Luxury self-catering accommodation on Bodmin Moor

Myth and legend are rife in this windswept, romantic area of North Cornwall, which is peppered with granite boulders and moorland ponies. Cut through by the A30, it's easily accessible for self-catering stays or day trips, and has long provided inspiration for writers such as Daphne du Maurier, who penned Jamaica Inn after a stay here. Walkers aim for the two high peaks of Brown Willy and Rough Tor; from the top, sweeping views of the exposed surroundings provide a dramatic picnic backdrop. The legendary Cheesewring rock formation is another popular hiking landmark on Bodmin Moor and well worth a visit. 

Adventurous types should switch on head-torches to tour the underground caves at Carnglaze Caverns, a former slate mine with beautiful woodland walks, or visit famous Bodmin Jail, built with the help of prisoners carrying tons of granite from a local quarry. Seen a rather large cat skulking about? That will be the fabled Beast of Bodmin Moor, captured fuzzily on camera throughout the years but not yet caught. Perhaps its searching for King Arthur's sword Excalibur, said to still be lurking in the dark waters of eeriely ethereal Dozmary Pool, right in the heart of the moors.