Yarner Wood, Newton Abbot, Devon, TQ13 9LJ, on the eastern fringe of Dartmoor near Bovey Tracey.
Yarner Wood
Mixed-habitat reserve
Place photograph
6.5
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Free
Cost
Peaceful
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.5England’s first National Nature Reserve, Yarner Wood combines western oak woodland, wildlife-watching opportunities and paths through a former working woodland.
Yarner Wood earns its place for more than a pleasant woodland walk: it is a nationally notable reserve with a scientific and conservation story, accessible paths, bird hides and traces of its former charcoal-making past.
Peaceful · Atmospheric · Ancient-feeling
Find your way
Open mapYarner Wood, Newton Abbot, Devon, TQ13 9LJ, on the eastern fringe of Dartmoor near Bovey Tracey.
Opening map…
Know this place a little better?
The experience
Follow the short circular route through the woodland, pausing at the gazebo and bird hides. The reserve’s paths, oak woodland and charcoal-hearth traces make a compact visit more rewarding than a simple out-and-back stroll.
Things to do
Follow the accessible circular route
Walk the Dartmoor National Park Authority’s 2 km circular route on wide, gravel-surfaced paths. Its directions recommend walking anti-clockwise to avoid steep uphill sections.
About 1 hour
Pause at the bird hides
Use the bird hides to watch and listen for woodland birds. The nature-trail guide mentions lesser spotted woodpeckers and wood warblers; sightings are not guaranteed.
Look for charcoal hearths
The nature-trail guide describes flat circular platforms, about five metres across, left by the woodland’s former charcoal-making work.
Stop at the gazebo and pond-dipping platform
The Dartmoor National Park Authority route directions pass a wooden gazebo; its facilities list also mentions a pond-dipping platform. Check on-site access and conditions.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · About 1 hour
Quick woodland circuit
- 01
Start at Yarner Wood car park.
- 02
Follow the circular woodland route, using the anti-clockwise directions to avoid steep uphill sections.
- 03
Pause at the gazebo and bird hide before returning to the car park.
Half day · 2–3 hours
Make a half day of the reserve
- 01
Walk the approximately 2 km circular route from the car park.
- 02
Take time at the bird hides to look and listen for woodland birds.
- 03
Look for the circular charcoal-hearth platforms described in the nature-trail guide.
- 04
Check current route conditions before setting out, especially after rain.
Verified history
Yarner Wood became England’s first National Nature Reserve in 1952, according to the Dartmoor National Park Authority page. A supplied nature-trail guide describes the wood’s former use for charcoal production and its later role as a place for scientific study and conservation.
Hidden details
The woodland’s charcoal-making platforms — Look for flat, circular areas approximately five metres across, identified by the supplied nature-trail guide as former charcoal hearths.
When to go
April · May · September · October · Morning, when there is time to walk quietly and pause at the bird hides.
The supplied sources describe woodland birds, oak trees and autumn colour. Spring and autumn are useful seasons to focus on wildlife and changing woodland character; specific seasonal sightings are not guaranteed.
The nature-trail guide says the earthen and gravel-packed tracks can be muddy after rainfall. Check conditions before setting out.
The route
- stiles
- No stiles are mentioned in the supplied route details; check locally.
- surface
- Wide gravel-surfaced path on the Dartmoor National Park Authority route; another guide describes earthen and gravel-packed tracks that can be muddy after rain.
- distance
- 2 km circular route; another supplied guide describes a walk of approximately 2 miles with shorter routes available.
- duration
- About 1 hour for the 2 km route; a separate guide gives 1–1.5 hours for its approximately 2-mile trail.
- difficulty
- The Dartmoor National Park Authority describes the route as suitable for many; another supplied guide labels its approximately 2-mile trail moderate/strenuous.
- waymarking
- Follow the supplied anti-clockwise directions and on-site information; waymarking details are not specified.
- route shape
- Circular
- start point
- Yarner Wood car park, near the NNR office.
- parking start
- The Dartmoor National Park Authority identifies a car park at Yarner Wood. One supplied guide describes parking as free; verify current arrangements before visiting.
- shorter alternative
- The nature-trail guide says shorter routes are available; route details are not provided.
- Oak woodland
- Woodland bird hides, including an accessible hide listed by the Dartmoor National Park Authority
- A wooden gazebo
- A pond-dipping platform listed among reserve facilities
- Former charcoal hearths described in the nature-trail guide
What to look for
Look for the flat circular charcoal hearths described in the supplied nature-trail guide, oak trees and lichens and mosses on the woodland trees. The sources also describe bird hides and uncommon woodland birds, including lesser spotted woodpeckers and wood warblers.
The story
Science, Industry
Best time to go
Spring and autumn
Spring is a good time to explore the woodland and listen for birds; autumn brings changing oak colours. Go in daylight and check path conditions after rain.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Walkers · Wildlife lovers · Photographers · Families
Before you go
Address
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
A circular route starts at Yarner Wood car park. The Dartmoor National Park Authority describes a 2 km accessible route on wide, gravel-surfaced paths. Check current access and conditions before visiting.
Check before visiting
Parking
A car park is identified at Yarner Wood. One supplied route source describes parking as free; check before travelling.
Check before visiting
Toilets
The Dartmoor National Park Authority lists a public toilet, including disabled facilities, at the NNR office by the car park.
Food & drink
No on-site café or food information supplied. Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Dogs
Check current dog rules before visiting.
Check before visiting
Accessibility
The Dartmoor National Park Authority describes a 2 km circular route as sheltered, wide and gravel-surfaced, and provides an anti-clockwise direction to avoid steep uphill sections. It also lists disabled facilities at the NNR office and an accessible bird hide. Confirm current conditions and suitability before travelling.
Cost
Free
Water
Pond
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Yarner Wood
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
