13 October 2006
Half term events for all the family in Dartmoor National Park
Autumnal changes are colouring the Dartmoor landscape, and with half term coming, what better time to visit and enjoy Dartmoor National Park. Dartmoor National Park Authority has organised a programme of walks and events this half term, with some special activities for all the family to enjoy.
On Monday 23 October a four and a half hour walk from Princetown, On the Trail of the Hound looks at some of the possible locations associated with Conan Doyle’s famous novel, The Hound of the Baskervilles. Meet outside the High Moorland Visitor Centre at 10.30 am
If you would like to help safeguard the future of Dartmoor’s woodlands, why not join Dartmoor National Park Authority’s Head of Trees and Woodlands on a family seed gathering event. Walk through some stunning native woodland, learning about how it is managed and the species it supports, while gathering seeds which will be used to provide future stock for Dartmoor’s woods. The event lasts for two hours and takes place at Wray Cleave, from 10.30 am, on Monday 23 October. This event is free, but booking is essential. Telephone (01822) 890414 to secure a place.
On Tuesday 24 October our two hour self guided Discovery Trail provides great entertainment for all the family. Set off from Merrivale (Four Winds car park – Ordnance Survey grid reference SX 560 748) with a map and clues. National Park Authority Guides are on hand to advise and there is a small prize for children completing the trail.
On Thursday 26 October learn about the Water Power of the West Webburn on a visit to a fascinating hydro electric power station. The walk starts from Bel Tor Corner (SX 694 731) and will visit the station, near the small hamlet of Jordan. The walk starts at 10.45 am and (including a tour of the station which lasts approximately two hours) lasts for four hours.
Learn about the creepy side of Dartmoor on a two hour Myths and Legends stroll in the Hound Tor area. With hairy hands and headless horsemen, this spooky stroll provides a good run up to Hallowe’en. Meet at 2 pm, Thursday 26 October, Hound Tor car park (SX 739 792).
A Family Introduction to Dartmoor, on Friday 27 October, is the perfect way to introduce your children to the delights of exploring the National Park. Join a Dartmoor Guide for this two hour stroll, starting at 2 pm from Bellever (SX 655 769).
Dress up and bring a torch or lantern to Hound Tor car park (SX 739 792) on Saturday 28 October at 6 pm, for an evening of Hallowe’en Howlers. Dartmoor Guides will be telling some terrifying tales, but don’t worry, the event lasts one and a half hours – so you’ll be home before the witching hour! Booking is essential. Please telephone (01822) 890414.
These are just some of the events taking place in Dartmoor National Park this half term. The full winter programme is available in Dartmoor National Park Authority’s What’s on Dartmoor: A Guide to local events and walks, available from Authority Information Centres or online at www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk (click on visiting / Events and Guided Walks). Many of the walks and events contained in the programme are accessible by public transport. For timetable enquiries please telephone Traveline (external link, opens new window) on 0870 608 2 608. If you arrive at the start of a National Park Authority Guided Walk by public transport and show your ticket to the Guide, you can join the walk free of charge.
Dartmoor National Park Authority regrets that, due to the potential hazard to livestock, no dogs (other than guide dogs) are allowed on any of its walks or events.
If visiting Dartmoor during half term, why not call in at one of Dartmoor National Park Authority’s Information Centres? Located at Postbridge, Haytor and Newbridge, the Centres are perfectly placed to provide all the information you will need to enjoy a superb day out in the National Park. The National Park Authority’s main Visitor Centre is located in Princetown and contains interactive displays, audio programmes and a wealth of information for the Dartmoor visitor. The Centre is currently hosting an exhibition of the work of Farms for City Children, with images by Dartmoor photographer Chris Chapman and the late James Ravilious. There is also a fascinating audio visual show and a superb selection of Dartmoor books, maps and walking accessories.
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 web site. These Agendas are placed on the Authority's web site 7 days in advance of the 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).
News Releases from all UK National Parks (external link, opens new window)
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
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 33,500 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 13 October 2006
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Send comments, enquiries, etc. to communications@dartmoor-npa.gov.uk
Page updated 12 October 2006
