and houses. Other features include standing stones, stone circles, cairns and stone rows. Some of the best of these can be found at Grimspound, Merrivale and Scorhill, with the latter often being referred to as the Stonehenge of Dartmoor. The tallest of the stones frames the sunset on midsummer’s day, which makes for a truly memorable shot if you are lucky enough to capture it!
