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Walking on Dartmoor in Devon - some sensible information

Absolutely everyone benefits from exercise and fresh air. As part of a keep fit regime, walking is rated
as the activity that above all others improves our feelings of well being. The Mayo Clinic in America has
a terrific page about walking and it's well worth a read. Click on Mayo to see
SOME IMPORTANT POINTS ABOUT WALKING ON DARTMOOR
1.Before you set out, let someone know where you plan to walk out on Dartmoor, and, if you change your mind en-
route, let them know that too. If you don't turn up at the end of the day, people will need to know where to start
looking for you. If by any chance you have a mishap, others need to know where to start looking for you! 

This is as important for a party of people as for a single walker. Show someone on a map where you are thinking of going.
Let him or her know what is the closest village or tor that you are aiming for. It's a good idea to take a mobile phone,
but BEWARE - there are large areas of the Dartmoor where you will not get a signal, especially in the lower valleys.
2. Take a Dartmoor map or guide book. The very best Dartmoor map is the Dartmoor OS Explorer (folded) map
by Ordnance Survey. It is the 2 1/2 inches to the mile format 1:25,000 scale.
Covering the Two Moors Way, The Templar Way, The Tarka Trail, West Devon Way, Dartmoor Way, Two Castles Trail, Taw-Teign Link and the whole of the Moor itself. It clearly shows youth hostels, pubs, rights of way, fences, permissive paths and bridleways. The recommended retail price is £7.99, but you might like to know that Amazon sells it for £5.99 and also offers used versions
of the map from £2.50 Great Saving. Click here to see the Dartmoor (OS Explorer Map) >
Rob and I find that the laminated version which is now called the outstanding All Weather
map, is utterly brilliant in any weather. You could even hold it over your head in a sudden dowpour. See a whole range of maps by clicking here. Do take a compass if you know how to use it ! If you don't and you want to learn, have a look at this website where you will find Jim, who runs friendly courses on how to navigate and map read.
DARTMOOR NATIONAL PARK IS BIG 365 square miles.

It might be a better idea for you to join one of the Dartmoor National Park's guided walks. (see bottom of page).
Or Take a look at The Rambler's Association, a great bunch of keen walkers who welcome visitors to join in.
It's never a good plan to just head off to some point in the distance. Large areas of Dartmoor are boggy,
there are rivers to cross, some of them fast flowing. When the days shorten and Autumn sets in,
daylight fades very quickly. You must know what your limits are and where you are going.

3. This row of crocs may look comfy, but what happens when you encounter mud ? Wear good walking shoes
or wellingtons. And always drop a few plasters into your rucksack. A tiny blister, if caught in time can be
eased enormously by applying a plaster to stop further chafing. In Autumn and Winter it is vitally important that
you have enough layers, and a waterproof outer layer is a must. A plastic mac although slightly jokey, will be
light to carry, and in heavy rain can make all the difference. It will also provide a waterproof place to sit, as
unless you find a suitable rock, some resting spots leave you with a damp reminder to take on your way ! A hat will
either shade you from the sun or keep your head warm which will help maintain your body heat. A silk scarf around the neck can make such a difference, and is almost no weight at all to carry. Don't forget to take gloves. If a cold Dartmoor wind blows, you will be glad you did and even on warm days they are useful when opening the odd grubby gate etc.
4. Take something to eat and drink. Always take enough liquid to ensure that you won't go thirsty.

Getting dehydrated can lead to a very poor sense of direction, and worse.
Do not be tempted to drink from the streams unless you can boil the water. A dead sheep in the water
further upstream will infect it. Sandwiches, fruit and good outdoor food such as flapjack are easy to pack.
Everyone loves a picnic, but make sure that you take every scrap of litter home with you.
Animals on Dartmoor are curious, eating even the smallest piece of plastic can prove fatal to a lamb.

5. Respect the countryside. Always leave gates how you find them. If shut, leave shut, if open leave open.
Despite what you might think, the livestock on Dartmoor belongs to someone. Farmers feed their stock and
the worst thing you can do is to feed the ponies your left-overs whilst you are out on your walk.
When stupid folk feed ponies from their cars, the ponies naturally associate  cars with food.

This leads to young ponies wandering about on the roads walking towards cars because they think that
cars that are friendly boxes that dole out food, often withdreadful consequences.
6. Dogs
 Dogs should be kept on a lead near to livestock. If your dog chases sheep or any other animal on
Dartmoor, then the farmer is perfectly entitled to shoot your dog. It's as simple as that. If you see a dog or
dogs chasing sheep, then please report it to a Dartmoor National Park Ranger (tel. bottom of page)

Check out this Met Office 5 day weather link to see
what the weather will be doing for
the next 5 days on Dartmoor.
The link is also handy for planning your journey home of course.

Letterboxing on Dartmoor is great fun for all the family.
Small boxes, each containing a rubber stamp inscribed with pictures and words
are carefully hidden in natural nooks and crannies (and pubs!) all over Dartmoor.

It's a great way to get young children interested in walking.
This book by Janet Palmer explains it all, and is well worth getting.
It only costs £3.25 plus p&p.  e-mail Janet and start the kids
off on this wonderfully absorbing hobby.


 If you would like to learn to navigate, then Dartmoor is just the place to learn. The Moor
has many well defined walker's footpaths, but sometimes you may want to strike out on your
own. But be prepared. This learn to navigate link will take you to Jim, a friendly fully trained instructor who lives close to Kestor near to Chagford on Dartmoor. He and his wife are both trained instuctors and they offer sensible camping facilities for groups.  Navigational skills are well worth acquiring as map reading can tell you so much about the surrounding countryside.

I recommend The Dartmoor Magazine. Some of the pictures in it are mine !

Each edition features a walk on Dartmoor.
The magazine is full of interest,
and at only £12.95 for a year long subscription
(4 editions one for each season)
What better gift to take home with you ?

Click to have a look at the mag's website

Treasure Trails are colourful downloadable trails with maps to follow and competitions.
Trails for the centre of the Moor, Okehampton, Ivybridge, Tavistock and one for the Teign Valley all at £5 each including vat and postage. Their interactive website offers trails all over the UK.
IF YOU USE ONE OF THESE TRAILS AND WOULD LIKE TO SEND US A REVIEW - OR ANY PHOTOS OF
YOUR FAMILY USING THE TRAILS - PLEASE DO SO, WE SHOULD LOVE TO SEE THEM !!
With your permission, we can maybe add them to our website.

The Dartmoor National Park offer guided walks throughout the year, lead by enthusiastic
local people. Sometimes they have a theme such as bird watching or archaeology.
Some during the school holidays have children's activities, where the cost for the child
is £3 and the accompanying adult goes free. Guided walks can be from up to 2 hours
in duration (£3) 3 hours (£5), 4hours (£6.50) and to up to 6 hours (£8).

To find the list of walks, take a look at the Dartmoor National Park guided walks for March, guided walks for April,
and guided walks for May. Further months added as they come on line.

For Dartmoor Rangers during office hours contact (01626) 831006