Discover Dartmoor 2019

Hotels, Guesthouses, Self-Catering Cottages, B&Bs, Farms, Touring Caravans, Camping, Glamping, Pods...

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Stay Dartmoor

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Dartmoor Destination Guide 2019

Delicious Dartmoor Restaurants, Tea-Rooms, Pubs, Cafes, Farm Shops, Breweries...

Active Dartmoor Walking, Cycling, Riding, Climbing, Kayaking, Fishing, Letterboxing, Geocaching, Caving...

Explore Dartmoor History & Heritage, Arts & Literature, Wildlife, Landscape, Wild Ponies...

Family Dartmoor Attractions, Visitor Centres, Dog-friendly Dartmoor, English Heritage, National Trust, Woodland Trust, SW Lakes...

The Official Tourism Organisation

visitdartmoor.co.uk

I have never before, in my long and eclectic career, been gifted with such an abundance of natural beauty as I experienced filming ‘War Horse’, on Dartmoor.

Steven Spielberg

M6

M62

M60

M6 M1

Birmingham M5 M40

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Bristol London

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M25 M3

M2 M20

Dover

M5

Dartmoor

Exeter

A30 A38

Plymouth Penzance 2 visitdartmoor.co.uk

This destination guide is produced entirely in-house by Visit Dartmoor, just one of the professional design projects we are delighted to produce each year. We would also like to thank all those that have contributed content and images. © Published by Visit Dartmoor Limited. Permission must be requested in writing before any part of this Guide is reproduced in any form. Whilst every effort has been taken to ensure that the information in this Guide is correct, Visit Dartmoor Limited does not accept any responsibility for the accuracy of the information given or imply any recommendation by the inclusion of any advertisement.

Dartmoor

The Heart of Devon

Dartmoor is a magical, enchanting landscape, with breath-taking scenery filled with wide open spaces, towering granite tors, hidden valleys and mysterious woodlands. A wonderful playground for adults and children alike where the word freedom really does have some meaning.

Thinking of coming to Dartmoor

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The Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust 7 Family Adventures Under Canvass 8 Bear Grylls Family Survival Course on Dartmoor 11 Don’t get stuck in traffic enjoy Dartmoor!

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A Two Blondes Bimble

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On Track And Trail

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Getting Started in Letterboxing

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A new activity taking Dartmoor by storm!

22 Map of Dartmoor

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Trust in the Moor

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Owl Prowl

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Where else can you wander free, watching the wildlife, loving the sight of herds of wild ponies with their foals living as they have done for thousands of years?

Town Titbits

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Whether you enjoy walking with the family, exploring the rivers and woodlands, watching the wild ponies, cycling the many miles of superb trails or simply sitting quietly listening to skylarks and buzzards, there is, quite simply, something for everyone.

Creative Dartmoor

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Perfect Pampering - Hotels

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Suit Yourself - Self Catering

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Enhance your life. Get out on Dartmoor. We have a wealth of superb accommodation, wonderful food to eat, and exciting things to do, even on the rainy days!

Breakfast is Served Bed & Breakfast and Guesthouses 42

www.visitdartmoor.co.uk

What’s On

VisitDartmoor

@visitdartmoor

It Takes a Foodie to Know a Foodie 34

Under the Stars - Camping & Caravanning 44 47

visitdartmoor

visitdartmoor.co.uk

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We may well be biased as we live, work and play here – but we believe there’s nowhere better for a holiday or a minibreak as a family, for some solitary peace and quiet or for a romantic getaway!

We found this delightful poem, which sort of says it all!

(From The Rhythm of Rhyme by Steve Almy)

Across the Moors When you go walking across the moors You may come across some rocks called tors Which millions of years ago or so Would have been full of dinosaurs.

But the earth started wobbling and thrashing around, And up they all popped as the lava ran down.

Then suddenly it all stopped and turned to stone And now these rocks stand alone, tall and proud As the children climb to their peaks and shriek out loud.

Though the seasons may change, They stay exactly the same, Watching the world go by As the sun shines down or the snowballs fly.

PHOTOGRAPH © Alex Graeme

Thinking of coming to Dartmoor?

Step back in Time To stand and look out over the Dartmoor landscape is to look back over thousands of years of human history.

When humans first came here, exposed tors would have been flanked on either side by densely wooded valleys, the remnants of which can still be found in the ancient woodlands of Dartmoor. These are best represented by the famous Wistman’s Wood and Black a Tor Copse, with their dense stands of gnarled, moss-covered oaks.

Throughout the Neolithic and through the Bronze and Iron ages, successive introductions of new farming techniques pushed back the boundaries of the woodland.

The remains of settlements high up on the moor attest to a different landscape and a warmer climate to that which we experience today. Grimspound is a spectacular example of one of these settlements, with the remains of many houses and an intact boundary wall. Dartmoor has the largest concentration of Bronze Age remains anywhere in the UK.

Dartmoor Myths & Legends There can be no question that Dartmoor and its landscape has helped fire people’s beliefs and imagination. From the thick mists that suddenly appear and roll across the moor to the dark, bottomless mires and the craggy granite tors, each lends an air of mystery and magic, all ripe for associated legends and tales. Today we have a wealth of tales, all of which relate to various strange events, which took place somewhere in the Dartmoor landscape. No matter whether it’s a deep bottomless pool or a sleepy moorland hamlet there will be a story to be told.

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Wild Ponies Galore You will find herds of beautiful wild ponies living all over Dartmoor, one of the most enchanting sights in summer is a group of mares with their tiny foals tottering along beside them!

The ponies are very hardy and actually thrive on Dartmoor despite the harsh weather and poor vegetation.

In fact, by grazing the moor they play a vital role in maintaining a variety of habitats and supporting wildlife.

Most have not been handled, so you should not approach them too closely, and absolutely must not feed them, especially in the car parks as this encourages them to associate cars with food, which can have tragic consequences.

Family fun on Dartmoor PHOTOGRAPH © MALCOLM SNELGROVE

Here on Dartmoor there is unlimited space for the children to run around, woods to explore, rocks for a mini-climb, streams to splash in and entrancing wild ponies with their foals to watch.

The moors are also home to some great cycle tracks and footpaths, which are pushchair-friendly and easy to follow as well as allowing less active visitors using mobility scooters the opportunity to enjoy a safe experience.

PHOTOGRAPH © LEILA NOTTAGE

Cycling heaven!

On road cycling is popular across the UK but over Dartmoor’s 368 square miles, you have a wonderful mix of challenging climbs and exhilarating descents always accompanied by fantastic scenery!

There are plenty of bike-hire options on and around Dartmoor including electric bikes, or better still take advantage of a tour of Dartmoor by electric bike.

Maybe you want to experience life in Victorian times in a working museum, visit the miniature ponies, take a trip on a steam train, or explore a castle; whatever your requirements, we have something for all the family on Dartmoor.

Walking for pleasure Many visitors come to enjoy a short walk from our information centres and nearby villages. Others love the challenge and relish the opportunity to climb up to wild, high locations and wonder at panoramic views of faraway places.

PHOTOGRAPH © MALCOLM SNELGROVE

We have wonderful family attractions and farms where the little ones can help collect eggs, pet baby animals and enjoy being hands on with animals they’d not normally come across.

visitdartmoor.co.uk

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Whether you choose to follow old railway tracks, well-worn paths that lead to Dartmoor’s most iconic tors, or grab a map to go exploring, a day on the moors with your dog is fun.

We have lots of dog friendly places to eat on Dartmoor, cafes, pubs and hotels that don’t mind muddy paws (often with a treat for your dog), and a range of dog friendly accommodation where your canine friend will be made welcome.

PHOTOGRAPHS © MALCOLM SNELGROVE

Dog friendly Dartmoor

Freedom for all abilities

Nothing beats the feeling of riding a horse on the open moors, away from the confines of an arena or restrictions of the roads. The feeling of complete freedom, and the supreme beauty of Dartmoor stretched out before you are definitely good for the soul!

Dartmoor is accessible for everyone to enjoy, regardless of whether you are a top athlete, a family with small children, have impaired mobility or less physical ability than you would like.

There are trails that can be enjoyed in a wheelchair or on a Tramper, which are available to rent at several locations.

In contrast to the open moor you may prefer to ride the quiet paths and bridleways through the woods and forests that sit on the fringes of the moor.

If you have your own horse, there are also places that you can stay and bring your equine partner too.

See Lowertown Farm on Page 43.

PHOTOGRAPH © SUZY BENNETT

Arty days

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For centuries artists of all types have been drawn to Dartmoor by its imposing landscapes and ever-changing light conditions.

Described by writers and poets as one of the last remaining wildernesses in Britain, the rugged moorland terrain and ancient thatched villages have inspired artists, traditional and contemporary, local and international.

Organisations such as Disabled Ramblers run a series of guided rambles for the less mobile in Dartmoor National Park.

PHOTOGRAPH © COUNTRYSIDE MOBILITY

Horsing around

There are a host of other activities you can do or try on Dartmoor including: climbing, bouldering, canoeing, kayaking, fishing and geocaching as well as many shows, festivals, courses and experiences. For more details go to:

visitdartmoor.co.uk

Ensuring a future for the Dartmoor Pony on Dartmoor

By Clare Stanton

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he Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust (DPHT) was established in 2005 to try and help ensure the long-term survival of one of Britain’s favourite Native Breeds.

Ask any visitor what Dartmoor means to them and they will inevitably say ‘Dartmoor ponies’! Yet sadly the future of these rare breed native ponies continues to be in jeopardy.

The DPHT supports the farmers who breed Dartmoor Pony Society Registered ponies, along with those that are unregistered but ‘true to type’ and known as Heritage. The moorland-bred animals are important because they have the tough, hardy attributes of feral stock living high up on Dartmoor.

Dru Butterfield, who runs the Charity said, “We have taken a lead in developing markets such as conservation grazing and have sold ponies all over the UK on behalf of the farmers.”

“Our free handling and basic training service not only enables more ponies to be found homes - whether as conservation grazers, or as family ponies - it also ensures better income for the pony keepers as the ponies have more value.”

“We offer a variety of practical and financial support for pony keepers including grants for specific projects to assist with pony herd management or promotion and we fund castration of colts and stallion vasectomies.”

At Bellever, near Postbridge, the Trust provides the public with free guided walks to learn about history, archaeology, flora, fauna – and the way of life on Dartmoor over the centuries.

The Charity’s main aims are: •

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To protect and preserve the Dartmoor pony as one of the recognised emblems of Dartmoor and for its value to tourism To utilise the Dartmoor pony’s superb

temperament as a platform for learning through innovative and socially inclusive programmes

DPHT runs a herd of up to 30 ponies on site – providing free grazing for pony keepers to enable some of their youngsters to mature. This herd perfectly demonstrates the role of equines in land management and improving biodiversity.

The Trust has a superb Visitor Centre at National Trust Parke in Bovey Tracey, which hosts regular open days and events and is home to a small herd of resident Dartmoor ponies who live at the centre all year round and take part in the events.

To provide the public with education and

information about the special heritage of the Dartmoor pony To increase opportunities for visitors to

appreciate Dartmoor’s cultural heritage through involvement in conservation work To encourage the use of the Dartmoor pony in conservation

To work with statutory/advisory bodies and

moorland farmers (pony keepers) to make the Dartmoor pony more valued and valuable To encourage better herd management for the benefits of controlling numbers for a sensible market, to preserve traditional bloodlines, to improve pony quality and for welfare reasons

Perhaps the ‘flagship’ of the DPHT’s work to promote the temperament of the Dartmoor pony is its innovative Equine Assisted Learning programme called Ponies Inspiring People. This is primarily aimed at young people with a range of life challenges in mainstream and special needs schools.

The DPHT is committed to ensuring a long- term future for the Dartmoor pony on Dartmoor, and for the farmers who breed them.

To find out more about the work of the dpht, adopt a Dartmoor pony, volunteer or buy a pony, please go to www.dpht.co.uk or call the centre on 01626 833234

visitdartmoor.co.uk

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Family Adventures Under Canvas Runners, adventurers and authors of the guidebook Wild Running, Jen and Sim Benson, are currently spending a year under canvas, exploring Britain with their two young children.You can read all about their adventures on their website: adventureplaces.co.uk Here they share their hard-won knowledge and advice on camping and adventuring together as a family.

PHOTOGRAPHS Š SIM BENSON

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which tent?

The most important decision is – of course – which tent you’re going to take camping. Your tent will be your home, shelter, bedroom, playroom and potentially your kitchen and dining room too. It’s worth having a really good look around and also speaking to any family and friends who already go camping – you could even borrow one for a week before you commit. Many shops have space to pitch tents or hold tent shows where you can walk around potential tents and try out what they’re like inside. The main considerations are:

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aking up in a tent as the sun’s rays warm the canvas,unzipping the door onto a spectacular view, birdsong at breakfast and days spent adventuring and exploring… family camping can be blissful, exciting and an incredibly special shared experience. We’ve been taking our kids camping since they were just weeks old; in fact it’s become an important part of our lifestyle. But it’s been a steep learning curve, with many challenges that we’ve had to overcome along the way. In this article we’re going to share our top tips to help you get the most out of your trips and have the most fun together!

Size & layout: Tents are categorised according to the number of people they sleep. Depending on how many of you there are and your children’s ages, your needs will vary, so think about the layout that will suit you best. Younger children may be happiest sleeping all in one space with you, whereas older ones might like their own bedrooms.

Separate living and sleeping areas can be useful and a porch or awning is a great way of adding a bit of extra space for cooking and keeping outdoor footwear, especially if it rains.

We love our SoulPad bell tent as it’s easy to put up, gives us lots of space and is hard-wearing – great for regular campers.

Fabrics: The tent’s fabric will affect how weatherproof it is, how long it lasts, its weight and pack-size and what it will be like to live in. Family tents are made of either nylon or a cotton-based canvas. Nylon is cheaper, lighter and packs smaller but a canvas tent will last longer, suffer less from UV damage and is more breathable – great for warm weather camping.

Price: In general, the more you pay for a tent the better it will stand up to use and the longer it will last. Family tents are often fairly large structures that catch the wind, so you may pay for a cheap tent with broken poles and/or torn fabric.

It’s worth looking around at the end of the season for great bargains to take camping the following summer.

Top Tip! A tent carpet will bring a touch of warmth and comfort and is a very worthwhile addition to your camping setup.

Pitching it right The first time you pitch the tent you may find it takes longer than subsequent pitches. Try out a test pitch in the garden or the park and it will all feel much easier when you pitch it for real.

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Find as flat a spot as possible. Sleeping on a slope is uncomfortable and small children seem to manage to roll down even the gentlest of inclines.

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Use all of the guy lines and pegging points to ensure a good, strong pitch.

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Think about where the prevailing wind is coming

from and how this will affect the tent. If you have a longer tunnel-type tent, pitch it pointing away from the direction of the wind so that your entrance and porch are as sheltered as possible.

l Get the kids involved! They’ll love to help build their new holiday home. From handing you pegs to putting the poles together it’s a great way to introduce them to the world of camping.

visitdartmoor.co.uk

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Sleeping An inner tent creates a warmer space for sleeping, particularly in a large tent. Most family tents come with these as standard but they’re available for single-space tents (such as bell tents) too.

Sleeping bags: Sleeping bags vary mainly in their filling and shape. A down-filled bag will give you the best warmth for its weight and pack size, but will cost you more, whereas a synthetic bag will be bulkier and heavier but also cheaper. Some bags taper towards the feet, adding warmth and reducing weight and pack size, whereas others are a roomier cut for comfort. Make your choice depending on what’s most important for your trip.

Kids love having their own sleeping bags – with smaller children it will be warmer for them to have a shorter, child-specific bag. If space isn’t an issue a normal duvet works perfectly well!

Sleeping mats: Air beds are a popular choice for family camping and are comfortable, but can be cold and take up a lot of room. Foam roll mats are small and lightweight but don’t give you much in terms of comfort. Selfinflating mats combine the two and are our top choice.

What if it rains?

A rainy week camping might not sound like the most fun way to spend a holiday, but there’s still plenty you can do that’s fun and family-friendly. Younger kids will happily spend hours splashing in puddles, so pack wellies for everyone. Wrap up warm, add a waterproof layer and head out to the woods if it’s not too wet. Electric hook-up is available at many campsites and is fantastic for rainy camping, enabling you to dry out your family and your kit quickly and easily. We use a low-powered convection heater when we have hook-up. It’s small so that we can fit it into the truck. Most campsites won’t allow over 10 amps so you have to make sure you don’t plug too much in at once, but we can usually have the heater and a couple of chargers plugged in. Being in a tent you also need to be careful to keep the heater well away from the sides and make sure it doesn’t get covered up at all as it could easily be a fire risk. Many campsites, especially the more remote ones, don’t have hook up, and it also comes at a cost so we don’t have it that often, but it’s well worth it when it’s cold and wet!

Sim & Jen Benson are the authors of Wild Running, Amazing Family Adventures (with the National Trust) and the Adventurer’s Guide to Britain. Website - adventureplaces.co.uk

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Camp cookery Cooking while camping is often a fun and sociable affair.

With small children around it’s important to choose a stove that’s stable and can be positioned well out of the reach of little hands. We use a Campingaz double burner for most of our cooking. Get the kids involved washing veg and even doing some foraging. Wild garlic is abundant in spring in many parts of Britain and makes a fantastic, healthy and free addition to many dishes. It’s also fun to get inventive: take a Kelly Kettle with you, build a fire in its base from sticks the kids have collected and boil water that way.

Safety: It’s extremely important to always cook in a well-ventilated area, well clear of the tent fabric.

Exploring and adventuring Camping is a great way to introduce children to the joys of the natural environment. Many campsites have on-site playgrounds, which are great for allowing the kids plenty of outdoor play, freedom and socialising, often within sight of the tent.

Choose a campsite that’s in an area you’d like to explore: the beach, woodland, mountains or rivers all make perfect natural playgrounds for children of any age. Get older children involved in planning your adventures, but make sure you limit their choices to two or three options or it can feel a bit overwhelming otherwise! Pack a picnic and show them where you’ll be stopping for lunch on a map, or find a café to walk to; kids don’t really understand the concept of just walking for fun, so it’s good to give them a goal that doubles as a reward for their efforts. Once you’re out it’s also important not to rush them too much if possible, allowing them to learn through playing, from skimming stones and climbing trees to simply watching a bee buzzing between flowers.

It’s a good idea to have a means of carrying younger children comfortably and safely over rougher terrain.

There are many different child carriers on the market that are designed exactly for this job. Our preference is for the soft carriers such as the Ergobaby slings as they’re small and light-weight and can be carried in a rucksack when not in use. They keep your child’s weight as near as possible to your centre of mass, which feels stable and comfortable.

Most also have a range of positions, including front facing inwards and outwards, back and hip carries.

Finally, take plenty of snacks and spare clothing with you so you’re prepared for hungry children, muddy socks, wet trousers or a change in the weather.

Bear Grylls Family Survival Course on Dartmoor Written by David Guitterman Photographs by Malcolm Snelgrove

What is it that makes a Bear Grylls Family Survival Course such a memorable experience?

I had to find out for myself.

The next day there was plenty of water in the river. We were introduced to 7 different ways of crossing the water; three of them without even getting our feet wet. It was very satisfying to try something new, which at first sight appeared to be almost impossible but which we all managed to achieve thanks to the skill of the instructors.

I arrived at the start of the 24 hour event to meet my fellow participants whose ages ranged from 11 years to 75, together with the three instructors who would be with us over the weekend. I wondered how the instructors would manage such a range of age and abilities.

What a memorable 24 hours!

The experience will live with us all for evermore.

The answer was with a mixture of encouragement to achieve challenging tasks whilst at the same time ensuring that no one felt threatened by being required to do anything beyond their capability. Safety at all times was a top priority. It’s a very satisfying experience to be tested to the limit of one’s ability whilst at no time being anxious for personal well-being.

On the first day, we were introduced to a variety of survival techniques. We met the amazing Bear Grylls survival knife which has a mechanism for spitting burning hot metal at tinder to start a fire which we then used to cook an evening meal; easy when you know how. Now what was there to eat? We learned how to hunt for, dig up and snare our own food. Fortunately for us everything was provided and we were all able to have a go getting rabbit and pheasant ready for the pot.

Overnight accommodation was the best that could be provided using tree branches and natural shelter. The forecast for the early morning and the next day was abysmal and the thought of spending the night in a leaky shelter didn’t appeal.

However the instructors were ready with the answer, each group was provided with a tarpaulin and a sleeping bag so we were able to curl up dry all night.

For further

information go to beargryllssurvivalacademy.com visitdartmoor.co.uk

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My cycling career has been somewhat diverse but has gone through various iterations; a road bike at school with a rack and school bag that weren’t compatible, an early version mountain bike at college (giving away my seniority!), then a better mountain bike and a better rack when I cycled through SE Asia for seven months, and any number of cheap hybrid bikes for cycling in London. Now having a mix of a road bike, a much better hybrid and a mountain bike for making sure that I can enjoy the sheer variety of cycling that Dartmoor offers. And that is why I love cycling on Dartmoor!

Don’t get stuck in traffic enjoy Dartmoor!

By Richard Drysdale

To hire a bike on Dartmoor visit: dartmoorwalksthisway.co.uk theoldschoolguesthouse.co.uk devoncyclehire.co.uk

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Whilst my confidence on the occasional icy road has diminished, I cycle year round and always get a buzz when I set off from home in the morning to commute to work. Whilst home is uphill in the evening, it’s a great ride and I always have the ponies or cattle to ‘cheer’ me on as I wind my way uphill.

When I first moved to Dartmoor from London I was ‘frightened’ of the lanes and would rather take a main road and battle with the cars and trucks but that soon changed. If you’re new to cycling or the area, then take some time to acclimatise on the lanes and the open moorland roads, it really is a different type of cycling. Cycling down a lane where you might have sheep, cattle, ponies, tractors, potholes, horse-riders or cars round any corner means that you should always be vigilant, responsible and respectful. Know your braking distances, ride single file when you have a vehicle wanting to go past or round bends, alert horse riders or walkers when cycling behind them and show all other road users that cycling really is a fantastic way (the best way?) of enjoying Dartmoor.

Acclimatised and enjoying your Dartmoor cycling? Then make sure you also enjoy Dartmoor’s hospitality. Whilst you might not want to take the cream tea challenge more than once or twice on any particular ride there are some fantastic cafes, pubs and other places to eat as you cycle round. Great energy for that next climb, or a well-deserved treat and a chance to share your days cycling highlights with your friends or family.

Not sure where to go on Dartmoor? Check out Visit Dartmoor for cycling suggestions (www.visitdartmoor.co.uk/thingsto-do/cycling) or the National Park (www.dartmoor.gov.uk/ cycling) for some cycling safety tips or on the moor drop into an award winning National Park Visitor Centre for information, maps and leaflets.

So get out there and enjoy Dartmoor’s wonderful rural lanes and high moorland roads, challenging bridleways or the traffic free trails and quiet forest tracks. There really is something for everyone.

Ice Warrior School of Expedition Training From complete novice to polar explorer our training is designed for adults of all ages and skill levels Day, weekend or longer courses available. Whether you want to navigate and wild camp on the moor or reach a north or south pole our training is thorough, sometimes tough, always fulfilling and fun!

Go on, make friends and live life!

BASECAMP Tavistock Road Princetown PL20 6QE T. 01822 890338 M. 07775 651471

www.ice-warrior.com

BOOK ONLINE

The Granite Way

Traffic free family cycling Our aim is to provide a quality service and a bike to match!

■ Situated right on the trail, free customer parking & direct trail access.

■ Spectacular views of Dartmoor, cycling two historic viaducts & Meldon Dam. ■ Stop at our Pit Stop Cafe selling locally made sweet eats, ice cream & hot pasties.

■ We have new & ex-hire bikes for sale at great prices.

■ Servicing & repairs.

■ New electric bikes, hire before you buy.

■ Mobility Tramper also available to hire.

1 min off A30 ● Sourton Down ● EX20 4HR ● 01837 861141 ● devoncyclehire.co.uk

visitdartmoor.co.uk

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A Two Blondes

Bimble

Fi Darby - Along with Lucy Atkins, Fi is one half of the Dartmoor blogging duo that is Two Blondes Walking. Fi is a freelance copywriter based in Devon but with a portfolio of international clients. She has a passion for words and particularly enjoys writing about the outdoors, travel and the South West. www.fidarby.co.uk

Belstone Circular Even those who walk regularly on Dartmoor talk about the wild reaches of the North Moor in awed terms and it is true, walking onto the middle of North Dartmoor can give you a true wilderness experience. This northern end of the moor however is not all about bogs and lonely tors; around the edges of North Dartmoor you will find pretty villages and pastoral scenes. This walk takes you from one such village, up onto the moor and close enough to the wilderness to smell it, without getting your feet too wet or worrying about being back in time for tea.

The perfect Dartmoor walk has either a café or a pub at the end of it but Belstone goes one better and has both. The picturesque Tors Inn offers a warm and friendly welcome to walkers, even inviting those in need to use their loo for a charitable donation, and the Old School Tearoom serves a plenitude of home-made cakes, cream teas (with Devonshire aligned cream and jam) and ‘proper’ tea and coffee.

You will need a map for this walk and, if you want to venture off the paths, we would also recommend a compass. Dartmoor weather is notorious for its unpredictability so make sure you take waterproofs and warm clothes. If you are walking in the afternoon make sure that you also know the time of sunset and get back safely to the village before it gets dark.

If you have a compass but don’t know how to use it, we can almost certainly help. Two Blondes Walking run navigation training on Dartmoor. Drop us an email if you want to find out more admin@twoblondeswalking.com.

Please park in the clearly labelled car park (SX621938) that you see on your left as you come into the village, and leave the village roadside parking for those who live and work there. Belstone village is beautiful and you will get a much better look at it strolling through than you would driving.

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There are two lanes that lead up onto the moor from Belstone. As you walk into the village you will see a small village green, take the lane to the left of the green (stopping for tea at the Old School Teamroom if you are hungry) and follow it for 500 metres as it runs prettily past the common land on the left. There are often Dartmoor ponies here so have your camera ready.You might be able to hear the River Taw running below.

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Follow the lane uphill, around a sharp left-hand bend and then on until you find a gate onto the moor. Please close this gate behind you and then follow the track up around the east side of Belstone Tor. There is plenty to look at here with the riverside field system down below, the beautiful Taw Valley ahead to the east and, after just over a kilometre, the eastern end of the remains of the impressive Irishman’s Wall, which stretches away over the top of Belstone Tor and down the other side (you will be visiting this later). Dartmoor is covered with walls of various ages and in all states of repair and it is possible that this one once marked the boundary of Belstone Common. Enclosing common ground would not have been a popular move with the locals and it is suggested that, although Irishmen did build the wall, it didn’t take Devonshire men long to knock some of it down again.

Army Live Firing This walk does not take you into the nearby Okehampton range, which is sometimes used by the Army for live firing but it does take you nearby.

If you should see red flags or red lights you will know to stay on the route given.You can check the Dartmoor live firing dates on the Ministry of Defence website - www.gov.uk/government/publications/dartmoor-firingprogramme

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Once you have passed the wall, it is worth taking the short track that leads east for about 200 metres and exploring the ford. In most weathers this is crossable without getting your feet wet but we recommend caution should you be walking after high rainfall as Dartmoor rivers can rise and fall very quickly. Once you have crossed the ford and climbed a short way up the track, you will see the steep slop of Cosdon Hill in front of you.

If you fancy a climb, this will certainly give you one, with 200 metres in height gain from the ford and one pretty steep section. If you don’t want a hill climb, take a bit of time to enjoy this most peaceful of valleys before you return to the other side of the river.

D

Once you have crossed back over the ford, follow the track up until it meets the main Belstone track again and then head west, following the grassy track up and over for almost a kilometre to the track that runs above Winter Tor. On the way to this track you might want to take a diversion up to Higher Tor and then view Irishman’s Wall from the high point between Higher Tor and Belstone Tor. If you do so, prepare to be impressed by the building skills of this particular set of Irishmen.

E

Follow the track above Winter Tor north for about 400 metres until you come to a junction. Our route will take you to the right but feel free to explore down to the left and find Cullever Steps, a popular crossing point on the East Okement River and near to a couple of wild swimming pools.

G Once you are back on the track, it is an easy walk back into Belstone.

You will pass fields on the left before coming to a gate onto a lane (please make sure you shut this). Follow the lane back down to the village looking out for the welcoming sign of the Tors Inn to the right as you head towards the village green. We recommend popping in for a meal and chatting to the very friendly staff.

Family Option Whilst the lanes in this walk are not very busy, they do have a few cars on them. Please take care if you have young children with you. This walk is suitable for children but not for pushchairs.There are a few hills but nothing that should put an eager youngster off.We recommend wellies if you want to go paddling in the ford or river.

Navigation Notes For the most part this walk follows clear tracks but we do recommend carrying and using a compass if you want to wander off the paths or if the visibility is poor. Using your compass to work out which way is north, south, east or west is easy enough but another navigation trick is to know that it takes between 15 and 20 minutes for an adult to walk a kilometre on flat ground.

PHOTOGRAPHS FI DARBY

F

Back on the track above Winter Tor carry on north for another kilometre and look out for a grassy path on the right. If you can find it, this will take you about 100 metres up to the Nine Stones circle where you can count the stones as many times as you like but will almost certainly never find either the nine naughty maidens, turned to stone for dancing on the Sabbath, or the 17 brothers who met the same fate for an unknown misdemeanour. This is a beautiful spot so take time to enjoy it properly before heading back down to the main track.

FOOT FILE LENGTH: 8.5 kilometres with 275 metres of height gain (this includes all of the mentioned diversions apart from Cosdon Hill). Allow 4 hours with exploration and play time.

SUITABLE: This walk incorporates a mixture of terrains. A good level of fitness is required but there are no excessively steep sections (unless you tackle Cosdon Hill). Basic navigation skills would be advantageous for any exploration off the paths. Remember that Dartmoor weather can change very quickly. Walking boots and full waterproofs recommended.

START/FINISH: Belstone car park SX621938 TERRAIN: Mostly lanes, tracks and paths with a few opportunities to explore on open moorland.

MAP: OS Explorer OL28 Dartmoor.

PARKING: Belstone car park. No charge.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS: Okehampton Castle (English Heritage), Museum of Dartmoor Life (Okehampton) and The Miniature Pony Centre (Moretonhampstead).

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15

ON TRACK L TRAI D AN

ugh a oving silently thro m of ce en ri pe ex e and the gs as intense as th ture all around you na of ty es There are few thin aj m e th r forest – with primordial Dartmoo new around every turn. ng promise of somethi

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Top Spots

BELLEVER FOREST Bellever Forest. The huge internal clearings and network of paths in this forest plantation give plenty of opportunity to track from one side to another. Bellever Tor makes for a superb vantage point.

THE DART VALLEY The oak-rich woodlands of the Dart Valley, especially downstream from Dartmeet toward Holne feel like the land that time forgot. Maybe you’ll be lucky enough to spot otter. If you visit nearby Brimpts Farm then there are plenty of easy woodland walks to help you catch the tracking bug.

survive. But for man to track to ed ne old arye n llio pression of man’s roots in the mi ess. Tracking is an ex oc racking may have its pr l va rvi su the lps us engage with, n just part of today it is more tha d places. Tracking he an s ng thi al w ne r ve to disco to understand anim curiosity and desire nature. It teaches us gh aging ou ur co thr en ve , es mo ns d se in an stimulates our It . ck immerse ourselves tra we als im an n the vast natural ough the eyes of the iate our place withi ec pr ap ly behaviour, to see thr ful re mo noon, from the ther to observe and looking up, one after of e tim them to work toge st en fir t tha t und me – on a brok I will never forge al kingdom unfurl aro im tapestry around us. an shyest the the of to ry en ev sto d seeing the e is full of clues tur Na f. lea d ne tracks at my feet an tur a r as we share those de of grass and unde even closer to them l fee us ng twig, in a creased bla lpi he of ing can be our way of animals, and track ung the imagination of yo eat game’ – it fires same paths. ‘gr a .I o re als ntu is ve it ad ily nid the fam ur own mi For the individual an tive work creates yo tec de the d an e nc experie and old. Sharing the th my son... e I went tracking wi tim t las the er mb reme

T

Early morning found us kneeling at the edge of a fresh trail: deer slots retreating in a steady line behind us but not ahead. For some reason there had been a sudden change.The left print was much deeper than the right.

Both were deeper at the ‘toe’.The animal had stopped suddenly and looked left, pressing this cleave more firmly into the moist earth. Maybe there had been a noise? There was a raucous barking down the valley.

Was this what the animal had heard? My son looked at me; we both glanced opposite and into the bracken.

It had broken stems, the underside of the fronds turned skywards; pale and dry in the moist air.The deer must have shied away and bolted into cover. Success! There were the tracks again. Stray hairs on the rough bark of a Hemlock confirmed its new direction.The prints were deep, twigs and stones flung from their beds and spun wide of the track. Its gait betrayed a leaping. It was in full flight.We followed the charge along an avenue of trees, straight over a squirrel’s feeding site: the telltale cores of spruce cones littered around a tree stump, and down towards the lake.This is where we decided to head. Suddenly, off to the left there was a commotion.

THE TEIGN VALLEY The Teign Valley is home to black fallow deer. Around Haldon Forest, Canonteign Falls and north of Dunsford to Castle Drogo are some of the best ancient woodland vistas anywhere in the world.

RESERVOIRS The mixed woodlands and reservoirs of Hennock, Trenchford and Tottiford lie on the high ridge between the Teign and Bovey valleys.

They offer a rich variety of habitats, packed with wildlife, paired with some less challenging gradients and with good access.

BURRATOR RESERVOIR To the west, the accessible and sizeable woodlands enveloping Burrator Reservoir offer a perfect setting – especially the edge that borders the moor.

Predator alert calls rang out. Birds broke cover in a panic, then hid, motionless.We all held our breath. A sparrowhawk passed silently overhead. Long seconds later the world came alive again to the chatter of business as usual. Further down the slope we both sensed the sweet, almost cow-like, scent of a deer. Far below us was the unmistakable outline of a male fallow deer, antlers branch-like, moving into deep cover.We now had a sighting and would jump to that point. My boy was still hopeful of getting a snapshot to take to school the next week.

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17

Top Tips

DARTMOOR – FOREST, MOOR AND STREAM

TAKE YOUR TIME Take time to move to nature’s beat. Find a quiet ‘sit-spot’, spend some time sitting, listening and becoming a part of your surroundings.

10-20 minutes should help you see more, hear more, smell more…sense more.

MOVE SLOWLY Try to suppress our modernday urge to rush through every task. Slow down and you will notice much more detail. The quieter you are the closer you can get to the wildlife.

THINK LIKE AN ANIMAL Tracking is a way of thinking.

If you establish a link with the behaviour of the animal you are following then this can help anticipate where the next track will lie.

The best tracking on Dartmoor is not to be found across its vast moorland expanse but in, around and between its forests, lakes and streams. Animals are creatures of habit: look for dens, trails, runs and feeding sites as these will give you plenty of ‘sign’.

It is also important to ‘read’ the land around you; to understand what channels, diverts or provides cover for wildlife. Along the margins of woodland is a good place to look. Animals such as deer use this open land to browse but often stay near the to the protection of the woodland.

Numerous intersecting entry or exit points along hedgerows or woodland margins will give you good places to look, as will trails running parallel with these sharp transitions in habitat.

Field and moorland boundaries such as walls will also encourage perimeter trails. Seek out obstacles. Walls,

boulder-fields, very steep ground, rivers, ponds and saturated land will all channel wildlife in some way as they seek to traverse, avoid or enter and exit these features. A gate will not only provide a funnel for wildlife but it will also create a useful ‘track trap’ recording everything that has passed through its muddy aperture.

Fernworthy Forest is a good choice for both rookie and experienced tracker: accessible by road with several good parking areas giving direct access to its interior. Try tracking around the reservoir, rich in bird-life, or the ‘wet woodland’ fringe at its northwesterly ‘end’.

Small pockets of deciduous woodland contrast sharply against the ranks of dense plantation forest which march up a high ridgeline to crown the moor. Its extensive forest margin is haven for all types of wildlife including Red and Roe deer.

FEEL THE HABIT Most mammals are creatures of habit. They have defined territories, routes and places where they like to feed, drink, sleep or even sit.

Regular use of these places leaves their mark providing a good starting point to see and possibly discover the animal itself.

LOOK FOR THE STORY Individual tracks are not always as important in determining what animal made them, as are trail patterns. A single track will not tell you much.

Collecting together a clutch of evidence along with a sequence of events will tell you what species they belong to and also help write the story of what was happening to that specific animal at the moment when those tracks were made.

Try not to distress or disrupt the routine of other animals – often their survival is finely balanced – don’t upset it.

Try not to damage the habitat you pass through.

Leave as little trace as possible. You might also be spoiling the trail for others.

Be careful of tracking through undergrowth, over delicate or rare plants, falling into fast, deep water or over big drops!

Don’t track over private, enclosed land, damage crops or disturb livestock.

A Guide to British Mammal Tracks and Signs by the Field Studies Council. A brilliant piece of field kit for novice or experienced tracker.

Mark is a Wilderness Guide. He teaches a range of bushcraft, woodcraft, primitive living and wilderness skills. Mark is a member of the Dartmoor Wilderness Guide Community – a growing community of professional guides and instructors dedicated to professionalism, safety and knowledge for activities that take place in the wild outdoors.

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Take care especially at breeding times or birthing times. Don’t get too close to deer during the ‘rut’ as it can be dangerous! Red and Fallow deer rut from around mid-September to mid-October. Roe deer rut in late July and August. In the spring, many animals will have their offspring and disturbing them may mean they abandon their young.

READING LIST

USEFUL KIT • Tracking stick to gauge stride length and estimate where next track may lie.

• Pocket tracking guide • Camera and binoculars • Mirror or torch to throw prints into sharp relief • Ruler to measure track • Magnifier • Non-rustling, subdued clothing • Pencil, notepad.

To find out more please visit www.aquafolium.co.uk

Take Care

Animal Tracks and Signs by Preben Bang and Preben Dahlstrom.

Probably the most seminal piece of work on tracking and the basis of many other tracking guides.

Animals:Tracks,Trails and Signs by Brown, Lawrence and Pope. An authoritative, comprehensive but easy to read guide for Britain and Europe.

Tracking and the Art of Seeing by Paul Rezendes. A beautifully illustrated field guide to tracking but with a North American bias.

Animal Tracking Basics by Jon Young and Tiffany Morgan. For those wanting to take tracking from just ID-ing prints and become more methodical and organised in your whole approach.

Animal Tracks, ID and Techniques

by Ian ‘Max’ Maxwell. A very pocketable guide from the founder of Shadowhawk Tracker School who runs some courses on the edge of Dartmoor.

The Science and Art of Tracking by Tom Brown Jr. A fairly technical book on how a track is laid and how it can be analysed.

DARTMOOR GUIDED WALKS With Paul Rendell

Walk on the moors with an experienced Dartmoor Guide to learn about the history, wildlife as well as the legends.

Walks can be tailored to suit your group or you can come along on the public walks which are on the web site.

Heavy Horse Riding Short and Long Trail Rides on Dartmoor www.adventureclydesdale.com Call - 01364 631683

www.paulrendelldartmoor.co.uk paul.dartmoor@virgin.net 01837 54727

Ice Warrior Expedition BASECAMP Fed up with getting sore feet, soaking wet, freezing cold…miserable?

Pop into BASECAMP for advise based on Jim McNeill’s 35 years of expeditioning and buy proper kit at the best prices….

And you will be supporting our own purposeful, worthwhile expeditions

Kit & Clothing for Dartmoor and beyond!

BASECAMP Tavistock Road Princetown PL20 6QE T. 01822 890338 M. 07775 651471

www.ice-warrior.com visitdartmoor.co.uk

19

Getting Started in Letterboxing Ian Barber introduces this popular Dartmoor activity that is enjoyed by people of all ages.

PHOTOGRAPH © Richard Wiles

G

ather the best bits of treasure hunting, navigation and art.

Combine them with a bit of exercise and place conveniently in the largest wild area in southern England. Ladies and Gentlemen: Dartmoor letterboxing.

This obscure, yet highly addictive hobby has nothing to do with the Royal Mail red pillar boxes of course. Letterboxing’s roots lie deep in the northern moor at Cranmere Pool. When James Perrott, a moorland guide from Chagford brought his guests in the mid 19th century to this spot, their trek could be recorded by the leaving of a calling card in a bottle he’d planted at the site.

Modern day letterboxing involves following clues to find hidden ‘letterboxes’. A letterbox typically contains a rubber stamp and a visitors’ book. A letterboxer takes an imprint of the stamp and leaves an individual mark in the book. There are many hundreds of letterboxes on Dartmoor, yet it is possible to walk all day and, unless actively searching, not spot any at all.

I was introduced to letterboxing at a young age, but I was quickly hooked. The family trips to the moor were eagerly anticipated, and I was searching under every rock and in every crevice on the moor - like a ferret - in my hunt for boxes. The family collection of stamps grew steadily, until now, when almost 25 years later, the scrapbooks we filled contain over 15,000 stamps. I love Dartmoor letterboxing as much as ever, and despite having lived and worked abroad, and all over the UK, I was drawn back to the South West to be close to the moor and continue adding to the letterbox collection, updating my blog as I go.

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To get letterboxing, you’ll need a map – the OS Dartmoor Explorer map is perfect – and a compass, preferably a sighting compass for accuracy. Some letterbox clues provide GPS coordinates, like in its spin-off hobby, Geocaching, so a GPS can be of use. You’ll also need to take paper or a book and an ink pad to take impressions of any stamps you find, and it may help to have a walking pole or similar, to poke under rocks where boxes may be hidden.

A circular walk in an easily accessible area of the moor is the best way to start letterboxing. This can best be achieved by purchasing a charity walk. Clues for these can be bought at one of the Letterbox Meets, held every year at Lee Moor Village Hall on clock-change Sundays, in March and October or by obtaining the current list of walks from the Letterbox 100 Club, the informal group for those who have amassed 100 stamps. The Meet is a great opportunity to join the Club. The catalogue of Dartmoor letterbox clues is sold there too.

Alternatively, you might like to take your chance and visit such places as Pew Tor, Cox Tor, Staple Tors, Belstone Tors and Row Tor, all of which have a fair number of boxes hidden under rocks around their slopes. Please ensure that any letterbox found is well hidden in the same place it was found, and not visible to any passer-by.

Dartmoor letterboxing is great for families, perfect for competitive types, awesome for almost anyone really! It tests navigation skills, which perhaps last got an airing at Scouts.

The requirements of solving cryptic letterbox clues, visiting unexplored corners of the moor and general observation ensure that new found appreciation and knowledge of the moor is gained through letterboxing.

Happy hunting!

Essential Equipment l Map l Compass, GPS and the skills to use them. l A selection of coloured ink pads, as very few letterboxes

include them. l Postcards, some paper or a book in which to make a copy of the stamp found. l A ‘personal stamp’ - unique to you - so you can leave your mark in the letterbox visitors’ books found.

Letterbox stamps can take many forms. A selection can be purchased at craft shops. Some artistic folk hand craft their stamps using carving tools on pieces of rubber. Unique, custom made designs can be turned into sheets of polymer stamps by companies such as Nina Crafts www.ninacrafts.com or The English Stamp Company www.englishstamp.com.

Charity Letterbox Walks Searching for these boxes was how many Dartmoor letterboxers started their hobby. Cluesheets are sold to raise money for good causes. The siting of this type of walk requires advance permission from the National Park Authority due to the numbers of people that complete the walk as well as the sensitivity of the landscape.

Clues Whilst chance finds come from just searching under rocks, following a clue can quickly pinpoint a box location. Clues are an element that makes Dartmoor letterboxing so unique. Typically a letterbox clue involves several compass bearings on surrounding visible landmarks such as tors, standing stones and buildings, plus some detail of where and how the box is hidden such as the shape and size of the rock it is beneath.

Other clues may state how far from a point the box is, such as from a wall corner or stile, this is usually measured in paces. Some clues provide full Ordnance Survey grid references, as used in geocaching. These can help narrow down a location and when a GPS is used it can obviously make letterboxing easier.

Not all clues are straightforward though. Some clues are intentionally tricky, with cryptic or vague references which require map work, intricate knowledge of the moor or puzzle solving skills in order to find them. They often provide fewer compass bearings and are quite a challenge to locate!

Siting a Letterbox To site a letterbox you will need: l A blank notebook as a visitors’ book. l A rubber stamp. l A robust and airtight letterbox container.

Good quality clip-lid food boxes are excellent. Though to survive long term on Dartmoor may require two boxes - one inside the other. Two boxes also helps protect against vermin damage. Please do not use metal containers so as to avoid confusion with Ministry of Defence debris.

Anyone can site a letterbox but letterbox owners are responsible for maintaining their own boxes. Boxes should only be sited in natural holes and cavities on land which has public access.

Please avoid siting any boxes in archaeological features, such as cairns and stone circles or in locations where they will obviously disturb wildlife, such as known bird nesting sites.

Letterboxing Code of Conduct

PHOTOGRAPHS © DNPA

The National Park Authority and the Letterbox 100 Club have produced a code of conduct for letterboxing which, offers top tips on letterboxing responsibly. The code states that letterbox hunters should always follow the Country Code, and search for letterboxes in a way that does not damage land and leave letterboxes as you would hope to find them – securely closed and well hidden. For more information, check out Dartmoor National Park Authority’s online Guide to Letterboxing www.dartmoor. gov.uk/enjoy-dartmoor/outdoor-activities/letterboxing-andgeocaching.

Further Information www.letterboxingondartmoor.co.uk www.dartmoorletterboxing.org www.who-is-the-challenger.blogspot.com

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A new activity taking Dartmoor by storm!

Enjoy a day out on Dartmoor?

Want to try something new?

Then ‘365ing’ may be just for you!

By Anthony Francis-Jones

B

ack in 1990, John Hayward, a lifelong fan of the moor, noticed that the Dartmoor National Park was exactly 365 square miles in size. He set off on a mission to visit every one of them and made notes and sketches about what he found within them. This became ‘Dartmoor 365’, a fascinating book of history, folklore and items of interest that can be found in each of the square miles of the National Park. The book was popular at the time but missed by many until recently. Anthony Francis-Jones, creator of the Dartmoor 365 Facebook group, comments, “I found ‘Dartmoor 365’ in the DNP shop in Princetown and bought it as a curio. I thought I knew the moor well from many days spent camping, walking and training Ten Tors groups but as I read it I realised just how much I had missed by not stopping to look more carefully at the area around me. I became hooked and wanted to share my passion more widely by creating a Facebook group to share the joy of 365ing.” The group now has over 4000 members of all ages who pick numbered grid squares from the book and venture off to find what they contain. Many take photographs or make drawings and share these and their experiences on the group’s Facebook page. The book has a blank grid inside the front cover allowing one to colour in each square as you visit it and even a bonus square should it be a leap year!

Sheron Vowden is a keen ‘365er’ and has visited many of the squares more than once. “I love 365ing because the more squares you visit the more you want to track down those elusive things mentioned in the book.You will find out about things you never knew existed and it will take you to a variety of places from open wilderness to quaint villages. It opens your eyes more to what is around you. Of course as you get nearer completing all 365 squares it becomes a mission to colour in the last few so you can say you have covered them all, and you definitely become a little fitter at the same time.”

‘365ing’ is suitable for all ages and abilities as squares cover easily accessible villages as well as more remote places on the moor such as Cranmere Pool (square G9) or Childe’s Tomb (P10).

Ever wondered what the Hairy Hands (K11) are? What legends surround Crazywell Pool (P7) and Ephraim’s Pinch (K13)? What do Swell Tor Quarry (N6) and London Bridge have in common?

Who was Jay of Jay’s Grave (J16) and what are Sett Makers Bankers (M5) or the Miol Stone (K16)? Then 365ing is for you! n

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Dartmoor 365

J o h n H a y w a rd

365 The book is available at all DNP shops as well as many local bookshops and Internet sources.

Facebook group: “Dartmoor 365”

www.facebook.com/groups/296555273885240

PHOTOGRAPHS AND ILLUSTRATIONS © Anthony Francis-Jones, Clive Spittle, DAVID MAINE, HELEN NEWTON, John Hayward, Karin Brooks, Peter Brooks, Phil Cornish

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Exbourne Jacobstowe

A386

A3072

Inwardleigh

Northlew

Ashbury

Folly Gate 27

Okehampton

A3079

28

Thorndon Cross Bratton Clovelly

Belstone

B3260

Nine Maidens

A30

Belstone Tor

Meldon

East Okement River

Meldon Reservoir

Riv

Sourton

Bridestowe

Broadwoodwidger

Yes Tor West Okement River

Oke Tor

Sourton Tors High Willhays

A30

Map Key

27

Tinhay

Lydford Lifton

Hangingston Hill

River Lyd

Parking

Sit

Fur Tor

Public Toilets

Willsworthy Range

North Brentor

Chillaton

Train Station

Cut Hill

A386

Merrivale Range

Historic Site

Brent Tor

Milton Abbot

National Trust

Gibbet Hill

Wheal Betsy

Mary Tavy River Tavy

A3362

White Tor

Museum

Peter Tavy

Castle Abbey

Cox Tor

Great Staple Tor

Tavistock

Merrivale

Tepmpler Way Whitchurch

A386

Gunnislake

National Cycle Network

Morwellham Quay

Military Ranges

Military live firing on Dartmoor Information about military live firing on Dartmoor is available from several sources, including: www.gov.uk/government/publications/ dartmoor-firing-programme Tel: 0800 4584868 or from Dartmoor National Park Visitor Centres.

The public has access except when the Range Danger Areas are in use for live firing. Firing times must be checked and warning signals (red flags by day and red lamps by night) heeded.

Dartmoor National Park map © Crown copyright and database rights 2019 Ordnance Survey 100024842

South Hessary Tor

Hart Tor River Meavy

Horrabridge

Buckland Monachorum Crapstone

Leather Tor

Dousland Yelverton Meavy

Bere Alston Buckland Abbey

Bere Ferrers

Two Bridg

Princetown

North Hessary Tor

B3212

Walkhampton Calstock

B

River Walkham

Railway Heritage Railway

Sampford Spiney

B3357 Stone Rows

King’s Tor

Two Moors Way

Beardown Tors

Great Mis Tor

274

Dartmoor National Park Visitor Centre

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Okehampton Range

Brat Tor

Lewtrenchard

Visitor Information Centre

Steeperton Tor

Lewdown

Stowford

Nun’s Cross

Down Tor

Burrator Reservoir Sheeps Tor

Drizzlecom

Sheepstor Village

Ditsworthy Warren River Plym

Riv

Clearbrook 27

Cadover Bridge

A386

Bickleigh River Plym

Shaugh Prior

Trowlesworthy Warren

Wotter

Lee Moor

Shell Top

272

Cornwo

B3147 Sparkwell

Plymouth 2

Lee Mill

A3072

North Tawton

Sampford Courtenay

2 Trecott

Spreyton

A30 Sticklepath

A377

B3219 Tedburn St Mary

South Tawton

A30

South Zeal

Cosdon Hill

Crockernwell

Spinsters’ Rock

Fingle Bridge

Castle Drogo Gidleigh

n

Meldon Hill

North Bovey

Fernworthy Forest

Bennett’s Cross

Soussons Cairn Circle

Hameldown Tor

Lakehead Hill Bellever Forest Bellever East Dart River Tor

Chudleigh Knighton

B3387

Venford Reservoir

Forches Cross

A383 Bickington

n

Newton Abbot Shaldon

Holne

mbe

Teignmouth

A38

Ashburton

Newbridge

River Dart

Dawlish

B3192

Liverton

Poundsgate

Bench Tor

A380

Ilsington

272

Combestone Tor

A38

Rippon Tor

Higher Dartmeet Uppacott

Childe’s Tomb

A382

Haytor

Buckland -in-theMoor

Yar Tor

Hexworthy

Hennock

Bovey Tracey

Medieval settlement

Haytor Rocks Saddle Tor

Ponsworthy

West Dart River

A379

B3193

A382

Top Tor

ges

A38

Hound Tor

Widecombe -in-theMoor

Haldon Forest

Trenchford Reservoir

Manaton Bowerman’s Nose

Ashton Lower Ashton

Lustleigh

Grimspound

Soussons Clapper Bridge

B3357

Christow Kennick Reservoir Tottiford Reservoir

Easdon Tor

Postbridge

Higher Ashton

Blackingstone Rock

River Bovey

B3212

Doddiscombsleigh

Bridford

Moretonhampstead

Shovel Down Fernworthy Reservoir Fernworthy Stone Circle

Grey Wethers

B3193 B3212

A382

Doccombe

Kestor Rock

ttaford Tor

River Teign

Chagford

South Teign River

North Teign River

B3212 Dunsford

Hill fort

B3192

Scorhill Circle

ne

M5

Drewsteignton Throwleigh

ver Taw

Exeter

A30

Cheriton Bishop Whiddon Down

A381 Buckfast

Ryder’s Hill

Scorriton

Green Hill

ver Erme

Landscove

Buckfastleigh

Avon Dam Reservoir

Broadhempston

Torquay

A384 Staverton Rider’s Ring Stall Moor Stone Row

Shipley Bridge

Dean Prior

A38

2

A380

Dartington

Rattery Aish

ood

Ugborough Beacon

Ivybridge

Western Beacon

Avonwick

A38

Ugborough Ermington

A3121

A385

Totnes

South Brent

Harford

Paignton

A385

Brent Hill

40

Keep to moorland speed limits

Brixham 0

miles

3

0

km

5

Designed in Partnership with Visit Dartmoor © Dartmoor National Park Authority

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6 A3 8

Trust in the Moor

Whiddon D

Okehampton

d South Zeal

Sticklepath

fBelstone Meldon

A30

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2

21

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q

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21

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Ri

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Ivybridge

Plymouth

A38

Plympton

D

o you have a favourite wild place?

Where the view stirs the imagination or where the squeaks, rustles and smells give you hints about what’s going on around you?

Maybe the atmosphere relaxes your mind. These places might draw you back again and again.

I have many of these special spots around Dartmoor and, depending on my mood, I might want to be on top of a granite tor, facing into the wind and staring out to the distant coast, or perhaps I’ll sit by a moorland stream. The therapeutic sounds of the tumbling water soothe me as the sun makes rainbows where the droplets bounce off boulders. I peer into the brown depths to look for trout but get distracted by life in miniature; insects skating on the surface or dazzling neon

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dragonflies, damsels, chasers and darters. I like to take my insect identification book in my pack wherever I go.

The high moor is always dramatic but, more and more, I find myself walking, sitting and contemplating life in the woodlands around Dartmoor.

In contrast to the exposed wide open spaces, a mixed deciduous woodland offers protection, and not just for me. I’m never alone in the woods with birds, mammals and insects foraging, calling and going into battle to protect their little piece of territory. It’s exciting; just sit still and enjoy the free show.

I’m surprised how many pockets of woodland are available; open for access. The Woodland Trust manages a number of these and my local one is Tramlines Wood. Just a short stroll from my door I can immerse myself in calm or go for

a family adventure; with a clean river bubbling by, an open glade welcomes you in. What a break from a busy life.

Another real favourite is Blackaton Copse near Gidleigh. It’s magical and ancient atmosphere takes you on a trip back into the mists of time. You can be at peace on the bench by the stream or on hands and knees among the crispy leaves admiring the beautiful detail, colours and textures of autumn fungus. A bit further south you can find Pullabrook Wood and Hisley Wood along the Bovey valley. From day to day and season to season these woods change character and reveal new interest. Try visiting Pullabrook in early summer and you’ll probably find some fabulous butterflies in the wildflower glades.

Climb up through Hisley Wood in the winter and you can delve into the past. The medieval

PHOTOGRAPHS © MATT PARKINS

Matt Parkins shares his love of exploring Dartmoor woodlands and offers a round-up of Woodland Trust sites in the area that are open to the public

packhorse bridge takes you up to the ruins of a farmstead, nestling in the trees and unoccupied for nearly a hundred years. Keep on going through twisted oaks along Lustleigh Cleave and a sparkling frosty view opens up from Raven’s Tor; it’s worth the wait.

The air might be cold but your body will be glowing warm after the steady climb.

River Exe

A30

Down

Drewsteignton Fingle Bridge

A3

4

agford

Moretonhampstead

Exeter

A

n B3

19

North Bovey

3

o A t h 312 e 4

Woods in the Dartmoor Area q Grey Park Wood -

Lustleigh

decombe he moor

Ashburton Bovey Tracey

Chudleigh

Dawlish

Grid ref: SX72172715 16 ha (37.46 acres)

Bickington

Teignmouth

t

ar rD

ve Ri

gate

38

Bridford

eig rT

g

ve Ri

12

12

B32

Dunsford

y

38

A

Ashburton

This pretty wood, famed for lichens, is dominated by oak high forest dating back to the early 1800s. Ruddycleave Water, a fastflowing stream which descends through massive granite boulders, creates an impressive feature.

w Blackaton Copse -

Buckfastleigh

Gidleigh

von er A

Riv

Matt Parkins is selfemployed as Raven Quest; an adventurous Dartmoor inhabitant with an inquisitive spirit. He works in woodland management and teaches environmental education to community groups, school children and adults. His passion for the woodlands and wide open spaces of the moor is spread by writing about the interesting stories he finds where people and wildlife meet.

Grid ref: SX678886 4.86 ha (12.01 acres) A small, rocky woodland on the uplands of Dartmoor, this ancient woodland has lichen communities alongside oak and birch trees. The Blackaton Brook is important for spawning trout and salmon and old stone field boundaries traverse the site.

e Bovey Valley Woods - Lustleigh Grid ref: SX778803 86.19 ha (212.98 acres)

Walk among ancient woodland and explore a wealth of wildlife, at this large collection of woods on the edge of the National Park.

r Creason Wood -

Horndon If you have a Woodland Trust site near your home, go there; get to know it and its inhabitants.

It’s free, but you can become a member and find out more, then get involved in protecting your little piece of territory. If you’re a visitor to Dartmoor, find a site to go to for a good day out.

From Littlewood in the west and Penstave Copse in the south, the

largest wood of them all is Fingle with miles of tracks to explore and, if you’re lucky, you could even get to meet the wild otters of the river Teign.

Woodlands can activate your heart and soul and the minds and bodies of children too. There’s a lot to do and see and it’s your choice. Maybe you’ll find a new favourite place.

Grid ref: SX529800 6.37 ha (15.74 acres) This wood lies on a steep slope of the banks of the River Tavy.

Getting into the wood is not easy but once access has been achieved (via a ladder) it will repay a visit particularly for people with a nature conservation

interest. The limited access to manage the wood means that it is regenerating itself naturally and offers a ‘wild’ experience compared with walking on the nearby open moor.

t Shaptor Woods Bovey Tracey Grid ref: SX811805 78.58 ha (194.18 acres)

This is a large expanse of woodland made up of a series of semi-natural ancient woodland sites. There are two public rights of way and a permissive path leading onto Shaptor Rocks where the visitor can enjoy magnificent views across the local landscape.

y Fingle Woods Drewsteignton Grid ref: SX762895 169.65 ha (419.21 acres)

Fingle Wood runs from the Drogo Estate Woodlands at Fingle Bridge east to Clifford Bridge. The woodland is continuous on the southern side of the steep Teign Valley extending to some 10km of accessible woodland.

u Littlewood Dousland Grid ref: SX538684 0.32 ha (0.79 acres)

A small linear wood that is well used by local people and appreciated for its amenity value.

It provides a safe walking route along the road as there is no footpath. The local community has a keen interest in the wood and looking after it.

J

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i Hall Farm Estate Harford

d Dishcombe Wood South Tawton

Grid ref: SX629601 102.66 ha (253.68 acres)

Grid ref: SX661931 1.82 ha (4.5 acres)

This wood sits alongside a working farm and consists of several individual woods that join together to form a wonderful mixed environment. There is a mixture of ancient broadleaf trees, conifers and some recently replanted areas but it is gradually being planted with more native trees. A good place to see traditional Devon hedge banks.

This is a small wood on the northern fringe of the National Park.There is a circular path through the wood and some springs forming a stream.The wood is situated just outside the village of South Zeal along the road towards Whiddon Down.

Grid ref: SX792808 10.15 ha (25.08 acres)

This prominent ancient seminatural woodland is conspicuous from much of the local area. Set on a small hill the wood slopes west downhill from a plateau.The eastern section of wood along the public footpath is well used by local people.

a Crowndale Wood Tavistock Grid ref: SX474730 1.05 ha (2.59 acres)

Crowndale Wood is a popular local attraction, which is bordered on one side by the towpath to Drake’s Leat.

s Penstave Copse -

Aish, South Brent Grid ref: SX691611 8.56 ha (21.15 acres)

Comprising mature oak, ash, hazel coppice and alder, this site is popular with local dormice.

28 visitdartmoor.co.uk

Grid ref: SX596945 5.69 ha (14.06 acres)

Tramlines is a long, linear wood with a river on the northern boundary, likely to have had its origins in a 12th Century Deer Park. Public access is via a public bridleway running through the site from Station Road along the old tramway.

g Westcott Wood Moretonhampstead

PHOTOGRAPH © MATT PARKINS

o Higher Knowle Wood - Lustleigh

f Tramlines Wood Okehampton

Grid ref: SX785871 5.72 ha (14.13 acres)

Part of the Teign Valley Ancient Woodland complex, this is a popular wood among local people.

It rises quite steeply up from the road so you will need to be quite fit to explore it.

h East Wrey Cleave -

Lustleigh

Grid ref: SX784828 23.5 ha (58.07 acres) East Wray Cleave is noticeable for its clusters of conifers in a predominantly broadleaf area.This shady wood is home to some elusive wildlife, from dormice and wood ants to many species of bird nesting in the larch trees.

Good views Autumn colour Ancient woodland – more than 400 years old Free parking less than 500m away Bluebells Moorland Spring colour Local parking difficult Well worth a visit Ancient trees on site Special wildlife interest Free car parking at site

INFO For more information about these woods please go to www.woodlandtrust.org.uk

RANGER CODE Our Rangers care passionately about Dartmoor and ask you to help Love Moor Life by following this simple code.

Close gates behind you

Use a campsite or check the website

Keep your dog on a lead

Bag up litter and take it home

Share the roads and bridleways

Don’t feed the ponies

Show you care for this special place by following the Ranger Code and sharing your photos on social media

#LoveMoorLife

You could win one of our seasonal prizes! Find out more at

www.dartmoor.gov.uk/lovemoorlife

visitdartmoor.co.uk

29

OWL PROWL

Tamzin Grey searches out this enigmatic creature of the night It’s an early autumn evening on the edge of the moor. A rough track stretches downhill ahead of us in the fading light and all the familiar landmarks are sinking back into the dusk. We can no longer see the tor behind us and individual trees are lost, becoming merely blocks of deeper darkness, when then the first owl call comes as exciting and eerie as ever, the classic to-wooo hoot.

T

he tawny isn’t far from us, away in a patch of woodland to our right but we won’t see it unless we’re lucky. It calls again, the longer broken call this time and we stop to listen. A few seconds later there’s a reply over to our left and then faintly another owl in the distance.

The temptation to join in the conversation gets the better of me. I count a few seconds, cup my hands and call back. Calling to tawny owls and receiving an answer is one of those special autumn and winter treats that never fails to excite a sense of wonder. If you can get the sound right, which isn’t hard with a bit of practice, you can join in a, sometimes lengthy, dusk conversation.

Tawny owls seem fairly easily fooled. Listen to the rhythm of their calls and exchanges for a few minutes then cup your hands and try to mimic the nearest owl. You will probably find that the single and broken calls alternate and that some owls have a huskier tone than others. Less often you will hear the shriller kee-wick call which is harder to imitate.

Do your best and see what happens. You will normally receive a reply quite quickly if your call is realistic. If you’re feeling really confident you might even attempt to imitate the squeal of a dying vole, which is sure to excite any nearby owls. However, if you find it hard to make the right sounds 30 visitdartmoor.co.uk

then there are plenty of owl call whistles on the market that sound very real.

Once you’ve perfected your call you’ll often find that one or more owls fly in closer and closer to you. If you’re lucky you might even catch a glimpse of them flying overhead or perched in a tree trying to see the elusive owl that’s calling them.

Tawny owls are found throughout the National Park, frequenting the moorland margins, plantations and enclosed farmland wherever there is both tree cover and stretches of open ground. They nest from March onwards in tree holes or rock crevices and feed mainly on small mammals but will also take birds, frogs, fish, large insects and worms.

Typically they locate their prey from a perch, relying on their incredibly sensitive eyes and ears in the dim light. They then pounce forwards through the shadows, their soft plumage enabling them to fly soundlessly and surprise their victims.

Calling owls is great fun but remember that owls only have a limited time in which to hunt so don’t distract them for too long. Also listen carefully to their tone and stop calling if you sense a sudden change or if the owl flies in very close.

Throughout the ages owls have been associated with folklore and mythology, some believing them to be ill omens while others have seen them

as symbols of good luck and wisdom. Whether you believe in any of the stories or not there can be no doubting that listening and watching for tawny owls adds a whole new dimension to a night walk.

Top tips for night walking Make sure that you know the area where you’re going – explore it in daylight first if it’s new to you.

l

Walk with at least one other person and make sure that you leave details of your proposed walk with someone you can trust.

l

Always carry a headtorch and spare batteries.

l

Think carefully about where to leave your car.

l

If you take a dog with you ensure that it is under close control.

l

Keep noise to a minimum especially if you’re using public rights of way close to houses.

l

Maximise your chances of seeing wildlife by wearing dark non-rustly clothes that will blend in with your surroundings.

l

What other owls might you see or hear in the National Park Tawny owls are by far the most common species of owl in the National Park but there are two other species that you might come across if you’re lucky.

Little owl These tiny owls were introduced from the continent in the nineteenth century and are most likely to be seen or heard in enclosed farmland where there are plenty of farm buildings and hollow trees to provide nesting sites. They make a rather plaintive mewing ‘kiew’ sound.

Barn owl Often described as ghostlike and once thought to be an ill omen, the silent swoop of a barn owl through car headlights is now a rare treat. Occasionally you may even be lucky enough to come across one quartering open ground in search of prey. You are most likely to see these owls in areas where there are old barns, ruins and exposed buildings such as church towers.

No admission charge & ample free parking. Dog Friendly!

Stunning gardens and amazing events

Including: Themed family school holiday activities Rose Festival in June & July Garden Flower Show (August) Apple Festival (October) Glow – Winter Illuminations (November – January)

Open every day except Christmas day Great Torrington, Devon, EX38 8PH For tickets and promotions visit rhs.org.uk/rosemoor Book online at url and save 10% Every visit helps support the charitable work of the RHS RHS Registered Charity No: 222879/SC038262

visitdartmoor.co.uk

31

Town Titbits You want picture postcard Dartmoor villages with thatched cottages and rambling lanes? Try Lustleigh or Moretonhampstead. How about historic market towns with traditional stores, tearooms and crafts? Head to Tavistock, Bovey Tracey, Chagford or Okehampton. What about something a bit different, a little bit quirky? It’s got to be Widecombe-in-the-Moor. Maybe you want folklore, and Dartmoor myths and legends? Princetown is the place to be.

Tiny hamlets, bustling towns, or pretty villages, Dartmoor is the thriving, beating heart of Devon!

Okehampton

A Sunday train service from Exeter during the summer is very popular with tourists for exploring the town, taking a walk on the moor, or continuing along the line on the volunteer-run Dartmoor Railway to Meldon where there are spectacular views and access to Meldon Reservoir and Yes Tor. The once magnificent castle, originally Norman but extended by Hugh Courtenay, Earl of Devon in the 14th century, towers above the West Okement river. The last owner, Henry Courtenay fell foul of Henry VIII, who decided Courtenay would serve his monarch better if his body was relieved of its head!

Okehampton is truly a Gateway to Dartmoor – you can step out onto the moor from the edge of the town. This part of the moor is the highest (High Willhays is more than 2,000 feet above sea level) and arguably the wildest area in the South West.

Gateway to the Moor

VISIT O K E H A M P TO N Okehampton Castle, which dates back to the Domesday Book l

Known as one of the walking centres of Devon, with superb access to Dartmoor direct from the town, l

Fantastic for walking, cycling and riding. Several National Trust properties are in easy reach. l

Tavistock

An enchanting and very popular ancient Stannary town, Tavistock has a huge amount to offer visitors and travellers. A beautiful park, through which the River Tavy runs, a huge selection of lovely old shops, five minutes from the open moor and a bustling farmer’s market!

Each autumn, the town comes alive with festivities and a fair when the famous Goosey Fair occurs, and a little later on in the year a Dickensian evening takes place in December.

Ashburton

Ashburton was an important centre for the tin trade in the Middle Ages and in 1305 became one of the four official stannary towns (the others were Chagford, Plympton and Tavistock), which had special powers to assay the tin produced from the Dartmoor mines.

Today Ashburton is a lively town, with walking, canoeing, pony trekking and fishing bringing many visitors. There are plenty of antique shops, a museum, galleries and a variety of eateries to sustain your interest. Some unusual ceremonial events dating from the stannary days are held throughout the year, including an ale tasting and bread weighing ceremony!

Moretonhampstead

All sorts of things go on in and around this busy and very popular small Dartmoor town! It’s a hive of activity throughout the summer months especially, with walkers, cyclists, antique hunters, cream tea aficiondos and art enthusiasts!

Arts and crafts are so popular here that a buzzing community has grown up around them. With an open air swimming pool, and a letterbox trail of it’s own, this is one of the gateways to the moor that has more on offer than you might expect.

It’s on the A382 and is one of the main intersections leading up onto the moor.

32 visitdartmoor.co.uk

Two Castles Trail, Tarka Trail, Granite Way and the West Devon Way to Plymouth are all easily accessible from the town centre. l

There are guided walks from and around the town, wild swimming in the rivers, a golf course, museum, swimming pool and the extremely beautiful Simmons Park. l

w w w. v i s i t o ke h a m p t o n . c o . u k

Chagford

In 2015 this beautiful and atmospheric small town was voted Best Place to Live in England! A bustling and very popular location, Chagford is an old Stannary town, now with a thriving and lively community of artists and musicians, it attracts walkers and visitors from all over the world.

The town is full of history and stories…one of the Pilgrim Fathers by the name of John Endecott lived here before heading off on his epic adventure to the New World

Ivybridge

Commonly known as the gateway to South Dartmoor, Ivybridge has a great deal to offer visitors.With its superb shopping, Ivybridge’s close proximity to the A38 means easy access to Plymouth and Exeter. Set on the River Erme, it’s a great base for exploring Dartmoor whilst mixing in some shopping and culture!

visitdartmoor.co.uk/explore

Why Visit Chagford?

• Spectacular Dartmoor setting • Historic Stannary & market town • 15th & 16th century buildings • Stylish independent shops • Handmade arts & crafts • Foodie haven • World-class festivals • Fine dining • Unique pubs & places to stay • Friendly locals Twice voted the Friendliest Place in the Country to Visit (Sunday Times)

Three times voted the Best Place in the South West to Live (Sunday Times)

www.visitchagford.com Visit_chagford_VD_180x128.indd 1

Event–ful Tavistock

12/12/2018 14:27:01

Historic Stannary & Market Town l A UNESCO World Heritage Site Gateway to Dartmoor & Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape l Home of the Cream Tea l A Sunday Times ‘Best place to live in the UK’ l l

Browse the wonderful independent shops and award winning farmer’s market, visit the historic pannier market (Tues-Sat), take a look around the remains of the Abbey or join a heritage walking tour.

Use us as a base for walking, cycling or riding.

Have a swim, see a film or simply sit back and enjoy some great food.

Join us in 2019: Tavistock Music & Arts Festival: 24th April – 8th May Garden Festival: 26th-27th May Steam & Vintage Fair: Sunday 2nd June Carnival week: 13th-20th July, with the parade on 20th July Goose Fair: Wednesday 9th October Christmas Light Switch-On: Friday 15th November Dickensian Evening: Friday 6th December Plus Easter, Summer and Halloween trail fun for all the family

For more information go to: www.visit-tavistock.co.uk or check us out on facebook.

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ie d o o F a w o n K to ie d o o F a s e k It Ta

By Stella West Harling M.B.E.

ery School Founder/CEO of Ashburton Cook

PHOTOGRAPH © HOME FARM CAFE

water from the soft verdant valleys.

We’re also pretty good at cooking. Having great ingredients helps, but on Dartmoor you’ll discover innovative cookery by awardwinning chefs using quality local produce and you can even learn to cook at one of the UK’s top cookery schools, situated in Ashburton. Our producers sell at farmer’s markets, as well as in local shops and farmgate sales. Wherever you visit on Dartmoor you will see evidence of our ancient traditions on our unique landscape still being used today in our humane farming methods.

PHOTOGRAPH © THE CAFE ON THE GREEN

W

e love our food on Dartmoor - and so we should. We pride ourselves on supplying some of the finest produce in the world. Our rolling wild landscape reflects freshness, quality and variety. Fresh and local are two words you’ll often hear to describe the food available here today. There’s meat, fresh from the moors around Princetown, fish, fresh from the trout farm at Tavistock, and fruit and vegetables picked early morning in the verdant fields around the villages.

small towns. Our butchers can show you the provenance of any of our Dartmoor meat, many of our bakeries bake from scratch, we have award-winning delicatessens and fish deli’s and old-fashioned independent greengrocers selling our Dartmoor produce.

We are a proud community and our food and drink matters.

Explore some of the links below to find out more about our produce grown on Dartmoor and our local food events, especially our annual Food Festivals across the moor and our Farmers Markets held weekly in our villages and

34 visitdartmoor.co.uk

visitdartmoor.co.uk/food

PHOTOGRAPH © THE BEDFORD HOTEL

Landscape creates communities, and the diverse terrain of Dartmoor National Park is home to some of the best local produce in the UK. Almost everything about this last wilderness has been decreed by its terrain; from the hardy cattle grazing all year on the high moors, to the mineral-rich Dartmoor spring

The Post Inn Whiddon Down

Welcome to the Post Inn, a traditional 16th Century Inn nestling in the Devon Countryside. A warm and comfortable place to dine and enjoy a drink or two.

Telephone . 01647 231242

www.thepostinnwhiddon.co.uk

Exeter Road, Whiddon Down, Okehampton, Devon, EX20 2QT

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9 4

6 Exbourne Jacobstowe

A3072 Trecott

Inwardleigh

Northlew

Ashbury

A3072

North Tawton

Sampford Courtenay

A386

Folly Gate

Spreyton

Okehampton

A3079

Sticklepath

Thorndon Cross Bratton Clovelly

East Okement River

Cosdon Hill

Yes Tor West Okement River

Oke Tor

High Willhays

Gidleigh

Steeperton Tor

Lewdown

Lydford Lifton

Hangingstone Hill

River Lyd

Sittaford Tor

Fur Tor

North Brentor

Chillaton

Brent Tor

Milton Abbot

Cut Hill

A386

Gibbet Hill

Grey Wethers

Tavistock

Merrivale

Whitchurch

A386

Gunnislake Morwellham Quay

Sampford Spiney

8

Leather Tor

Yelverton

Venford Reservoir

Sheepstor Village

Ditsworthy Warren River Plym

River Erme

Forches Cross

Bickington

Newbridge

Shaldon

A38

Ashburton

A381

Landscove

Buckfastleigh

Avon Dam Reservoir

Broadhempston

Torquay Staverton

Rider’s Ring Trowlesworthy Warren

Wotter

Teignmouth

Newton Abbot

A384

Stall Moor Stone Row

Shell Top

Shipley Bridge

Dean Prior

A380

Dartington

A38 Rattery

Lee Moor

Aish

B3147

Ugborough Beacon

Sparkwell

Ivybridge

Plymouth

Western Beacon

A385

Totnes

South Brent

Harford

Paignton

A385

Brent Hill

Cornwood

© Crown copyright and database rights 2019 Ordnance Survey 100024842

Ilsington

Scorriton

Green Hill

A386 Shaugh Prior

Dawlish

B3192

Rippon Tor

Cadover Bridge

River Plym

A380

A38

Buckfast

Ryder’s Hill

Clearbrook

Bickleigh

A382

Holne

Drizzlecombe

Chudleigh Knighton

Liverton

Poundsgate

River Dart

Down Tor

Sheeps Tor

Meavy

10 B3387 Haytor

A383

Bench Tor

Childe’s Tomb

Hennock

1

Bovey Tracey

Top Tor

Combestone Tor

Nun’s Cross

Burrator Reservoir

Dousland

Bere Alston

Bere Ferrers

South Hessary Tor

Hart Tor River Meavy

3

Buckland -in-theMoor

Higher Dartmeet Uppacott

Hexworthy

A379

B3193

A382

Medieval settlement

Haytor Rocks Saddle Tor

Ponsworthy Yar Tor

West Dart River

Haldon Forest

A38

Lustleigh

Hound Tor

Widecombe -in-theMoor

Bellever East Dart River Tor

B3357

North Hessary Tor

Hameldown Tor

Ashton Lower Ashton

Tottiford Reservoir

Manaton Bowerman’s Nose

Two Bridges

Princetown

B3212

Walkhampton

Buckland Abbey

7

River Walkham

Horrabridge

Buckland Monachorum Crapstone

B3357 Stone Rows

King’s Tor

Christow Kennick Reservoir

Trenchford Reservoir

Grimspound

Lakehead Hill Bellever Forest

Beardown Tors

Great Mis Tor Great Staple Tor

Bennett’s Cross

Soussons Cairn Circle

Clapper Bridge

White Tor

Higher Ashton

Blackingstone Rock

North Bovey

Soussons

Postbridge

River Tavy

Cox Tor

Moretonhampstead

Easdon Tor

Wheal Betsy

Doddiscombsleigh

Bridford

Doccombe

River Bovey

B3212

Peter Tavy

B3193 B3212

Meldon Hill

Fernworthy Forest

Mary Tavy

A3362

River Teign

2

A382

Chagford

South Teign River

Kestor Rock Shovel Down Fernworthy Reservoir Fernworthy Stone Circle

Brat Tor

B3212 Dunsford

Hill fort

B3192

Scorhill Circle North Teign River

Lewtrenchard

M5

Fingle Bridge

Castle Drogo

Sourton Tors

Calstock

Spinsters’ Rock

Throwleigh

River Taw

Crockernwell Drewsteignton

Sourton

Bridestowe

Exeter

A30

Cheriton Bishop

Whiddon Down

Belstone Tor

Meldon

A30

Tinhay

5

South Zeal

Meldon Reservoir

Stowford

A30

Nine Maidens

A30

Broadwoodwidger

Tedburn St Mary

South Tawton

Belstone

B3260

A377

B3219

A30

Avonwick

A38 Brixham

Lee Mill Ugborough

Dartmoor Galleries

For centuries artists of all types have been drawn to Dartmoor by its imposing landscapes and ever-changing light conditions. Described by writers and poets as one of the last remaining wildernesses in Britain, the rugged moorland terrain and ancient thatched villages have inspired artists, traditional and contemporary, local and international down through the years.

We have many wonderful galleries on and around the moor. Salar Gallery 4 in Hatherleigh, celebrates the unique skills and crafts of artists who have visited or been stirred by the wilds of Dartmoor as well as those of wider acclaim.

Moretonhampstead, on the edge of Dartmoor, is a centre for walking and the town is also becoming known for its arts and crafts. The attractive converted Victorian schoolhouse of Green Hill Arts 2 incorporates a contemporary art gallery with a year-round programme together with an arts and craft shop and a wide range of art-based courses and workshops for all ages and levels.

Wildwood Arts 8 in Yelverton is an independent, British nature themed art gallery, specialising in Dartmoor’s landscapes, wildlife and nature. Fine art, ceramics, jewellery and felt are among the plethora of handcrafted works to be discovered here.

36 visitdartmoor.co.uk

Dartmoor National Park Visitor A3121 Centre 7, Princetown.

The old Duchy Hotel is home to the flagship, award-winning Dartmoor National Park Visitor centre. With wideranging and interactive exhibitions on cultural heritage and the natural environment you can discover what makes Dartmoor so special and delve into thousands of years of history.

Entering the former hotel’s ballroom, you can enjoy a series of regularly changing exhibitions from local artists and groups.

Ermington

Sculpture

Fancy learning to sculpt? You can enjoy a unique opportunity to learn from one of the world’s top figurative sculptors at The Sculpture School 6 in North Tawton, close to the edge of North Dartmoor.

Stone Lane Gardens & Mythic Garden Sculpture Exhibition 5 is a spectacular 5-acre woodland and water garden that enchants and inspires in every season, renowned for National Collections of Birch and Alder trees and home to the annual Mythic Garden Sculpture Exhibition.

RHS Rosemoor 9. Each year Rosemoor holds over 100 events, short courses and workshops, designed to inspire everyone including craft and antique fairs, art and sculpture exhibitions, and workshops in gardening, photography, craft and art.

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miles

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Dartmoor Crafts 0

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Designed in Partnership with Visit Dartmoor © Dartmoor National Park Authority

Bovey Tracey is home to Devon Guild of Craftsmen 1, a large craft centre displaying stimulating exhibitions and events for people to buy, make and learn about contemporary craft together with a pleasant cafe where you can stop on your journey for coffee and cake or a delicious home-made lunch.

If you are visiting Dartmoor in June, you should make time to enjoy the amazing three-day Contemporary Craft Festival 10 at Bovey Tracey from 7th to the 9th.

“The Contemporary Craft Festival is an outstanding event. It offers the very best in contemporary craft nationally, attracting exhibitors and audiences from across the UK. After 10 years it is now established as one of the best events of its kind in the UK”. Andrew Proctor, Arts Council England South West House of Marbles 3 in Bovey Tracey have been manufacturing an unusual range of games, toys, marbles and glassware since 1973. Visitors to the beautiful Devon site can enjoy museums of glass, games, marbles and pottery.

Visitors to Dartmoor, compelled to take away a unique record of their experience, have generated a thriving environment for art galleries and on-line art retailers, many of whom are featured on the Visit Dartmoor website.

Perfect Pampering

Š TWO BRIDGES HOTEL

Hotels

Dartmoor is proud to host a huge range of hotels across and around it’s beautiful landscape.

Whatever you prefer can be found here, from top class luxury where opulence and grandeur abound, and your every whim or wish can be catered for, to gorgeous family hotels offering comfort, a warm welcome and local knowledge about the area.

There are castles, and country estates, small rural hotels with that wonderful personal touch, and fabulous town hotels where you will have the best of both worlds, stunning scenery on your doorstep but the benefits of having cinema, restaurants and shopping close by as well. But wherever you stay, the love for Dartmoor, the passion for fresh, locally produced food, and a pride in superb service will all ensure that your stay on Dartmoor is fabulous, and memorable for all the right reasons.

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Close yet still a world away Located on the Devon/Cornwall border and surrounded by stunning country views, The Horn of Plenty is a beautiful, independently owned 4-star Country House Hotel with a 2 AA Rosette fine dining restaurant.

Gulworthy, Tavistock, Devon PL19 8JD Tel 01822 832 528 www.thehornofplenty.co.uk

Ilsington Country House Hotel NEAR HAYTOR, DARTMOOR

Family owned and run country house hotel set within the Dartmoor National Park, yet only 4 miles from the A38.

Set in 10 acres of private grounds with award winning food and beautiful Spa area. Ideal for rest and relaxation.

A choice of two dining areas: Our 2 AA rosette Restaurant with stunning moorland views or our bistro, open all day for food and drinks, which also has a large sun terrace for al fresco dining.

Indoor pool, hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room, fitness suite and treatment rooms.

Non-residents most welcome for morning coffee, afternoon tea, lunches, dinner, Spa packages and much, much more!

Gold Winner in South West England Tourism Excellence Awards 2017 for Spa and Wellness Gold Winner in South Devon’s Hotel of the Year 2016

Ilsington Hotel, Ilsington Village, Nr Newton Abbot, Devon TQ13 9RR Telephone: 01364 661452 www.ilsington.co.uk 38 visitdartmoor.co.uk

SPOILT FOR CHOICE THE BEDFORD HOTEL Tavistock

The Bedford Hotel 1 Plymouth Road Tavistock PL19 8BB 01822 613221 www.bedford-hotel.co.uk

Two beautiful hotels in two exceptional locations.

The Two Bridges Hotel, in the heart of Dartmoor National Park, and The Bedford Hotel, in the perfect Devon market town of Tavistock.

Individually styled rooms Award-winning dining l Traditional afternoon teas l Weddings, celebrations and private dining l A warm welcome, always l l

Two Bridges Hotel Two Bridges Dartmoor National Park PL20 6SW 01822 892300 www.twobridges.co.uk

TWO BRIDGES HOTEL Dartmoor

For an extensive list of Dartmoor hotels go to visitdartmoor.co.uk/hotels

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Suit Yourself

Self Catering

Š SWALLOW BARN

Your perfect Dartmoor self catering getaway could be anything from a high end lodge in the grounds of a castle to a rustic log cabin, a picture postcard thatched cottage or a gorgeous barn conversion set on a working farm.

You can find properties with indoor pools, rambling gardens, hot tubs, some with large inglenook fireplaces or drying rooms, even games rooms and farmhouse kitchens.

There are cottages on Dartmoor that stand alone on the moor, and those that are right in the centre of a thriving market town; some properties sit inside a large country estate, others are just a short walk from the village pub.

Whatever your self catering needs are, you can definitely find something to suit you on Dartmoor.

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Coombeshead Farm

with four self contained cottages is a 25 acre

Swallows at Falkedon, Spreyton, Devon EX17 5EF Luxury self catering holiday cottage, three miles to the north of Dartmoor.

Relax and unwind. The cottage is ideal for those couples who are looking for a quiet self catering base. Part of a Georgian former farmhouse, generous sized rooms all on the first floor. Guests are greeted with a complimentary welcome hamper which includes fresh eggs from our runner ducks, locally made bread and butter, homemade cake.

working farm, standing in a most attractive, unspoilt rural setting with far reaching views over its own ground and surrounding countryside close to Chudleigh, Devon.

Coombeshead Farm Chudleigh Devon TQ13 0NQ www.coombesheadfarm.net 01626 853334

www.swallowsatfalkedon.co.uk Telephone 01647 231526

Kelleden Cabin

The Barn Brockscombe Cross Germansweek Beaworthy Devon EX21 5AL

This well equipped, centrally heated two bed accommodation is ideal for a romantic getaway for couples, while also giving a great space suitable for a small family or group of friends.

Bramblemoor Cottage Leusdon, Poundsgate, Devon, TQ 13 7 NU

This single storey Dartmoor cottage sleeps 2 people, with ‘Visit England’ 4 Star grading, was converted from a Bulb drying store, at the turn of the last century. Set within three acres of grounds, the garden and smallholding (with poultry, sheep and goats), are run on organic principles. The sound of the river Webburn running through the valley below provides a constant backdrop to the interesting flora and fauna.

Tel: 01837 871461 or 07484226204 www.kelleden.co.uk

Wooder Manor Holiday Cottages

Cottages, coach house and ground floor converted stables, nestled in a picturesque valley - a patchwork of fields’ hedgrows, stone walls, woodland, moors and granite tors. Walking from your doorstep. Widecombe village, cafes, pub a level half mile.

Widecombe in the Moor Newton Abbot Devon TQ13 7TR 01364 621391 woodermanor@gmail.com

www.woodermanor.com

Tel: 01364 631410 www.bramblemoor.co.uk

Tavistock, Devon PL19 9PR Tel: 01822 810720 stay@kirksidebarn.co.uk www.kirksidebarn.co.uk

Unique, detached, converted barn on edge of village in Dartmoor National Park. Enjoy the beauty – walking, driving, cycling or riding.

Peaceful setting for a relaxing break. Sleeps up to 8 + baby/small child. 2 bathrooms.

Sunken patio, furniture, BBQ.

Stunning Manor and charming country cottages.

Wi-Fi, wood fires, ensuites, gardens, play area/barn, farm animals, donkeys, explore woodland, farmshop, fire pit, village pub.

2 miles Bovey Tracey/A38, 7 miles coast.

Stickwick Farm, Hennock, Bovey Tracey, Devon, TQ13 9PR Tel: 01626 833266 www.stickwick.co.uk

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Breakfast is Served

Š HALFWAY INN

Bed & Breakfast and Guesthouses

What image does a stay on Dartmoor conjure up for you?

A cosy cottage with a thatched roof and blooming garden, a spectacular room in a grand manor, a hearty breakfast served on mismatched china, a farmhouse kitchen offering local eggs and bacon? Or maybe just somewhere simple and clean where you can just fall into bed after a day exploring the magic and grandeur of Dartmoor?

Whatever your idea of a good Dartmoor bed and breakfast or guesthouse, we may just have what you are looking for right here. If you would like somewhere to accommodate you on a tight budget, or need a host who has great knowledge of the moor and can advise you where to walk, ride or cycle, read on.

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OVERCOMBE HOUSE

Dartmoor Farmhouse Accommodation from ÂŁ25.50pppn.

Perfect for walkers, climbers, horse riders and paddlers of the River Dart.

Quality local pubs nearby, full traditional English breakfast.

Fresh eggs from our chickens and ducks.

Guest sitting room with log burner.

Great guest reviews. online bookings through our website. dartmoorfirst

Award winning accommodation offering a warm friendly welcome in relaxed comfortable surroundings with a substantial breakfast using local and home made produce. Situated between Tavistock and Plymouth with beautiful views over the village and Dartmoor. Convenient for exploring Devon and Cornwall, particularly Dartmoor National Park and the adjacent Tamar Valley.

Old Station Road, Horrabridge,Yelverton PL20 7RA Tel: 01822 853501 enquiries@overcombehotel.co.uk

www.overcombehotel.co.uk

Lowertown Farm Bed and Breakfast Accommodation

Putting Dartmoor First award l Holiday with your horse!

Top 10 Farmstay UK Countryfile Magazine Top 100 Selected Farms Country Living Magazine

www.lowertownfarmdartmoor.co.uk 01364 631034

Meadowlea Guest House Okehampton, Devon EX20 1EA

A warm friendly welcome awaits you at our Victorian house, an ideally located B&B in Okehampton just 5 minutes walk from the town centre with a wide variety of pubs and restaurants nearby. Minutes walk from the Granite Way cycle track, golf course, Dartmoor railway, museum of Dartmoor and Simmons Park. Cyclists welcome.

Tel: 01837 53200 www.meadowleaguesthouse.co.uk HHHH

The Old Vicarage Shaugh Prior

A very warm welcome awaits you at The Old Vicarage Guest House our beautiful Victorian Home.

A gateway to Dartmoor, Devon and Cornwall.

We provide excellent breakfasts and dinners with local produce, packed lunches also available on request. www.oldvicarageshaughprior.com Info@oldvicarageshaughprior.com Telephone 01752 729881 or 07903912111 Shaugh Prior Devon PL7 5HB

For an extensive list of B&B and guesthouse accommodation on Dartmoor go to visitdartmoor.co.uk/guesthouses

Great Sloncombe Farm Moretonhampstead, Devon TQ13 8QF

Hidden away within a magical valley in the Dartmoor countryside the traditional working farm provides a high standard of bed & breakfast accommodation with a friendly and informal atmosphere.

Tel: 01647 440595 greatsloncombefarm@gmail.com www.greatsloncombefarm.co.uk

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Under the Stars

Camping & Caravanning

Š OAKTREE-LANE

Camping and caravanning can bring with it lots of questions.

Where can we camp? Can we take the dog? Is there a play area for the children? Will there be animals we can watch? Dartmoor takes camping seriously, and provides literally something for everyone, from the hardiest hiker to the family with small children who are looking for family friendly sites with plenty of laundry facilities.

Whether you are looking for glamping, yurts, shepherd huts, log cabins, wooden pods, caravans, static caravans or tent hire companies that set everything up for you before you arrive.

We have it all on Dartmoor!

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BARLEY MEADOW TOURING PARK

Cottages, Camping, Holiday Homes, Glamping, Pods, Langstone lounge bar with evening meals with a great location on Dartmoor

Fantastic peaceful location with great views

Escape to the unrivalled beauty and tranquil surrounds of wooded valleys, stunning tors and open moorland. Enjoy a break you’ll never forget at Barley Meadow Touring Park on the northern edge of Dartmoor in the heart of Devon.

To book visit wwwbarleymeadow.co.uk or call us on 01647 281629

Holiday homes For Sale

www.langstonemanor.co.uk Langstone Manor Holiday Park, Moortown, Tavistock, Devon, PL19 9JZ Tel/Fax +44 (0) 1822 613371 email: jane@langstonemanor.co.uk

Woodland Springs Touring Park Exclusively For Adults Boutique 5 Star Holiday Park Enjoy great facilities in this small family run park.

Peace and quiet yet child and pet friendly too; pool, hot tub and sauna, storytelling & activities, nearby pub and visiting takeaway food three times a week and a lovely dog exercise meadow.

Come and enjoy our award winning tranquil site in the beautiful Dartmoor National Park. Open All Year.

Lots to see and do on Dartmoor, in the cathedral city of Exeter and the delightful county of Devon.

Award winning toilet blocks, disabled facilities.

Camping Pods for that Glamping experience.

Good access from A382, only 1.5 miles from A30.

A friendly welcome awaits you.

Woodovis Park, Gulworthy, Tavistock, Devon PL19 8NY Tel: 01822 832 968

www.woodovis.com

Venton, Drewsteignton, Devon, EX6 6PG Dartmoor

01647 231695 woodlandsprings.co.uk enquiries@woodlandsprings.co.uk

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OAKTREE-LANE

Cabins, Glamping & Camping in a picturesque location

Why not escape to a magical place in the heart of beautiful West Devon; a place you can completely relax in and experience the simplicity of living under the stars, next to nature.

West Headson Farm Bratton Clovelly Devon EX20 4JP 01837 871407

For an extensive list of camping accommodation on Dartmoor go to visitdartmoor.co.uk/camping

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www.oaktree-lane.co.uk

EVENTS

WHAT’S ON All through the year there are events, shows, exhibitions, guided walks, sporting events, celebrations and educational days held all over and around Dartmoor.

Whether you are looking for a country show, an art exhibition, or a day out learning about archaeological and historical sites, there is something for everyone.

The most comprehensive list is undoubtably on the Visit Dartmoor website at

www.visitdartmoor.co.uk/whats-on

Have fun!!

www.visitdartmoor.co.uk @visitdartmoor

visitdartmoor

T EA Y UT GR IL O A FAM AY D N FU

AU 15 GU TH ST

VisitDartmoor

August 15th

112th

Okehampton Show

9

Okehampton Show, Stoney Park Showground, Okehampton - just off the A30

Thursday 8th August

This Year’s Main Ring Attractions ‘The Tigers Childrens Motorcycle Display Team’ & ‘Wildlife Displays’

Mill End Chagford TQ13 8JN

Horse, Pony, Sheep and Cattle Classes l Grande Parade of Prize Winning Horses l Parade of Vintage Tractors and Cars l 200 Trade Stands l Beer Tent l Full Range of Showground Caterers l Pets Corner l Local Food Hall l Horticulural Marquee l Dog Show

and much much more!

Adults £10 Child £3 Under 5 Free

Free Mini Bus from Chagford & Moretonhampstead Free On Site Park ing

Sponsored Charity 2018 No.1154727

A traditional agricultural show on the edge of Dartmoor – fun for all the family, all day entertainment.

01837 659965 info@okehamptonshow.co.uk www.okehamptonshow.co.uk

www.chagfordshow.co.uk

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Ice Warrior BASECAMP Did you know in the heart of Dartmoor you can: l

Join the Ice Warrior Project Novice to Polar Explorer for the betterment of humankind

l

Buy the best of kit at best prices for Dartmoor and beyond

l

Enroll in our School of Expedition Training l Navigation l Camp Craft l Technical Rope Work l Medical Training l Rescue Emergency Care

l Take an Ice Warrior Challenge Tester Day or Selection Weekend l Attend our monthly Saturday night “Explorer Talks” by Jim McNeill and guests

Pop in and see us!

BASECAMP Tavistock Road Princetown PL20 6QE T. 01822 890338 M. 07775 651471

www.ice-warrior.com