Fingle Woods

Dartmoor National Park


One of the last remaining patches of ancient woodland left on Dartmoor, this lovely 214-hectare forest was badly marred by the introduction of fast-growing conifers in the postwar years. Now jointly owned by the Woodland Trust and the National Trust, the woods is undergoing a major restoration to return it to its natural state. Although 28 miles of trails are now open to the public, it's still a work in progress.

The site is 5 miles east of Moretonhampstead, near the National Trust property Castle Drogo.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Dartmoor National Park attractions

1. Castle Drogo

1.09 MILES

Three miles northeast of Chagford, this outlandish architectural flight of fancy was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens for self-made food-millionaire Julius…

2. Scorhill Stone Circle

5.72 MILES

At around 30m in diameter, Scorhill is impressive, despite around half the stones (27) only still standing. It's tucked away on open moor near Gidleigh.

3. Grimspound

6.23 MILES

The remains of 24 Bronze Age houses (often called huts) dot a sprawling 1.45-hectare site that is encircled by an arching 1.5m-high and 7m-wide perimeter…

4. Finch Foundry

6.81 MILES

A century ago, this dramatic building would have thundered to the sound of clanging hammers and grinding metal. It was one of the busiest tool factories…

5. Grey Wethers

7.74 MILES

At this remote site near Chagford, stone circles stand side by side on a stretch of open moor; another stone circle is 400m away near Fernworthy.

6. St Pancras Church

8.3 MILES

St Pancras' immense 40m tower has seen it dubbed the Cathedral of the Moor. Inside, search out the boards telling the fire-and-brimstone tale of the…

7. Okehampton Castle

10.13 MILES

Okehampton's castle dates back to Norman times, and is strategically sited on top of a rocky escarpment. Later it became a sumptuous residence for Hugh…

8. St Nicholas Priory

10.94 MILES

Originally part of a medieval Benedictine monastery, and later a lavish Elizabethan manor house, this 900-year-old building is currently closed for…

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