15 March 2005
The Spring Dartmoor Visitor – there’s more to enjoy
There’s something for all the family to enjoy this spring in Dartmoor National Park Authority’s extensive guided walks and events programme. The programme includes an exciting list of events, taking place over the Easter Holidays, including one of Dartmoor National Park Authority’s popular navigation courses and a variety of children’s Ranger Ralph events.
Join Tony Beard, the ‘Wag from Widecombe’ on a stroll around Widecombe-in-the-Moor to discover some fascinating facts about the history of this famous Dartmoor village. Meet Tony in the Teignbridge District Council car park, at 10.30 am, on Thursday 24 March, for this one and a half hour stroll.
Also starting at 10:30 am, on 24 March, is a three hour walk, meeting at Haytor lower car park, and looking at Dartmoor Through Time.
On Friday 25 March, at 10.30 am, join a two hour walk to discover more about Dartmoor legends and folklore in the beautiful Hound Tor area. This walk meets in the car park at Hound Tor.
Energetic walkers can experience Dartmoor’s Archaeology in the company of an expert Guide, during a five hour hill walk from Venford, at 10.30 am, on Monday 28 March. The Venford area contains a wealth of remains, from prehistory to early industrial, set in a stunning high moorland landscape (meet in the car park near the toilets at Venford). Also on Monday 28 March, the whole family can enjoy an Introduction to Dartmoor in the Postbridge area. Join a Dartmoor National Park Authority Guide for this one and a half hour family stroll, meeting in the car park at Postbridge at 2 pm.
If you would like to learn the skills necessary to explore Dartmoor independently, come along to A Beginner’s Guide to Map and Compass, on Tuesday 29 March, 10.15 am, at Princetown. This six hour course comprises both indoor and outdoor elements and participants are asked to bring an Ordnance Survey Explorer 1:25,000 map (OL28) and compass, as well as a packed lunch and drink. Due to the popularity of these courses it is essential to book a place (tel: 01822 890414).
On Wednesday 30 March, at 2 pm, children can enjoy an exciting, two hour, Dartmoor Discovery Trail at Hound Tor - follow the map and clues to claim a prize!
Children can discover some of the life forms that inhabit Dartmoor’s watercourses, on Saturday 2 April, at 2 pm, on an exciting Stream Dipping activity. This two hour activity starts at Bedford Bridge. Please bring wellies and old clothes.
On Wednesday 6 April, Ranger Ralph Club members can enjoy a 2hr Activity, Ranger Ralph's Bird Boxes and Blooms (taking place at Steps Bridge).
All Ranger Ralph activities are very popular and it is essential to book a place (please ring 01822 890414).
The full programme of walks and events can be seen in the Spring edition of Dartmoor National Park Authority’s popular free information paper the Dartmoor Visitor. This edition contains a wealth of information for residents and visitors to the National Park. With over 300 walks on offer there is something for everyone and, if you arrive at one of Dartmoor National Park Authority’s guided walk start points by public transport and show your ticket to the Guide, there is no charge.
The Dartmoor Visitor also contains a comprehensive list of community events taking place in the Dartmoor area - from farmers’ markets to village shows.
Remember, to book a place on a guided walk, or to obtain a copy of the Dartmoor Visitor, please telephone the information hotline (01822) 890414. Copies are also available from local Information Centres and Libraries.
The guided walks and events programme is also available on the Authority’s website www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk
Information Centres
Dartmoor National Park Authority Information Centres at Haytor, Postbridge and Newbridge open for the new season on 19 March. Opening times will be 10 am – 5 pm daily. The High Moorland Visitor Centre, Princetown is open daily throughout the year.
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 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 .
News Releases from all UK National Parks (external link, opens new window)
Notes for editors
What do the Guided Walks and Events Cost?
Up to two hours £3.50
Up to three hours £4.00
Up to four hours £5.00
Up to six hours £6.00
Children under 14 years £1.50 (guided walks only)
Navigation courses £12.00
Children’s activities £2.50 Accompanying adults go free (an adult must accompany children under 14).
Ranger Ralph events are free to members - £2.50 for non-members
The English and Welsh National Parks, which cover 10% of the land area, are national in the sense that they are of special value to the whole nation. This is 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. About 33,400 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 15 March 2005
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