Meldon viaduct from Meldon Dam
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Granite Way

4.6
·491k reviews·, United Kingdom

Explore the dramatic, flooded Foggintor Quarry and eerie 'creaking wood' trees on Dartmoor's wild moors. A photographer's paradise and adventurer's dr...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Best light for photos

CrowdMedium
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Meldon viaduct from Meldon Dam

Granite Way

Best Time

Summer mornings

Best light for photos

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the dramatic, flooded Foggintor Quarry and eerie 'creaking wood' trees on Dartmoor's wild moors. A photographer's paradise and adventurer's dream.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"This abandoned quarry on Dartmoor looks like a movie set and hardly anyone goes there."

Vertical photo
TIP

🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key

Essential for uneven, boggy terrain. Waterproof boots are highly recommended to keep your feet dry.

🗺️ Download Offline Maps

Mobile signal can be unreliable. Ensure you have offline maps downloaded for navigation.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Foggintor Quarry

Foggintor Quarry

Near Princetown

Dramatic flooded granite quarry with sheer cliffs, offering a surreal, almost otherworldly landscape. Perfect for photography and quiet contemplation.

TikTok
Creaking Wood Trees

Creaking Wood Trees

Old Granite Quarry

Ancient, gnarled trees in a granite quarry that produce eerie creaking sounds in the breeze. A unique auditory and visual experience.

TikTok
Wild Swimming Spots

Wild Swimming Spots

Various locations

Discover refreshing natural pools and rivers for a bracing dip amidst stunning moorland scenery. A true taste of Dartmoor's wild side.

TikTok
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Wild: Prepare for Dartmoor's Elements

Dartmoor is a wild and untamed landscape. Be prepared for rapidly changing weather, even in summer. Sturdy, waterproof footwear is essential for navigating uneven terrain and potential boggy areas. Pack layers, including waterproofs, as sunshine can quickly turn to mist and rain. TikTok

Navigating Dartmoor: Car vs. Public Transport

While a car offers the most flexibility for exploring Dartmoor's vastness, it's not always essential. Many beautiful spots, like Foggintor Quarry, are accessible via walking trails from Princetown or nearby roads. TikTok Consider local bus services or guided tours if you prefer not to drive. Reddit

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Best light for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful
Crowd
Low
When
Autumn evenings
Why
Golden hour magic
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Congratulations if you guessed creaking wood tree on my previous ‘Guess the Sound’ post. I found these beautiful mossy trees in an old granite quarry on Dartmoor. The trees are twisted and gnarled which makes for some wonderful creaking sounds. With a light breeze you can hear the branches rattle and wobble but with a bit of gentle persuasion, I was able to record the larger branches rubbing agai...
@rarefindssound
107.5K likes • 2.8M views

🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key

Essential for uneven, boggy terrain. Waterproof boots are highly recommended to keep your feet dry. TikTok

🗺️ Download Offline Maps

Mobile signal can be unreliable. Ensure you have offline maps downloaded for navigation. TikTok

A 50km Wildcamping & Backpacking adventure across Dartmoor National Park! For anyone who’s never been wild camping at Dartmoor National Park, I highly encourage you to get it planned…. I just completed this stunning 50km circular route in a weekend from Friday evening to Sunday evening and honestly it was an experience of a lifetime. The trip I did here was as followed along with some hopefully ...
@tomproutt
68.5K likes • 537.2K views
You must visit Dartmoor! #dartmoor #nationalpark #Outdoors #adventure
@shewalksinengland
7.5K likes • 106.3K views

💧 Pack for All Weather

Dartmoor weather changes rapidly. Bring layers, including waterproofs, even on sunny days. TikTok

📸 Capture the Drama

Foggintor Quarry's cliffs and Foggintor Quarry's unique trees offer incredible photo opportunities. TikTok+1

Did you know about this hidden quarry in Dartmoor? #ukhiking #uktravel #uktravelspots #foggintorquarry
@hiddengems.app
2.3K likes • 80.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key

Essential for uneven, boggy terrain. Waterproof boots are highly recommended to keep your feet dry. TikTok

🗺️ Download Offline Maps

Mobile signal can be unreliable. Ensure you have offline maps downloaded for navigation. TikTok

💧 Pack for All Weather

Dartmoor weather changes rapidly. Bring layers, including waterproofs, even on sunny days. TikTok

📸 Capture the Drama

Foggintor Quarry's cliffs and Foggintor Quarry's unique trees offer incredible photo opportunities. TikTok+1

🏊‍♀️ Brave the Wild Swim

For the adventurous, a dip in Dartmoor's natural waters is an unforgettable experience. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the dramatic and unique landscapes of Foggintor Quarry and the surrounding Dartmoor National Park, often describing it as a hidden gem. The opportunity for photography and the wild, untamed beauty are major draws. Some find the lack of facilities and the unpredictable weather challenging, but most agree the raw natural beauty is worth the effort.

What People Like

Dramatic quarry scenery
Unique 'creaking' trees
Wild, untamed landscapes

What People Dislike

Unpredictable weather
Limited facilities
Boggy terrain

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Foggintor Quarry is accessible via an old railway track from Princetown or a short walk from the main road. TikTok If you're driving, parking is available near Princetown, and you can then follow walking trails. Reddit Public transport options are limited, so a car offers the most flexibility for exploring Dartmoor's wider areas. Reddit

While a car provides freedom, many key spots are reachable on foot. Consider local bus routes or guided tours if you prefer not to drive. TikTokReddit

Parking is generally available in Princetown, which serves as a good starting point for walks to Foggintor Quarry and other nearby attractions. TikTok

Yes, the old railway track leading to Foggintor Quarry is suitable for cycling, offering a scenic route to the quarry. TikTok

Several local operators offer guided tours of Dartmoor, which can be a great way to see the highlights without the hassle of driving and navigation. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Foggintor Quarry and the surrounding Dartmoor National Park are free to access. TikTok+1 You can explore these natural wonders without any admission fees.

Foggintor Quarry is an outdoor natural site and is accessible at all times. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and visibility. TikTok

Dartmoor National Park is a public space and does not have an entrance fee. You are free to explore its vast landscapes. TikTok

While technically accessible, visiting Foggintor Quarry at night is not recommended due to safety concerns related to the terrain and lack of lighting. TikTok

As a natural site, there are no specific entry restrictions. However, visitors are expected to respect the environment and practice leave-no-trace principles. TikTok

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Foggintor Quarry offers dramatic scenery for photography, exploration of the flooded quarry and cliffs, and a sense of wild adventure. TikTok You can also find unique 'creaking wood' trees nearby. TikTok

While some visitors enjoy wild swimming, the quarry waters can be deep and cold, with submerged objects. Swim with extreme caution and only if you are a strong swimmer. TikTok

Dartmoor is home to diverse wildlife, including ponies, sheep, various bird species, and if you're lucky, some rarer moorland inhabitants. TikTok

There are no facilities directly at Foggintor Quarry. The nearest amenities are typically found in Princetown, a short walk or drive away. TikTok

Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots, comfortable trousers, and layers of clothing, including a waterproof jacket, as the weather can change quickly. TikTok+1

📸 📸 Photography

Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for dramatic shots of the quarry and surrounding landscape. Golden hour can be particularly stunning. TikTok

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive moorland and quarry views. A polarizing filter can help manage reflections on the water. TikTok

The sheer cliffs, the flooded quarry itself, and the twisted 'creaking wood' trees nearby offer unique photographic opportunities. TikTok+1

Drone usage in Dartmoor National Park is subject to regulations. Always check the latest guidelines from the National Park authority before flying. TikTok

A slightly breezy day will enhance the 'creaking' effect, and soft, diffused light can highlight the moss and textures of these unique trees. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Dartmoor offers a fantastic adventure for families, with Foggintor Quarry providing a dramatic backdrop for exploration. Kids will be fascinated by the sheer cliffs and the stories of this old quarry. TikTok The nearby 'creaking wood' trees are also a unique sensory experience that children will find intriguing. TikTok Ensure children wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes as the terrain can be uneven and potentially boggy. TikTok Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as facilities are scarce. Consider shorter, well-marked walking routes from Princetown to make the outing more manageable for younger children. TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Hikers and Adventurers

For hikers, Dartmoor is a paradise. The network of trails around Foggintor Quarry and beyond offers routes for all levels. TikTok+1 Consider tackling longer circular routes or even embarking on a wild camping trip for a truly immersive experience. TikTok Remember to pack essential navigation tools like offline maps and a compass, as the moor can be disorienting. TikTok The opportunity for wild swimming in natural pools adds an extra element of adventure for the brave. TikTok

📸 Photographers and Artists

Foggintor Quarry is a dream location for photographers, offering dramatic landscapes and unique subjects. TikTok The interplay of light and shadow on the granite cliffs, the reflections in the flooded quarry, and the textured 'creaking wood' trees provide endless creative possibilities. TikTok+1 Visit during the golden hours for the most dramatic lighting. Drone photography can capture breathtaking aerial views, but always check local regulations first. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Foggintor Quarry: A Photographer's Dream

Foggintor Quarry is a truly dramatic and often overlooked gem within Dartmoor National Park. Its sheer granite cliffs plunging into a deep, flooded quarry create a landscape that feels almost otherworldly. TikTok This abandoned quarry, once a hub of industry, now offers a starkly beautiful and serene environment. The water's surface often reflects the dramatic skies, providing incredible opportunities for photographers. Visiting during the 'golden hour' – shortly after sunrise or before sunset – can bathe the quarry in a warm, ethereal light, enhancing its moody atmosphere. TikTok

Beyond the main quarry, keep an eye out for the unique 'creaking wood' trees found in nearby old granite quarries. TikTok These ancient, gnarled trees, covered in moss, produce an eerie, resonant creaking sound when the wind blows through them. TikTok This auditory experience adds another layer to the sensory exploration of the area. For photographers, these trees offer a chance to capture textures and shapes not found elsewhere. Remember to pack a wide-angle lens to capture the vastness of the quarry and a polarizing filter to manage reflections on the water's surface. TikTok

While Foggintor Quarry is a stunning natural site, it's important to be aware of the terrain. The edges of the quarry can be steep and uneven, and the water is deep. Always exercise caution, especially if you're tempted by wild swimming, and ensure you have sturdy, waterproof footwear. TikTok+1 The lack of facilities means you'll need to be self-sufficient, so bring plenty of water and snacks. TikTok

The Wild Heart of Dartmoor: Beyond the Quarry

Dartmoor National Park is more than just its dramatic quarries; it's a vast expanse of wild moorland, ancient tors, and winding rivers. TikTok For those seeking adventure, a 50km wild camping and backpacking route offers an immersive experience of the park's rugged beauty. TikTok This allows you to truly connect with the landscape, sleeping under the stars and waking to the sounds of nature. The park is also dotted with opportunities for wild swimming, offering a refreshing way to cool off amidst the stunning scenery. TikTok

When exploring Dartmoor, it's crucial to be prepared for its unpredictable weather. Conditions can change rapidly, with mist and rain appearing suddenly, even on a clear day. TikTok Packing layers, including waterproof and windproof clothing, is essential. Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots are a must for navigating the often boggy and uneven terrain. TikTok Mobile phone signal can also be patchy, so downloading offline maps is highly recommended to avoid getting lost. TikTok

While the park is largely accessible, some areas are privately owned farmland, which can lead to discussions about true wilderness. TikTok However, the vast majority of Dartmoor remains a protected natural space, offering a sanctuary for wildlife and a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Remember to practice leave-no-trace principles to help preserve this beautiful environment for future generations. TikTok

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