Feeling the blues due to the period between Chrismas and New Years, I was looking online at destinations to plan my summer camping trips when I stumbled on to the Dartmoor Shepherds Huts. I noticed that the Huck 1 Bedroom cabin had availability for 5 nights in the new year, not having to be back at work till the 6th January and at only £160 I thought perfect, I can have a little getaway to start the new year. The pictures made it look so picturesque so I grabbed my debit card and made the booking.
Once in Dartmoor National Park and after driving through narrow country lanes for what seems like hours but in reality, was only about 20 minutes I arrived at our destination at around 4:30 pm. Being the start of January it was already pitch black, you could barely see your hand in front of your face, this didn’t help with following our directions. Upon arrival, I wasn’t sure where anything was. Thankfully I spotted a farmer tending to the cows in the next field who pointed us in the right direction to the cabin.
The cabin had a large living room area with a settee and dining table and chairs with an open plan kitchen area. The bedroom was a side room just off the kitchen with a double bed at the end and bunk beds along the length. The cabin was advertised as sleeping 8 but I think you’d struggle with space to fit everyone in. The decor was reasonably modern and while not spotlessly clean it was to an acceptable standard.
In the morning light, right on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, I set off to explore the area, at the bottom of a short path the camping grounds, including a few Shepards Huts, which were set in idyllic surroundings complete with babbling brook. I can imagine being here in the height of summer, as the sun sets with a campfire on the go, listening to the stream and bird song, I can’t think of a better setting to spend a relaxing evening with friends and a cold beer. I will be returning to this site at some point due to location.
One evening we were in the middle of a torrential downpour and upon arrival at the hut, my partner was tasked with trying to help me reverse the car into the small driveway in front of the hut in the pitch black of night. Hilarity ensued when he somehow managed to direct me off a verge and nearly turned the car over save for a small tree at the side of us. We had to ask the farmer in the house above the hut to help tow us out of a ditch which he kindly did in the pouring rain.
Plymouth, Paignton and Torbay within 40 minutes drive it was a good place to use as a base to visit the local towns and countryside.
I’d certainly visit Dartmoor Shepherds Huts again and they can be contacted on 07562050424 or via http://www.dartmoorshepherdshuts.co.uk/. Click here to book via Trip Advisor.
Dartmoor Shepherds Huts is situated at Higher Michelcombe Farm, Holne, Devon TQ13 7SP.
