By: Blonde Two
Dartmoor has many, many things going for it: wilderness, rivers, tors, walks, swims, people, wildlife, communities and scenery to name but a few. All of the above however can be complimented by a post-activity visit to a Dartmoor pub. Being Blonde our usual Dartmoor activity is walking, we have many expeditions with youngsters when we don’t visit the Dartmoor pubs but when we go out on our own it is great to plan a route that gives us a bit of a treat to come back to (or a full tummy before a night walk and wild camp). Luckily for us (and for you) Dartmoor pub walks, should you feel so inclined, are easy to find because so many of the pubs on Dartmoor are situated right next to stunning walking locations. Here are 4 of our Blonde favourite Dartmoor pubs (we have sampled others and you should too!)
The Plume of Feathers in Princetown
Situation: Central Princetown
Facilities: Campsite, bunkhouse, posher bunkhouse, big car park
Interesting Fact: The oldest building in Princetown (1785)
Food: Just fabulous and plenty of it. The best pies and sausages for miles around (on a snowy day they might be the only pies and sausages for miles around)
Walks: Straight from the door, up past the car park onto the moor and out past South Hessary Tor. Take in Nun’s Cross (the nuns aren’t) and the Devonport Leat. Try to make it out to Crazywell Pool and the leat aqueduct
Blonde Blog: A Night Out on the Princetown
The Warren House Inn
Situation: Just 4km NE of Postbridge on the B3212
Facilities: A fire ‘that never goes out’ and beer garden views to die for (please don’t)
Interesting Fact: This pub was once on the other side of the road
Food: Good basic pub grub. Pasties and baked potatoes are a Blonde favourite (not at the same time!)
Walks: North across Water Hill (always chilly) and over to Fernworthy Reservoir and Forest or south across Birch Tor and Hookney Tor to visit the Bronze Age settlement at Grimspound
Blonde Blog: Dartmoor’s Perfect Beer Garden
The Old Inn
Situation: Widecombe in the Moor
Facilities: Car park, outside and conservatory seating, open fires and a Tardis-like interior
Interesting Fact: Uncle Tom Cobley drinks there but the grey mare doesn’t
Food: Extensive menu, we love the fish pie and more great sausages
Walks: Up the (steep) lane west out of the car park onto the Hameldown Ridge. Walk along to Grimspound or for a shorter outing, stroll south towards Wind Tor (it will be)
Blonde Blog: Blonde Two at Widecombe Fair
The Kestor Inn
Situation: Manaton
Facilities: Car park, pool table, rooms, village shop
Interesting Fact: You can spot a Dartmoor Legend from Manaton village
Food: Good basic pub fare, great soup and take-away fish and chips
Walks: South to visit Bowerman’s Nose on Hayne Down or north to Easdon Tor and the Whooping Rock
Blonde Blog: The Non-Story of Ignatius Bowerman
A strong contender must be the Rugglestone Inn at Widdecombe where I ate on my Two Moors Way crossing:
“Do you have Wi-fi?”
“No, we aim to stay in the past as long as possible.”
I’m glad the grey mare wasn’t present – she died a very long time ago, on her return from Widdicombe Fair. I think the RSPCA ought to have paid a stern visit to Bill Brewer, Jan Stewer, Peter Gurney, Peter Davy, Daniel Whiddon and Harry Hawk, who clearly were not responsible enough to be in charge of a grey mare.
And as for Old Uncle Tom Cobleigh, as a senior citizen, he should be thoroughly ashamed of himself.