The spiritual heart of Dartmoor, Dartmeet is a paradise for anyone who loves our nature-filled part of the world. Combining rich history, quaint villages and stunning natural landscapes, this little gem is a must-visit for anyone seeking a taste of Dartmoor.
Make the most of your visit to our dog-friendly hotel in Devon with the help of this guide, filled with everything you need to enjoy your time in the region. We also have guides on other popular locations for you to discover, such as the iconic Haytor Rocks.
Where is Dartmeet?
Dartmeet is a small location in central Dartmoor. Its name comes from the nearby point where the East and West Dart Rivers meet to form the River Dart, after which Dartmoor is named, making it a very significant location in the region’s culture and history.
Do note that Dartmeet is more of a landmark than a village or hamlet. As a result, there are not many facilities in the direct area However, it’s accessible by road from nearby villages and surrounded by points of interest, making it popular with walkers, nature enthusiasts and anyone else looking for a true taste of the moor.
Dartmeet: A Beautiful Step Through Time
In many ways, Dartmeet is the quiet heart of Dartmoor. It’s the start of the River Dart, after which it’s named, and the region is filled with interesting artifacts showcasing life through the ages.
Dartmeet is home to remains of prehistoric field systems, some of the best-preserved in Europe. It also has some beautiful bridges, including a ruined clapper bridge, showcasing early life on the moor.
With its central location, Dartmeet is surrounded on all sides by great walks to striking natural wonders. With rivers, tors and gorges to discover, you can see why Dartmeet is a rambler’s paradise.
Things to See & Do at Dartmeet
- Enjoy the scenic views from where the East and West Dart Rivers meet.
- Walk across the rivers on the famous stepping stones.
- Discover the remains of an ancient clapper bridge.
- Explore nearby Dart Gorge.
- Go wild swimming in the natural pools around Dart Gorge.
- Hike the nearby tors, including Sharp Tor and Combestone.
- Explore the nearby villages such as Hexworthy and Ponsworthy.
Facilities at Dartmeet
There is a large car park at Dartmeet (PL20 6SG) which provides a good starting point for experiencing the area.
Options for food are limited unless you walk to nearby villages, the nearest being Hexworthy, which is around 40 minutes away by foot. There have historically been toilets available at the car park, but at the time of writing, there are discussions about them being shuttered, so do double-check if this is important to you.
How Accessible is Dartmeet?
Dartmeet is a pretty rural location, even for Dartmoor’s standards. While there are plenty of well-trodden tracks to follow, many of them are rugged and uneven in places, while attractions like the gorge and stepping stones won’t be accessible to everyone.
Popular Walks Around Dartmeet
Dartmeet is a region surrounded by natural beauty in every direction. Whether you want to explore off the beaten track or enjoy a leisurely stroll, this is a rambler’s paradise.
- Welcome to Dartmoor Walk – a popular 3-hour walk by the Dartmoor National Park Association that explores the rivers, stepping stones and local history.
- Lucky & Sharp Tor Circular – Explore the River Dart and nearby tors in this moderately challenging 4-hour walk.
- Dart Gorge Circular – A challenging 6-hour, 16-kilometre walk following the River Dart through to Dart Gorge and its many beautiful pools, perfect for wild swimming, as well as nearby tors.
Image Credit: Sharp Tor by Alan Hunt. CC BY-SA 2.0
Wildlife to Spot at Dartmeet
With so much natural wilderness in the area, including nature reserves around Dart Gorge, Dartmeet is a haven for nature lovers, particularly those seeking wild fish and other river creatures! Here are just some of the animals you might spot:
- Dragonflies and damselflies like the Golden Ringed Dragonfly or Beautiful Demoiselle.
- Birds such as Kingfishers, Dippers and Dartford Warblers.
- European Otters that call the River Dart home.
If you love exploring Dartmoor’s rugged landscapes and that feeling of being disconnected from the world, Dartmeet might be the perfect place for you. If you want to discover more stunning natural locations, why not check out our guide to the best photography locations on Dartmoor?