Incredible Mystical Allure of Dartmoor Brought into the Spotlight Amidst Efforts to Prevent Wildfires

Just south of Devon, you’ll find the sprawling landscape of Dartmoor, complete with a temperate rainforest, rolling hills, and a deep history of myth and folklore. It’s a unique place in the UK, and one that’s very accessible for those who want to immerse themselves in its incredible surroundings, be it for a day out or to wild camp.

Over the long hot summer of 2026, wildfires broke out across the UK. This caused the 15 national parks of the country to double down on efforts to prevent these fires from destroying the landscape. Open fires and cooking tools were banned by the Dartmoor National Park Authority, and restrictions remained into September.

Thanks to their efforts, people can continue to enjoy Dartmoor and explore its deep-rooted folklore as the more reliable bouts of rain begin to ramp up.

Inspirational Camping Spot for Thousands

Rainforests aren’t exactly what you’d associate with the British wilds, but on the edge of Dartmoor, a sliver of temperate rainforest remains thanks to years and years of conservation work to preserve the area. Usually, such a gem of the natural world would be cordoned off, but in this instance, it’s open for camping.

Leaning into the theme, the landowners have opened a sustainable campsite next to the temperate rainforest, making for a non-invasive way of experiencing this unique section of the British landscape. Of course, Dartmoor as a whole has been a very popular spot for wild camping for a long time.

Last year, the Supreme Court upheld the legal right to wild camp on the moor, ushering in a renewed wave of interest in roaming Dartmoor and seeking out the myriad of inspirational sights and stories. Experts and creatives have found this access to be incredibly useful and influential, even if the area was once deemed to be a rather undesirable place to visit.

Steeped in Legends and Lore

British mythologies and folk tales aren’t given the same spotlight that others in Europe enjoy. Even very close to home, it’d be fair to say that most in the UK are more familiar with Irish lore than English. So iconic are the Irish myths that they remain a staple of common interactions and entertainment products. Even among the newer segment of gaming, online slingo games, you’ll find ones that are tied to Irish lore, like Slingo Lucky McGold.

Irish superstitions around luck and the mischievous leprechauns are world-famous. If you look closely enough, though, you’ll find plenty of myths that have been formed around Dartmoor. Closest to home in this regard are the pixies of Devon. They found their way to Dartmoor disguised in rags, ready to mislead unkind visitors to their doom.

There are also the haunting, ghostly hair hands of Dartmoor, which have reportedly attempted to get into windows and veer vehicles off of the roads. The Dewerstone, on the south-western side of Dartmoor, is said to be the home of a devilish entity that rides atop a huge black steed. Accompanied by its phantom hounds, it hunts lost travellers.

Add in other folklore tales of Kitty Jay’s grave, the Bowerman’s Nose, the Brentor Devil, and the ghost that haunts Okehampton Castle, and there’s a whole lot to explore across Dartmoor. Thanks to the efforts of the DNPA, it’ll be preserved and accessible as the cooler months roll in.