A tiny patch of twisted oak trees on Dartmoor has been named one of Europe’s most magical forest walks, with its ancient landscape helping it secure a place among some of the continent’s most enchanting woodlands.
Wistman’s Wood has been ranked third in a new study by Avis, which identified secluded forests across Europe offering atmospheric walks away from the crowds.
The woodland, which covers just 3.5 hectares, sits on open Dartmoor moorland around 50km from Exeter Airport. Researchers said its 500-year-old dwarf oak trees, moss-covered granite boulders and folklore-filled surroundings helped it stand out from larger and better-known forests.
According to the study, Wistman’s Wood attracts around 18,100 monthly online searches and has approximately 5,000 Instagram posts associated with it.
Avis analysed 33 forests across Europe using a combination of monthly Google search volumes, Instagram activity, the estimated age of the oldest trees and accessibility from nearby airports.
The study found that Wistman’s Wood offers visitors a woodland experience that feels “more like a hidden relic than a conventional woodland”, appealing to those seeking wild landscapes and atmosphere rather than traditional viewpoints.
The ranking was topped by Perućica Rainforest in Bosnia and Herzegovina, one of Europe’s last remaining primeval rainforests. Otzarreta Forest in Spain finished second.
Garajonay National Park on the Spanish island of La Gomera ranked fourth, while Trollskogen in Sweden completed the top five.
Researchers said the ranking aimed to highlight forests that remain under the radar and provide opportunities for travellers looking to escape busier tourist destinations.
The full study is available via Avis. Tickets and travel information can be found at https://www.avis.co.uk/drive-avis/car-hire-locations/europe.
Europe’s five most magical forest walks
- Perućica Rainforest, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Otzarreta Forest, Spain
- Wistman’s Wood, England
- Garajonay National Park, Spain
- Trollskogen, Sweden
