12 July 2006
Celebrate National Archaeology Week on Dartmoor
Much of the archaeology of Dartmoor is recognised as being of national and even international importance. Any tract of land on the Moor might well contain a variety of remains dating from 4,000 BC to the present day. There are probably as many as 18,000 individual archaeological monuments on Dartmoor - so where better to celebrate National Archaeology Week 2006?
Dartmoor National Park Authority has organised a programme of events and guided walks including a chance for children to experience what it’s like to carry out an archaeological excavation, using sand dig boxes. Learn the techniques of digging as you unearth finds from the past, at Princetown on Saturday 15 July. There will be three sessions, each lasting two hours. The first session will start at 10.30 am. Spaces are limited, and this event is free of charge, so pre-booking is essential. Please telephone (01822) 890414 to book a place.
 | On Sunday 16 July at 11pm enjoy a 4hour Walk, Exploring Holne Moor (meet at Venford) – a place where layer upon layer of human existence can be seen – from prehistoric and medieval field systems to stone rows, hut circles and cairns as well as more recent industrial remains, all set in a stunning landscape. There is a charge for this walk. Also on Sunday 16 July, at 2 pm, there is an opportunity to visit Dartmoor National Park Authority’s Grade I listed Dartmoor longhouse, Higher Uppacott (near Poundsgate). |
| This medieval farmhouse, in which both people and cattle were accommodated, is one of the few remaining examples still with its unaltered shippon (cattle shelter). Booking is essential to secure a place on this visit telephone (01822) 890414 (meet at Bel Tor Corner). There is a charge for this tour. |  |
On Wednesday 19 July join a Dartmoor Guide for a 4 hour walk on Brent Moor (South Brent). Visit prehistoric burials and standing stones, and enjoy spectacular views across the southern expanse of Dartmoor. Meet at 10.30 am at Ordnance Survey grid reference SX 697 603 (old station car park on the road to Didworthy). There is a charge for this walk.
 | On Friday 21 July explore the Templar Way on a 3 hour walk starting at 2 pm. The granite tramway and quarries at Haytor give an insight into a thriving and remarkable past. Meet at Haytor, lower car park. There is a charge for this walk. On Saturday 22 July learn about the Railways & Quarries situated in the Princetown area. Walk along the first railway to Princetown and learn about its purpose and demise and enjoy stunning views from what is now a superb walking and cycling route. Start at 11 am from the High Moorland Visitor Centre Princetown for this four and a half hour Walk. There is a charge for this walk. |
National Archaeology Week finishes on Sunday 23 July with a fascinating guided tour of one of Dartmoor’s historic farmsteads. Join local farmer Andy Bradford as your guide to this fascinating trail which explores the remains of the tin industry ancient clapper bridges, leats, a restored water wheel and much more. Meet at Brimpts Farm, 10.30 am, for this four hour walk. There is a charge for this walk.
Throughout the week the High Moorland Visitor Centre, Princetown, will be hosting the popular Shovel Down exhibition. This unique exhibition links art and archaeology through the work of the Shovel Down Art Project. The work on display has been produced as part of an on-going collaboration between visual artist Varvara Shavrova, archaeologist Helen Wickstead, and the archaeological team studying the prehistoric landscape at Shovel Down in Dartmoor National Park. The exhibition contains images of the dig along with a collection of work by Varvara Shavrova as well as a children’s prehistoric quiz. You can also pick up a free copy of the specially produced Princetown self guided Archaeology Trail and see for yourself just what makes Dartmoor’s archaeology worth celebrating. There is no charge for admission to the exhibition or Visitor Centre.
Many guided walks are accessible by public transport. If you arrive at the start point by public transport, and show your ticket to the guide, you can join the walk free of charge. For public transport information telephone Traveline on 0870 608 2 608.
Dartmoor National Park Authority's Guided Walks Programme can be viewed on the Authority's website and is included in the Dartmoor Visitor, information newspaper. For a copy of the Dartmoor Visitor telephone the Authority's Information Hotline (01822) 890414.
National Archaeology Week provides a chance to discover and explore the archaeological heritage of the United Kingdom. During this nine day event you can take part in excavation open days, guided tours, exhibitions, lectures, ancient art and craft workshops and much, much more. Visit www.britarch.ac.uk (external link, opens new window) for further details of events nationally. National Archaeology Week is organised by the Council for British Archaeology and its Young Archaeologists' Club and supported by English Heritage.
Ends
For Further Information
Claire Partridge, Information Officer (Activities)
Mike Nendick, Communications Officer, Dartmoor National Park Authority
Tel: (01626) 832093
For Further Information on Dartmoor’s Archaeology
Debbie Griffiths, Head of Archaeology and Historic Buildings, Dartmoor National Park Authority.
Tel: (01626) 832093
For Further Information on National Archaeology Week 2006
Sue Morecroft, National Archaeology Week Administrator
Council for British Archaeology
Tel: (01904) 671417
Agendas for full Dartmoor National Park Authority meetings and Dartmoor National Park Authority planning meetings are now available on the Authority's website These Agendas are placed on the Authority's web site 7 days in advance of these meetings.
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 In the news).
Notes for Editors
Guided walks costs
Up to 2 hours £3.00
Up to 3 hours £4.50
Up to 4 hours £5.00
Up to 6 hours £6.00
Children 14 & Under £1.50
Children’s activities £2.50
Accompanying adults go free but must accompany children 14 and under
Forthcoming Exhibitions at the High Moorland Visitor Centre
•26 July - 4 Oct 2006: Natural Beauty - Celebrating Britain's breathing spaces. Photographic images celebrating UK National Parks.
•6 Oct - 22 Nov 2006: Farms for City Children - An exhibition of work by photographers Chris Chapman and the late James Ravilious.
•24 Nov 2006 - 10 Jan 2007: Moor - An exhibition of paintings by Pennie Elfick/ Jenny Graham.
•12 Jan - 4 March 2007: Tors - Images by regional photographers.
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 33,400 people live inside the Dartmoor National Park and many millions of visits are made to it each year.
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This page last updated 12 July 2006
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Page updated 10 July 2006
