Black-a-Tor Copse

Black-a-Tor Copse is a high-altitude ancient oakwood in the West Okement valley, where stunted English oaks grow through granite boulders at about 380 metres. It is one of Dartmoor's three high-altitude woodlands, known for trunks and rocks clothed in moss and lichen rather than a big open view. If Wistman's Wood left you wanting more, this is the wilder, quieter choice.

From Meldon Reservoir, the usual approach is about 4.5 miles (7.2 km) return with 170 metres of climbing. Most of the route is an easy, maintained path across moorland, but the last 500 metres are rougher, with rock hopping and boggy ground. Inside the copse there is no proper path. Allow more time if the ground is wet. You can still get the point of the place by looking from the edge.

The damp air supports nationally important lichens, including the rare Bryoria smithii, along with beard lichen and mosses. Twenty breeding bird species have been recorded here and around it, including ring ouzel and redstart. Twisted branches and rounded boulders frame the West Okement stream, while Black Tor rises above the trees. The nearest parking is at Meldon Reservoir; there is no food at the copse, so bring what you need. Stay on bare dirt between the boulders and keep off the moss. This is special because it has survived, not because it can absorb a crowd.