Dartmoor: Parke. (National Trust)
Arriving in Dartmoor for the very first time in my life I checked into the gorgeous Five Wyches campsite in Bovey Tracey. With the tent pitched both Monty and I were chomping at the bit to stretch our legs. I didn't know much about Dartmoor, except that I was here to turn my hand to cold water swimming and that I desperately needed some time out after what was an incredibly testing 2020 (as for many of us).
I knew I was going to going and catch the sunset at the nearby Haytor but having been lucky with good traffic I had a few hours to kill and the campsite owner recommended crossing the road and checking Parke out. So that we did.
Coming into the estate you arrive in Bonds Meadow, a beautiful green, grazing space with lots of gorgeous old, wise trees and views over the house and grounds. This was once an estate of a family who were self sufficient, with a plentiful vegetable garden and a fishery.
Once past the house (it turns out I missed the secret walled garden) you can pick up the path that takes you to the River Bovey. Monty took great delight dipping in and out of the river as we made our way to the weir. The dappled light through the woodland and the rushing sound of the river combined makes an exhilarating walk and when we came to a bridge we crossed it and followed a path back to the car park.
I came back another day in the morning when it was quiet and I spotted a kingfisher. This is a place rich with wildlife and peace.
