12 July 2005
Celebrate National Parks’ Week on Dartmoor
22-29 July 2005
Join Dartmoor National Park Authority for a celebration of the special qualities of the United Kingdom’s National Parks. National Parks’ Week runs from 22-29 July 2005 and there is a packed programme of walks, activities and events taking place throughout the week on Dartmoor, for you to enjoy.
Accompany farmer Andy Bradford on a Scenic Farmland and History walk at Brimpts Farm, near Dartmeet, enjoy a high moor hill walk, encounter Dartmoor ponies, join a family navigation activity with the National Park Authority’s Ranger service, or visit prehistoric burials near Princetown. There are also opportunities to visit ancient hill forts and stunning wooded valleys, as well as to learn about the history of Widecombe-in-the-Moor on a stroll with local celebrity, Tony Beard.
The popular leisure retailer, Hawkshead is supporting National Parks’ Week 2005 by providing a little something special for people brushing up on their drawing and painting skills, during a Sketch and Stroll walk on Sunday 24 July, with a 20% money off voucher, redeemable against any Hawkshead purchase, either online, or in any of its stores.
If you are visiting Dartmoor during National Parks’ Week why not call in at one of Dartmoor National Park Authority’s Information Centres located at Princetown, Haytor, Newbridge or Postbridge.
Visitors to Dartmoor National Park Authority’s High Moorland Visitor Centre, Princetown, will be able to see the new exhibition Rangers, which gives an insight into the work of the Authority’s Ranger Service. There will be plenty to see and an exciting new Ranger Ralph children’s quiz. At Postbridge Information Centre an exhibition entitled The Spirit of the Pony celebrates the ponies on Dartmoor, the contribution they make to the cultural heritage of the area, and the enjoyment they give to local residents and to the millions of people that visit Dartmoor National Park each year.
See the full National Parks’ Week programme on Dartmoor National Park Authority’s website www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk or telephone the Information Hotline (01822) 890414.
National Parks’ Week is co-ordinated nationally by the Association of National Park Authorities (ANPA) and aims to raise awareness of our National Parks, celebrate their beauty and diversity, and the opportunities they offer for enjoyment of their special qualities by all.
Whether you are here on holiday or are a local resident, Dartmoor National Park Authority’s National Parks’ Week events programme is designed to help you enjoy some of those things that make Dartmoor such a special place.
Many walks in the programme are accessible by public transport. If you travel to one of Dartmoor National Park Authority’s guided walks by public transport and show your ticket to the guide you can walk free of charge. Public transport information is available from Traveline on 0870 608 2 608.
Ends
For Further Information
Claire Partridge, Information Officer (Activities),
Mike Nendick, Communications Officer, Dartmoor National Park Authority
Tel: (01626) 832093
Agendas for full Dartmoor National Park Authority meetings and Dartmoor National Park Authority planning meetings are now available on the Authority's website
You can receive an e-mail notification each time a News Release is issued by the Dartmoor National Park Authority (see www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk and click on News).
News Releases from all UK National Parks (external link, opens new window)
For Further Information from the Association of National Park Authorities
Website www.nationalparks.gov.uk (external link, opens new window)
Notes for Editors
ANPA’s role is to provide the National Park authorities with a single voice, particularly when dealing with the Government and its agencies. ANPA also increases public understanding of the statutory purposes for which National Parks exist in the UK, and promotes them as models for sustainable development.
The programme of events for National Parks’ Week 2005
Friday 22 July
10:30: 4hr Walk - Scenic Farmland and History (Brimpts Farm) - Join local farmer Andy Bradford on a fascinating trail around one of Dartmoor’s ancient farms. Start point SX 668 738
Saturday 23 July
10:45: 3hr Walk - Dartmoor Rock Walk (Postbridge) - Discover more about the creation and moulding of Dartmoor's distinctive landscape. Start point SX 646 788
Sunday 24 July
10:00: 4hr Walk - Cranbrook Castle & Teign Gorge (Moretonhampstead) – Walk to a fascinating Iron Age hill fort and enjoy the stunning beauty of the steep sided Teign Valley with views across to Castle Drogo. Start point SX 751 860
10:30: 6hr Activity - Family Navigation (Princetown) – Learn how to navigate on Dartmoor with the emphasis on practical application. Please bring a map (Explorer OL28) and compass, packed lunch and a drink. Indoor and outdoor session, suitable for families with children 11+. Start point confirmed on booking. Please book on 01822 890414
11:00: 4hr Stroll - Sketch and Stroll (Bel Tor Corner) - Draw and paint the Dartmoor landscape with a local artist. Come equipped for walking and bring sketching materials and your lunch/snack and drink. Start point SX 694 731
Monday 25 July
18:00: 2hr Stroll - Summer Evening Stroll (Pork Hill) - Enjoy extended views towards Tavistock, Yelverton, Plymouth and into Cornwall on this moorland stroll at the western edge of the National Park. Start point SX 530 751
Tuesday 26 July
10:45: 4hr Walk - High Moor Walk (Meldon Reservoir) - Enjoy stunning views during this exploration of some of Dartmoor’s highest hills. Start point SX 561 917
11:00: 1 ½ - 2hr Stroll - Village History (Widecombe-in-the-Moor) - Join local celebrity Tony Beard, as he leads you on a 1 ½ – 2hr stroll around one of Dartmoor’s most visited villages. Start point SX 719 768 (main public car park).
14.00: 2hr walk - Dartmoor Pony Encounters (Widecombe-in-the-Moor) - Enjoy a visit to Shilstone Rocks Stud, see Dartmoor ponies, explore their history and learn about their life on the moor. Start point confirmed on booking. Please book on (01822) 890414.
Wednesday 27 July
10:30: 3hr Walk - River & Wooded Valleys (Newbridge) – Walk through beautiful ancient woodland, along the banks of the River Dart. Start point SX 711 708
Thursday 28 July
11:00: 3hr Walk - Quarry Tramway & Medieval Landscape (Haytor lower car park) - Explore the area around one of Dartmoor's best known Tors, including granite quarries and the remains of the unique Haytor granite tramway. Start point SX 765 771
11:00: 4hr Walk - River Dart Waterfall Walk (Postbridge) - Visit the beautiful East Dart waterfall and see evidence of tin extraction and the remains of the unusual beehive hut. Start point SX 646 788
Friday 29 July
11:00: 5hr Walk - South Hessary & Crock of Gold (Princetown) - Visit the Bronze Age burial site known as 'Crock of Gold' on this superb exploration of the southern moor. Start point SX 589 730
Cost
Adults - up to:
Two hours £3.50
Three hours £4.00
Four hours £5.00
Six hours & over £6.00
Navigation Courses £12:00
Children (under 14) £1.50
Children's activities £2.50
Accompanying adults go free. An adult must accompany children under 14.
National Parks cover 10% of the land area of England, Wales and Scotland. They are of special value to the whole nation because of their great beauty, their wildlife and cultural interests and the opportunities they offer for quiet enjoyment. However, they are not nationally owned - the land is in the hands of many landowners or occupiers including farmers. Over 33,000 people live inside the Dartmoor National Park and many millions of visits are made to it each year.
Return to General Interest News Releases 2005 Archive
This page last updated 12 July 2005
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Send comments, enquiries, etc. to communications@dartmoor-npa.gov.uk
