Wistman's Wood
Wistman's Wood
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
126 reviews
Excellent
97
Very good
24
Average
3
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2
Terrible
0
Bluebellplasnewydd
Cardiff, UK2,042 contributions
Jun 2021
This is an ancient forest with large lichen covered boulders and spindly trees. It is quite small in area so you will not get lost in it. A great place for relaxation and reflection. The track leads from the Two Bridges Hotel where you can park for a small charge (or have a cream tea before your walk). It is an easy walk of about 30 minutes with the path being just above the river. We walked back part of the way along the river but were stopped by boggy wet areas where we had to return to the main path.
Written June 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HiggyBristol
Bristol, UK494 contributions
Apr 2021
These woods are odd and atmospheric. The walk to the woods is pretty easy, there's a few small boulders to step over in places, but it's a mostly flat walk and when we visited it was dry and not muddy. The woods themselves are harder to navigate because of the bed of large boulders on the forest floor, you'll find yourself having to scrabble between and over the stone, but it's worth it to find a quiet spot in this unique and eerie woodland.
Written May 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Georgia M
Lincoln, UK482 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
All in all it’s a nice walk. You can park in the free car parking at the start of the trail or at Two Bridges Hotel over the road (£5 all day from reception).
It’s a pleasant and fairly easy 30 minutes walk through open fields (with livestock- dogs on leads), to reach the wood.
There are plenty of signs stating that you must not walk through it as it damages it. I totally understand and appreciate this and definitely would not walk through it, but did not feel like I could fully get a feel for it or soak in the mystical atmosphere just viewing from the outside. I was a little underwhelmed but perhaps my expectations were too high!
It’s a pleasant and fairly easy 30 minutes walk through open fields (with livestock- dogs on leads), to reach the wood.
There are plenty of signs stating that you must not walk through it as it damages it. I totally understand and appreciate this and definitely would not walk through it, but did not feel like I could fully get a feel for it or soak in the mystical atmosphere just viewing from the outside. I was a little underwhelmed but perhaps my expectations were too high!
Written July 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mara M
London, UK170 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
Wistman’s wood is a very special and unusual forest which looks like it should belong to a different time. The dwarf, contorted trees (mostly oaks) with lichens growing on their branches reminiscent of witches’ hair, make it look like it’s just come out of a story book. The place looks like the product of someone’s fertile imagination. We enjoyed our walk from Two Bridges and, as it was a hot day, we cooled down at the nearby stream. The walk is very uneven and walking boots are essential. We were able to leave our car at the Two Bridges Hotel free of charge after having our drinks at the hotel as the designated car park is tiny. A great half day out!
Written August 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Blue Prints of Britain
Bury St. Edmunds, UK44 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Stunning ancient woodland that will make you feel like you are in a fairytale. A must-visit place. A lovely and easy walk from a small car park opposite the Two Bridges Hotel. The woodland is hidden in the fields, you cannot see it from the main road. It roughly takes 1 hour to reach it from the car park. We visited in autumn on a rainy day, and still, it was magical. This is one of the most unique woodlands you can find in the UK
Written June 2, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alwaysannoyed
Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom5 contributions
Aug 2023
You should know that you are asked/told not to enter the wood but walk around it. There are signs all around it saying this. It's a highly protected SSSI. As far as visiting goes this means you just get to see some trees with a hint of mossiness going on. You are not immersed. You are not in the wood. You will get a better view from published photos. Really not worth the walk unless you then ascend the nearby tor. The views from there are wonderful.
Written August 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
denisetaylor
St John-in-Cornwall, UK282 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
A beautiful old 16 hundreds oak wood. It is magical. We have been several times as we are local. So we saw it before it was closed. It’s closed to protect the wood and regeneration. Still worth going there though as you can see it really well.
Written August 18, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ALT P
70 contributions
Oct 2021
I set off from the car park and about half a mile away I met a man from Natural England, which is always a bonus and he told me a little about the wood and how it is being eroded away by people entering the wood instead of standing and admiring it from the outside, as it is people that will cause further erosion to all the wonderful Lichen and Fungii that thrive in this environment.
I continued my walk which is a lot further than I thought and when I arrived what an amazing sight to behold. You can see the erosion so I do urge people to look from the outside, otherwise it will disappear and nobody will be able to enjoy it.
I do not normally put reviews like this but it is quite important that the balance of nature and us remains stable so we can all live together and see the places like this.
I continued my walk which is a lot further than I thought and when I arrived what an amazing sight to behold. You can see the erosion so I do urge people to look from the outside, otherwise it will disappear and nobody will be able to enjoy it.
I do not normally put reviews like this but it is quite important that the balance of nature and us remains stable so we can all live together and see the places like this.
Written October 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carole P
Newton Abbot151 contributions
Sep 2014 • Couples
It's worth setting off fairly early to reach Two Bridges & find a space in the small car park, which is opposite the Two Bridges Hotel & private car park. If you arrive after 10.30 am you may not get a space. There is a way-marked signpost to Wistman's Wood at the back of the car park. Walk about 10 minutes to reach a farmhouse, (which incidentally sells free range eggs - you can see the chickens wandering around). The path then becomes more uneven and rocky in places, so you need good walking shoes/boots & it will take 30 - 40 more minutes to reach Wistman's Wood. Grid Ref SX613770) This is high moor, so can feel chilly with morning mist or a stiff breeze, so make sure you have a jacket or warm clothing available. A rucksack with a picnic is ideal too so you can sit and enjoy the stunning views. If you want to explore the wood you will need to walk/climb over mossy granite rocks, but it's well worth the effort. The distorted trees & abundant moss and lichen give the woods a magical quality & there are many myths surrounding them. The far end of the wood is fenced off and un-grazed, so you can see the natural flora of Dartmoor. The rest of the area, including a number of Tors, is grazed by sheep and wild ponies. They tend to ignore pedestrians so no problem. Good for photos, but best given a wide berth especially when pregnant or with their young. Littaford Tor is near the woods and affords 360 degree views across the rest of the moor. There's plenty to explore, especially if you follow the river & leat up to Higher White Tor and then follow a circular route back to the farmhouse & finally Two Bridges. Allow 2 hours if just visiting the wood & immediate area or 4 hours if doing the circular route, as this will allow time for exploring & resting at the viewpoints. This is one of those beautiful walks that will never be forgotten.
Written September 13, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robertscargill
Saltash, UK538 contributions
Feb 2017 • Couples
This is such a special fragile place on the Moors . One of just a few ancient upland Oak woods. Ancient gnarled oak growing between huge granite boulders all covered in moss and lichen. I spent many years of my life living close to the edge of Dartmoor in Devon. I love the rugged beauty of this ancient landscape and Wistmans wood is one of my favourite places on the Moors. If you visit please tread gently and treat this place with reverence and respect and enjoy the peace of the place.
Written March 27, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
From Two Bridges to the old woods how long does this take? I have sciatica and back problems but want to do a photo shoot here.
Any guidance.
Written December 29, 2022
Hello, What is the best hiking trail to take to the woods if one is coming from Plymouth. Max I can do is 15 miles in total and want to see the woods.
Written August 25, 2019
Hi, the only walking path I know is from the Two bridges hotel in the National Park. Around 3 - 3,5 miles there and back. But better to check the reviews, maybe you can find others hiking another path.
Written August 28, 2019
Do you need a permit to hold an elopement ceremony (couple only, no guests). Flowers to decorate etc. If so, how do you obtain one?
Written August 31, 2018
You might have to ask the local Mayor but I would just get on with it. Nobody's going to mind, especially if it's not at the weekend.
Have a nice time.
I might recommend the top of the moors instead- nice views although might get a bit blustery with flowers all over the place.
Written September 1, 2018
Hi I am coming to the woods early May with a group of photographers and some young models, do we need a permit to take photos ? there will be about 12 of us and a couple of kids
0771 2299 291
Thank you so much for your help
Written March 29, 2018
No, you don't need a permit to take photos.
Written April 1, 2018
Hi, I have limited mobility due to Parkinson's disease. I there any way I get up to Wistman's Wood. It's been along term wish to visit the woods and I would like to do so before my condition deteriorates further. Many thanks. Ian Procter.
Written May 23, 2017
Sorry it's taken so long for me to reply Ian. I myself have balance issues due to Fibromyalgia. my mobility isn't great and I did find it a challenge. I would wordy that if you got I to difficulties half way out it is remote and would be a while before you got help. Sorry to sound so negative. On a positive note I did take a lot of pictures which if you would like I can share with you.
Written July 16, 2017
Is this a suitable walk to the wood for a pushchair? How rough is the terrain?
Many thanks!
Written October 19, 2015
Hi, I know this is a late reply to your question but NO, it is not suitable for wheelchairs as it is an uneven track to get there with a couple of styles and you would need to clamber over boulders within the wood itself. Avon Dam would be a good option as this has a good level path to the base of the dam,
Written April 4, 2016
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