Folklore, Myth & Legend

Old Crockern

A moorland spirit said to preside over Crockern Tor, summoned by tinners and cited in medieval law.

Paul Rendell - Dartmoor Guide

Paul Rendell was born in Plymouth and became enthusiastic about Dartmoor from an early age after being taken on numerous outings by his parents. Burrator and Sheepstor were two of the favourite places they went as a family.Very early he found he was fascinated by the moor's industrial archaeology and its wildlife. Because he was dyslexic his schooldays were not very easy for him but he struggled on until school leaving age.

Rebecca Beattie

Bere Alston

Dartmoor-raised author, Wiccan priestess and witchcraft teacher whose books explore nature, magic and the wheel of the year.

The Coffin Stone

A stone at Dartmeet said to mark a coffin's resting place, or to warn of death.

The Dartmoor Podcast

Not a Podcast! A series of short documentaries on all things Dartmoor: myths and legends, history, nature, wild camping, literature, interesting local people, and more!

The Dewerstone and the Wild Hunt

A Wild Hunt legend tied to an Iron Age fort above the River Plym, popular in Dartmoor folklore but of uncertain age and origin.

The Hairy Hands

A ghost story about phantom hands attacking drivers on a remote stretch of the B3212 near Postbridge, popular since the early 20th century.

The Great Thunderstorm of Widecombe

A devil legend tied to a violent thunderstorm at Widecombe church in 1638, and how the story has shifted over three centuries.

The Gubbins of Lydford

Lydford

A band of outlaws said to have lived wild around Lydford Gorge in the 17th century, led by the semi-legendary Roger Rowle, part real rumour of the English Civil War era and part Robin Hood story.