There are perhaps just three such ancient upland oak woods left on Dartmoor, and Wistmans Wood is by far the most famous. A visit here is a must if you're into moss and lichen-covered trees and boulders, gnarled stunted oaks and their legendary links to Druids, the Devil, Hounds, Serpents and just about anything else that might be scary.
It's about a mile and a quarter's relatively easy (for Moor Walkers) stroll up a farm track from the Two Bridges Hotel on the main road from Tavistock to Ashburton. Once you've passed the farm cottages on your left you'll be able to look up the valley and see Wistmans Wood far up the valley on the right hand side. It's quicker to leave the main path at this point, instead walk towards the Wood keeping slightly uphill, over a gap in a low wall, and after about 100yds or so you'll come to an easy sandy path that takes you up to the wood. You'll need to climb over a steep stile to get there. An excellent place for photographers who take their time to get framing and lighting right; and especially so for those who can handle mists and fogs as it is these which make this place even more spooky. A Tripod will be very helpful, although those without one can rest their camera carefully (without causing damage to the moss and lichen which takes decades to recover) on a rock or tree and use the self-timer to get the longer exposures which permit greater depth of field. Please leave the place exactly as you found it, no taking of moss or lichen, no carving, no littering. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and needs everyone's help to protect it, including the paths to it.