Dartmoor National Park Authority

Guided Walks and Local Events April 2010

For more information on the start point location use the following link to Guided Walk Start Points

For information on charges Key facts on Walks

Dartmoor National Park Authority events and walks are shown in bold in this list

THURSDAY 1
10:30: 3hr Walk, Introduction to Dartmoor (Bellever) A great way to start your exploration of Dartmoor

11:00:  National Trust Easter Egg Trail. Sexton’s Cottage, Widecombe-in-the-Moor. Fun trail for children.  Collect a quiz sheet from the shop and on completion, receive an Easter egg.  Further information on 01364 621321 or churchhouse@nationaltrust.org.uk Until Monday 05 April 2010
09:00:  Buckfastleigh Community Market. Globe Inn car park. Until 1pm. Local produce and Fair Trade refreshments. Contact 07799 534109.

FRIDAY 2
10:00: 2hr Walk, Wooded Valley Walk (Dartmeet)

11:00:  National Trust Easter Egg Trail. Parke Estate, Bovey Tracey.  Kids, have fun following a trail to see if you can win an Easter egg!  Child £2 (children must be accompanied by adults). Booking advisable (Monday-Friday only) on 01626 834748 or dartmoor@nationaltrust.org.uk.
12:00:  National Trust Easter Trail. Lydford Gorge, nr Okehampton.  Search for clues; solve puzzles and riddles to claim your chocolate treat. Suitable for children aged 4-12 years. Please wear stout footwear. All children must be accompanied. Child: £2 for trail. Normal admission charges apply.  For information tel:  01822 820320/820441, email lydfordgorge@nationaltrust.org.uk Until Monday 05 April 2010
14:00:  Lukesland Garden Open Days. Ivybridge.  The 24 acres of garden is based around numerous islands and bridges, with a cascading waterfall, which makes it great fun for all age groups to explore. There is something unexpected around every corner! Lukesland’s three Champion Trees and 43 other trees listed on the national Tree Register are always there to see, but the flowering shrubs vary with the season. Teas are available in the Old Billiard Room in the house. Open 2pm-6pm Sundays Wednesdays and bank holidays. Adults £4.00 Children U16 Free.  More information at www.lukesland.co.uk (external link, opens new window) or 01752 691749.

SATURDAY 3
10:15: 4hr Walk, Grimspound & Hameldown (Shapley Common) Visit the remains of the Bronze age settlement at Grimspound as part of this walk
10:30: 6hr Walk, Lustleigh Cleave & Nutcrackers (Trendlebere) Enjoy a walk on the eastern slopes of Dartmoor in this lovely wooded area. Guide P Challiss
14:00: 2hrs, Visit a14th Century Dartmoor Longhouse (Bel Tor Corner) A longhouse is a medieval farmhouse in which both people and cattle were accommodated. Higher Uppacott is one of the few remaining examples of this historic building type still with its original unaltered shippon (cattle shelter). Please book on 01822 890414

11:00:  National Trust Easter Egg Trail. Finch Foundry, nr Okehampton.  Fun trail for children aged 5-12.  Collect a quiz sheet from the shop and on completion receive an Easter egg.  £2 per child.  Normal admission charges apply.  Further information on 01837 840046 or finchfoundry@nationaltrust.org.uk Until Sunday 04 April 2010
14:30:  Manaton Village Hall Cream Teas. Until 5pm Cream teas in Manaton village hall is an ideal conclusion to an afternoon or day of exploration of East Dartmoor on foot, bike, horseback or car. Contact myriam.wilson@talktalk.net

SUNDAY 4
09:30: 3hr Walk, Easter Birds (Trendlebere) Dartmoor is well known for its bird species, please bring binoculars and do not wear brightly coloured clothing.
10:30: 5.5hr Walk, Moorland Walk (Two Bridges) Enjoy a walk from this popular start point

11:00:  National Trust Easter Egg Trail. Plym Bridge, nr Plymouth. Children’s fun trail.  Collect a quiz sheet and return it completed for your Easter egg treat.  Child £2 (children must be accompanied by an adult).  Meet at Plymbridge car park, Grid Ref SX 524 585.  Further information (Monday to Friday only) on 01752 341377 or dartmoor@nationaltrust.org.uk
14:00:  Lukesland Garden Open Days. Ivybridge.  The 24 acres of garden is based around numerous islands and bridges, with a cascading waterfall, which makes it great fun for all age groups to explore.  Open 2pm-6pm Sundays Wednesdays and bank holidays. Adults £4.00 Children U16 Free.  More information at www.lukesland.co.uk (external link, opens new window) or 01752 691749.

MONDAY 5
10:00: 6hr Walk, High Moor Walk (Okehampton Moor) Explore the open moor on this walk into some of the remoter parts of Dartmoor. Guide P Rendell
10:30: 1.5hr Stroll, Family Stroll (Bellever) An ideal walk for families on their first visit to Dartmoor, discover more about its special qualities.

14:00:  Lukesland Garden Open Days. Ivybridge.  The 24 acres of garden is based around numerous islands and bridges, with a cascading waterfall, which makes it great fun for all age groups to explore.  Open 2pm-6pm Sundays Wednesdays and bank holidays. Adults £4.00 Children U16 Free.  More information at www.lukesland.co.uk (external link, opens new window) or 01752 691749.
14:30:  Teignton Fayre Duck Race. Fingle Bridge. In aid of the Teignton Fayre to be held on 5th June in Drewsteignton.

TUESDAY 6
10:00: 5.5hr Walk, Crock of Gold and Child's Tomb (Princetown) Visit the site of one of the few named kistvaens on Dartmoor as part of this walk.

09:00:  Moretonhampstead Market. Parish Hall. Contact 01647 277528.
10:00:  Wild Woods 'n' Willow - Family Bush Craft Day. A fun-packed day for all ages sharing bushcraft skills and nature awareness games and activities at Epona (near Chagford) Cost £20.00 per adult, £12.00 per child, Family ticket £60.00, Under 4's free (children must be accompanied by an adult). For more information and to book www.wildwoodswillow.org.uk (external link, opens new window) or 01647 432769/231330.
19:00:  Princetown History Group. The Village Centre. Old Devonshire Milestones by Tim Jenkinson.

WEDNESDAY 7
10:00: 4hr Walk, Cairns & Coffin Stone (Bel Tor Corner) Hear the interesting story behind 'coffin stones' and in particular what happened to this one.

10:00:  Wild Woods 'n Willow - Young Person's Buscraft Day. Suitable for ages 8 - 14 at Epona (near Chagford) Cost £25.00 per child. For more information and to book www.wildwoodswillow.org.uk (external link, opens new window) or 01647 432769/231330.
11:00:  National Trust Young Bird Watchers. A fun children’s walk in the woods identifying all the different birds that live there (2hrs).  Adult £1, child £4 (children must be accompanied by an adult).  Meet at Plym Bridge car park Grid Ref SX 524 585.  Booking essential (Monday to Friday only) on 01752 341377 or dartmoor@nationaltrust.org.uk
14:00:  Lukesland Garden Open Days. Ivybridge.  The 24 acres of garden is based around numerous islands and bridges, with a cascading waterfall, which makes it great fun for all age groups to explore.  Open 2pm-6pm Sundays Wednesdays and bank holidays. Adults £4.00 Children U16 Free.  More information at www.lukesland.co.uk (external link, opens new window) or 01752 691749.

THURSDAY 8
11:00: 2hr Walk, Nature in the Bovey Valley (Trendlebere) Explore the nature of this specially designated area, there is something different to see throughout the year.  Activities using spotter cards add to the experience so come and find out more.

09:00:  Buckfastleigh Community Market. Globe Inn car park. Until 1pm. Local produce and Fair Trade refreshments. Contact 07799 534109.
13:00:  National Trust Children's Bird and Nest Day. Lydford Gorge, nr Okehampton.  Construct a giant nest, build a bird box, and make masks and finger puppets and bird feeders.  Suitable for children aged 4+. Child: £2 for activities (excluding bird box). £4 per bird box.  Normal admission charges apply.  For information tel:  01822 820320/820441, email lydfordgorge@nationaltrust.org.uk

FRIDAY 9

14:00: 3hr Walk, Industrial Archaeology (Sharpitor)

SATURDAY 10
10:30: 6hr Activity, Beginner's Guide to Map & Compass (Princetown) Learn to navigate using a map and compass.  Bring a map and compass if possible, a packed lunch and a drink. Book on 01822 890414
10:40: 2hr Activity, Children's Dartmoor Discovery Trail (Hound Tor) Follow the map and clues to claim your prize.
13:15: 1.5hr Stroll, Legends of Dartmoor (Hound Tor) From hairy hands to headless horsemen - discover more about some of the myths and mysteries surrounding Dartmoor.

08:30:  Bovey Tracey Farmers' Market. Union Square. Until 1pm Local produce, fruit, vegetables, fresh fish, oven ready free range chickens, Fair trade and home made cakes and soaps are just some of the available products. Contact M Carpenter 01626 834109.
09:00:  Tavistock Farmers' Market. Bedford Square. Until 1.00pm.  Everything you will find on sale is produced within the local area, and stallholders are the farmers, growers or producers themselves. All products sold have been grown, reared, caught, brewed, pickled, baked, smoked or processed by the stallholders. Contact www.tavistockfarmersmarket.com (external link, opens new window)
12:00:  National Trust Event - Fire Lighting Through the Ages. Lydford Gorge, nr Okehampton. Demonstrations will show this essential ancient skill and the different techniques used.  Normal admission charges apply.  Booking essential. Suitable for ages 11+.  £3 per person. Booking essential.  For information tel:  01822 820320/820441, email lydfordgorge@nationaltrust.org.uk.

10:15:  Dowsing Workshop. Until 16:00.  Moretonhampstead.  This workshop is aimed at anyone from complete beginners to those who have had a go before. It starts off with a short introduction to the subject and then how to use Dowsing Rods to find Water Courses, Ley Lines etc. After this discover more about the Pendulum and how to find things on a Plan. Much of the afternoon is spent outdoors so pleas

Wren Music Last Sunday Folk Club. Fountain Hotel, Fore Street, Okehampton, Devon EX20 1AP, from 8 to 11pm on the last Sunday of the month. Other confirmed dates for 2010 so far are 30th May and 27th June.  An informal evening of folk songs and music with free entry. Each evening will feature short performances by professional singers and musicians from Wren Music, along with guest artists from far or near.  For more information contact Wren Music on 01837 53754 or visit www.wrenmusic.co.uk.

e dress appropriatley. Some refreshments are provided, but you will need to bring a packed lunch. The day costs £16.75.  To book ring Charles Palmer on 01392 426692

SUNDAY 11
10:00: 6hr Walk, Moorland Walk (Meldon Reservoir) Explore the open moor on this walk into some of the remoter parts of Dartmoor. Guide T Soby
11:15: 1.5hr Stroll, Explore a Unique Village (Princetown) Explore Princetown and its wealth of history.

14:00:  Lukesland Garden Open Days. Ivybridge.  The 24 acres of garden is based around numerous islands and bridges, with a cascading waterfall, which makes it great fun for all age groups to explore.  Open 2pm-6pm Sundays Wednesdays and bank holidays. Adults £4.00 Children U16 Free.  More information at www.lukesland.co.uk (external link, opens new window) or 01752 691749.

MONDAY 12
10:30: 1.5hr Activity, Stream Dipping For Children (Bedford Bridge) Enjoyable activity discovering more about the creepy crawlies to be found in Dartmoor's watercourses. Wear old clothes and Wellington boots or trainers

TUESDAY 13
10:00: 3.5hr Walk, Darting up to the Waterfall (Postbridge) A walk to the popular East Dart falls

WEDNESDAY 14
10:30: 1.5hr Stroll, Discover the Dam (Shipley Bridge) A guided stroll suitable for all up to the Avon Dam

14:00:  National Trust Saxon Pot Making. Lydford Gorge, nr Okehampton.  Make a clay pot, Saxon style!  Suitable for children aged 4-12 years. £2 per pot.  Normal admission charges apply. For information tel:  01822 820320/820441, email lydfordgorge@nationaltrust.org.uk
14:00:  Lukesland Garden Open Days. Ivybridge.  The 24 acres of garden is based around numerous islands and bridges, with a cascading waterfall, which makes it great fun for all age groups to explore.  Open 2pm-6pm Sundays Wednesdays and bank holidays. Adults £4.00 Children U16 Free.  More information at www.lukesland.co.uk (external link, opens new window) or 01752 691749.

THURSDAY 15
10:30: 3hr Walk, Walks for Women (Haytor, Lower Car Park) Enjoy a walk in the company of other women led by female guide.

10:00:  National Trust Animal Houses. Plym Bridge, nr Plymouth.  Build a bat, dormouse or bird box and learn about where they live in the wild.  All materials supplied and you can take your box home.  Child £6 (children must be accompanied by an adult).  Meet at Plym Bridge, Grid Ref SX 524 585.  Booking essential (Monday to Friday only) on 01752 341377 or dartmoor@nationaltrust.org.uk
09:00:  Buckfastleigh Community Market. Globe Inn car park. Until 1pm. Local produce and Fair Trade refreshments. Contact 07799 534109.

FRIDAY 16
09:30: 3hr Walk, Spring Birds (Trendlebere) Dartmoor is well known for its bird species, please bring binoculars and do not wear brightly coloured clothing.

Dartmoor Gallery: Images of Life, Landscape and Heritage. An exhibition of entries to the recent Dartmoor Preservation Association’s photographic competition at the High Moorland Visitor Centre, Princetown. Until Wednesday 09 June 2010

SATURDAY 17
10:15: 4hr Walk, Kes Tor & the River Teign (Chagford) A walk of contrasts featuring Kestor's open Moorland and the sheltered valley tracks and lanes along the River Teign.
10:45: 2hr Stroll, Houndtor Medieval Village (Hound Tor) A significant number of settlements were abandoned around the 14th Century.  Hound Tor is one of the largest and best examples.
11:00: 2hr Stroll, Widecombe Village History (Widecombe-In-The-Moor) Join resident and local radio personality Tony Beard (the wag of Widecombe) on his personal tour of this village one of the most well known in Devon.

09:00:  Okehampton Farmers' Market. St James' Chapel Square, centre of town. Until 1pm. Okehampton Farmers' Market has 20 or more stalls of local foods. You will find pork and pork products, free range chicken, venison, ostrich meat and products, lamb, beef and game in season. Organic foods, cheeses, preserves, honey. Fresh fish (weather permitting) and beer. Bread, cakes and chocolates. Vegetables and fruit in season. Free range eggs, yogurt. Herbs, herbaceous and perennial plants.  www.okehamptonfarmersmarket.co.uk (external link, opens new window) Contact Ruth Kelsey 01837 811762
10:30:  Spring in the Park. Filham Park, Ivybridge. Children's entertainment, stalls, refreshments, promotion of the fishing lake and environmental activities and a dog clinic including micro-chipping, advice on training and a free dog health check. Contact Dawn Trower 01752 893815.
11:00:  Milton Combe Village Market and Café. Village Hall. Until 1pm. Fair trade products and crafts etc, refreshments. Contact 01822 854865.
13:30:  Seminar on Apples and Orchards. To be held in the Tavy or Walkham Valleys.  An opportunity to hear from the experts on how to manage and conserve orchards and produce lovely fruit.  Talks and discussions on planting, maintenance, conservation, beekeeping, juice and cider production and where to sell your apples.  More details to follow contact Brian Lamb email: briankay1@tiscali.co.uk

SUNDAY 18
10:00: 6hr Walk, Landscape, Man & Nature (Venford Reservoir) Explore the southern moor. Guide J Tappy
10:30: 1.5hr Stroll, The River Taw - Taw Marsh (Belstone) Enjoy this gentle walk ideal for those who wish to improve their fitness
11:45: 3hr Walk, Spring in the Woods (Steps Bridge)

14:00:  Lukesland Garden Open Days. Ivybridge.  The 24 acres of garden is based around numerous islands and bridges, with a cascading waterfall, which makes it great fun for all age groups to explore.  Open 2pm-6pm Sundays Wednesdays and bank holidays. Adults £4.00 Children U16 Free.  More information at www.lukesland.co.uk (external link, opens new window) or 01752 691749.

TUESDAY 20
14:00: 3hr Walk, Bellever Tor and Lakehead (Dunnabridge) Enjoy the Dartmoor landscape from this popular view point

09:00:  Moretonhampstead Market. Parish Hall. Contact 01647 277528.
10:30:  Manaton Produce Market. Parish Hall. Until 1pm.  Sales of local produce and craft. Contact Christina Everitt 01647 221302.

WEDNESDAY 21
14:00: 3hr Walk, Templer's Tramway (Haytor, Lower Car Park) This popular area hides a wealth of history relating to quarrying on Dartmoor.  See the remnants of quarrying in this area and the remains of the Granite tramway a unique railway made from granite setts.  

14:00:  Lukesland Garden Open Days. Ivybridge.  The 24 acres of garden is based around numerous islands and bridges, with a cascading waterfall, which makes it great fun for all age groups to explore.  Open 2pm-6pm Sundays Wednesdays and bank holidays. Adults £4.00 Children U16 Free.  More information at www.lukesland.co.uk (external link, opens new window) or 01752 691749.

THURSDAY 22
09:00:  Buckfastleigh Community Market. Globe Inn car park. Until 1pm. Local produce and Fair Trade refreshments. Contact 07799 534109.

FRIDAY 23
10:30: 2.5hr Activity, Pilates Body Walk (Princetown) Brisk Walking with a difference - core stability, good posture and stretching, to promote fitness, flexibility and well-being.  Cost £5.00.  Includes tuition with Pilate’s instructor.  Book on 01822 618660 or 07976 289260

Ivybridge Walking and Outdoor Festival  24th April – 3rd May
Visit www.Ivybridge-devon.co.uk (external link, opens new window) for more details

SATURDAY 24

10:30: 2.5hr Activity, Introduction to Nordic Walking (Lydford High Down) An opportunity to try out a new sport on Dartmoor and increase your fitness.  Nordic walking engages the muscles of the upper body and therefore burns more calories than ordinary walking.  Cost £6.00 which includes tuition and the use of poles.  Booking essential 01822 615513.
10:30: 6hr Activity, Improvers Navigation (Princetown) Brush up on your navigation skills, bring a map (Exp OL 28) and compass if possible, a packed lunch and a drink. Book on 01822 890414.
14:00: 2hr Walk, Tin Mines & Warrening (King's Oven)

Throwleigh Festival. Various exhibitions, workshops, demonstrations, events and much more.  For a full programme visit www.throwleigh.org (external link, opens new window) or Festival@Throwleigh.org  or 01647 231051.

08:30:  Bovey Tracey Farmers' Market. Union Square. Until 1pm Local produce, fruit, vegetables, fresh fish, oven ready free range chickens, Fair trade and home made cakes and soaps are just some of the available products. Contact M Carpenter 01626 834109.
09:00:  Tavistock Farmers' Market. Bedford Square. Until 1.00pm.  Everything you will find on sale is produced within the local area, and stallholders are the farmers, growers or producers themselves. All products sold have been grown, reared, caught, brewed, pickled, baked, smoked or processed by the stallholders. Contact www.tavistockfarmersmarket.com (external link, opens new window).
09:30:  Widecombe-in-the-Moor Village Market. Church House. An interesting range of produce, from olives and olive oil to locally grown vegetables and plants. Cheeses, apple juice, honey, home made bread, cakes, jams; chutneys etc. are all there with the core stalls being beef, lamb and pork from local Widecombe farms. Refreshments are provided by local groups and charities benefit from the proceeds. Contact Di Cameron 01364 621218.
11:00:  National Trust Vintage Car Rally. Finch Foundry, nr Okehampton.  A free display of some of the best vintage vehicles in the area.  Normal admission charges apply.  Further information on 01837 840046 or finchfoundry@nationaltrust.org.uk

SUNDAY 25
10:00: 3hr Walk, Exploring Holne Moor (Combestone Tor)
10:30: 6hr Walk, Brent Moor & More (South Brent) Guide B Davies
11:30: 2.5hr Walk, Tinning & Antiquities (Norsworthy Bridge)

12:00:  National Trust Family Woodland Sculpture Day. Lydford Gorge, nr Okehampton. Create fabulous wooden animal sculptures using wood and basic hand tools. Suitable for ages 7+.  £2 per sculpture.  Normal admission charges apply.  For information tel:  01822 820320/820441, email lydfordgorge@nationaltrust.org.uk
14:00:  Lukesland Garden Open Days. Ivybridge.  The 24 acres of garden is based around numerous islands and bridges, with a cascading waterfall, which makes it great fun for all age groups to explore.  Open 2pm-6pm Sundays Wednesdays and bank holidays. Adults £4.00 Children U16 Free.  More information at www.lukesland.co.uk (external link, opens new window) or 01752 691749.

Wren Music Last Sunday Folk Club. Fountain Hotel, Fore Street, Okehampton, Devon EX20 1AP, from 8 to 11pm on the last Sunday of the month. Other confirmed dates for 2010 so far are 30th May and 27th June.  An informal evening of folk songs and music with free entry. Each evening will feature short performances by professional singers and musicians from Wren Music, along with guest artists from far or near.  For more information contact Wren Music on 01837 53754 or visit www.wrenmusic.co.uk (external link, opens new window).

MONDAY 26
10:30: 4hr Walk, Archaeology of the Plym Valley (Cadover Bridge)

TUESDAY 27
10:30: 4hr Walk, Bronze, Tin, Peat, Clay, Granite and Man (Ivybridge)

WEDNESDAY 28
14:00: 2hr Walk, Archaeology of the Southern Moor (Lukesland Gardens, Ivybridge) Part of the Ivybridge walking Festival. For more information visit www.Ivybridge-devon.co.uk

14:00:  Lukesland Garden Open Days. Ivybridge.  The 24 acres of garden is based around numerous islands and bridges, with a cascading waterfall, which makes it great fun for all age groups to explore.  Open 2pm-6pm Sundays Wednesdays and bank holidays. Adults £4.00 Children U16 Free.  More information at www.lukesland.co.uk (external link, opens new window) or 01752 691749.

THURSDAY 29
10:30: 6hr Walk, Bronze, Tin, Peat, Clay, Granite, River Erme & Man (Ivybridge) Guide M Walker

09:00:  Buckfastleigh Community Market. Globe Inn car park. Until 1pm. Local produce and Fair Trade refreshments. Contact 07799 534109.

Page updated 31 March 2010