Wistman’s Wood is located out in the Devonshire countryside. A stones’ throw from the Duchy of Cornwall, the moss covered and twisted branches could be the entrance to a different realm.
Wistman’s Wood is a rare example of a stunted oak forest, with trees growing no more than 20ft above your head. It’s thought to be the last remnants of a forest that once covered the entirety of Dartmoor, with this particular patch being around 500 years old. At 9 acres, it’s a wonder why such a small area has been left untouched. The place is shrouded in myths and legend, from mystical Druids to the evil Wisht Hounds of the devil himself. When you visit this Tolkien-esque forest, it’s easy to see why.
Please do not go inside the wood. The moss is very rare and fragile and walking in the wood and sitting on the trees will damage it. Just admire it from the edges.
Legends of Wistman’s Wood
Sacred Druid’s Grove
Early 19th century writings say that Wistman’s Wood as one of the last remaining ancient Druid groves. Apparently, they conducted rituals here beneath the oaks, carving spirals and symbols into the moss that you can still see today. It takes little imagination to see why this is seen as a spiritual place. Wildflowers cling to every rock and branch, birds flitter between the leaves and the rush of the river can be heard in the valley below. It’s peaceful and incredibly beautiful.
Wisht Hounds
According to the legend, Wistman’s Wood is inhabited by Hellhounds: black vicious demonic dogs with red glowing eyes and a taste for blood. These dogs, also known as Wisht Hounds or Yeth, have everything to do with a phenomena called the Wild Hunt. The Wild Hunt comes from the days the Danish Kings ruled England. Legend says that when the Wild Hunt happens, a supernatural group of hunters will ride the wood in search of souls.
The leader of the Hunt is often a legendary figure such as Odin, a historic figure such as Theodoric The Great or the Danish King Valdemar Atterdag or even a biblical figure such as Cain, Gabriel or even the Devil himself. The Hellhounds guide the hunters. These hunters are either the souls of the dead of fairies or elves. If someone would witness the Wild Hunt, it would lead to catastrophes such as plague, war or even death.
Ghostly Hauntings
Just north of Wistman’s Wood lies The Lych Way, an old processional route that crosses the moors to the parish of Lydford. Before cars, residents would have to take this long path to church on a Sunday and for important events, such as weddings and funerals. Coffins would need to be carried along this route, before being buried at the parish churchyard. It’s not surprising that this route also became known as The Way of the Dead. This pretty dark history has led to tales of ghostly apparitions along The Lych Way, especially near Wistman’s Wood.
Pixie Led
There’s a lot of debate about the origins of the name Wistman’s Wood. Some people believe it ties into the Druid legend, meaning wise man’s wood. The word wis is related to the Saxon word ‘to know’, with ‘wissman’ meaning ‘Wood of the Wise Man’. A more popular opinion, considering the wood’s location, is that it derives from the Devonshire word Wisht, which means pixie-led, or haunted. Dartmoor is notorious for its pixies, who seem to haunt every tor and outcrop. From leading lost travellers astray to causing cars to crash along the empty roads, they have a mischievous reputation. If the name is correct, then Wistman’s Wood is one place where you can surely expect to be pixie-led if you aren’t careful.
If you want to read more legends, you can do so here.
Wistman’s Wood is located at (SX 613770) by parking at the car park opposite the Two Bridges Hotel, just past Princetown on the B3357 (SX 609751). A wooden signpost reads ‘Wistman’s Wood’ and the trail is an easy 1.5 mile walk from the road.
Have you ever visited Wistman’s Wood?
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