Yarner Wood, Bovey Tracey, Dartmoor National Park
'Yarner Wood was purchased in 1952 by the Nature Conservancy and became England's first National Nature Reserve.'* Today, it's part of the East Dartmoor National Nature Reserve that incorporates nearby Trendlebere Down and parts of the Bovey Valley. It's a superb place. There are nature trails, bird hides, exquisite views and the giant, ancient oaks for which the wood is known.
We've positioned Yarner Wood on Google maps so zoom in on the 'Satellite' setting to see its location. If you're visiting for the first time, head for Yarner Wood Reserve Base. There, unless they've been taken, you should be able to pick up information leaflets about both the wood and the National Nature Reserve. Suggested walks within the wood are included in the Yarner Wood leaflet.
Across the car parking area from the base and public toilet is a bird hide looking out across a large pond (the stew pond). There's another hide up the forestry road that runs past the far end of the pond. The second hide looks over Yarner Valley. In addition to birdlife, the giant oaks are magnificent, especially in Autumn.
The wood is packed with things to see. Look out for Yarrow Mine/Devon Wheal Francis, the granite railway of the Templer Way and the field museum. There are plenty of cool sculptures and benches placed at magnificent viewing points.
In addition to access via Yarner Wood Reserve Base, there are lots of other entry points around the edge of the wood. The entry/exit points of the Templer Way are the most obvious. You can wander down, or across, from the car parking areas on Trendlebere Down and Haytor Down as well.
Whilst the walks in the information leaflets are superb, we'd also suggest you try the Yarner Wood Templer Way walk.
* This information is taken from Natural England's East Dartmoor National Nature Reserve leaflet available from Yarner Wood Reserve Base and other information centres in, and around, Dartmoor.
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