Feeling the blues in that quiet period between Christmas and New Year, I found myself looking online for places to stay and ideas for future camping trips. That was when I came across Dartmoor Shepherds Huts.
The Huck 1 Bedroom cabin had five nights available in the new year. I did not need to be back at work until 6 January and, at £160 for the stay, it felt like a good chance to have a small getaway at the start of the year. The photos made the place look peaceful and picturesque, so I booked it.
Arriving at Dartmoor Shepherds Huts
Once inside Dartmoor National Park, the approach took me through narrow country lanes. It felt like I had been driving along them for hours, although in reality it was only around 20 minutes.
I arrived at about 4.30pm. As it was early January, it was already completely dark, which made following the directions more difficult. On arrival, I was not entirely sure where anything was. Thankfully, I spotted a farmer tending to cows in the next field, and he pointed us in the right direction to the cabin.
This is worth keeping in mind if you are arriving in winter, after dark, or in a larger vehicle. The lanes and the low light made the final approach feel more involved than it probably would during the day. For car travellers, van drivers and campervan users, arriving before dark would make the last part of the journey much easier.
Inside the Huck 1 Bedroom Cabin
The cabin had a large living room area with a settee, dining table and chairs, and an open-plan kitchen area. The bedroom was just off the kitchen, with a double bed at the end and bunk beds running along the length of the room.
The cabin was advertised as sleeping eight, although I think space would feel tight with that many people inside. For a couple, small family or a small group, it felt more comfortable. The decor was reasonably modern and, although it was not spotlessly clean, it was at an acceptable standard.
The Setting Around the Huts
In the morning light, I had a better sense of the place. Dartmoor Shepherds Huts sits right on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, and the surroundings were the strongest part of the stay.
At the bottom of a short path were the camping grounds, including a few shepherds huts, set in a quiet spot with a small brook running through. I could easily imagine being there in the height of summer, with the sun going down, a campfire on the go, and the sound of the stream and birdsong in the background.
For walkers and anyone wanting a peaceful base near Dartmoor, the location is a clear plus. It also feels like the sort of place that would suit couples, families and small groups who want somewhere simple and rural rather than polished or resort-like.
A Note on Parking and Access
One evening, during a torrential downpour, I returned to the hut and needed to reverse the car into the small driveway in front of it. It was pitch black, the weather was awful, and my partner was trying to guide me in.
Hilarity followed, although it did not feel quite so funny at the time. He somehow managed to direct me off a verge, and the car nearly turned over, stopped only by a small tree beside us. We had to ask the farmer in the house above the hut to tow us out of the ditch, which he kindly did in the pouring rain.
That experience is a useful reminder rather than a complaint. In poor weather and darkness, rural access and small parking areas can become much more awkward. If you are travelling in a van, campervan or larger vehicle, it is sensible to take your time, check the space in daylight if possible, and avoid rushing the final manoeuvre.
Using It as a Base
Plymouth, Paignton and Torbay were all within around 40 minutes’ drive, which made Dartmoor Shepherds Huts a useful base for visiting local towns as well as the surrounding countryside.
For road-trippers, it worked well as a rural stop with access to several nearby places by car. For walkers, the edge-of-Dartmoor setting was the main draw. For families and couples, it offered a quiet base rather than a busy holiday park feel.
Would I Stay at Dartmoor Shepherds Huts Again?
Yes, I would visit Dartmoor Shepherds Huts again, mainly because of the location and the setting. The cabin itself was comfortable enough, though I would be cautious about filling it to the advertised capacity of eight people.
The stay felt especially appealing as a simple rural break, and I would like to return in summer when the grounds, stream and outdoor setting could be enjoyed properly.
Dartmoor Shepherds Huts Contact Details
Dartmoor Shepherds Huts can be contacted on 07562050424 or via dartmoorshepherdshuts.co.uk.
Dartmoor Shepherds Huts is situated at Higher Michelcombe Farm, Holne, Devon TQ13 7SP.