Dartmoor National Park Authority

Guided Walks and Local Events May 2010

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

For information on charges and other essential information Key Facts on Walks

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

This symbol indicates a walk that is accessible by public transport.  You are strongly recommended to seek confirmation of the timetables from the relevant public transport provider and consider the number of buses at the end of the walk to get you home (we recommend two).  For more information on bus services visit the guided walk start point page.  For bus timetables telephone 0871 200 22 33 or visit www.travelinesw.com

 
Saturday 22 May is the International day of Biodiversity

SATURDAY 1
10:30: 2hr Activity, Children's Dartmoor Discovery Trail (Haytor, Lower Car Park) Follow the map and clues to claim your prize.
12:15: 3.5hr Walk, Two Old Quarries (Pork Hill)
14:00: 2hr Stroll, Discover the Dam (Shipley Bridge) A guided stroll suitable for all up to the Avon Dam

10:30:  Tinners May Day Fair and Tinners Trail. Until 16:00 Celebrating May Day with stalls, Church Tower Tours, Recitals, Tinners floral trail.  For more information www.chagford-parish.co.uk (external site, opens new window)
10:30:  National Trust Photographs of Dartmoor Exhibition. The Church House, Widecombe-in-the-Moor.  For the second year, an exhibition by Ros Williams.  Further information from 01364 621321 or churchhouse@nationaltrust.org.uk  Until Monday 31 May 2010

14:00:  Lustleigh May Day. The Orchard Lustliegh. The day includes a procession, bell ringing and Morris dancers, lots of afternoon fun

Morris dancing Mayday celebrations:-
There will be Morris dancing displays at Haytor and Widecombe as local Morris dancers come together to celebrate the traditional start of springtime. Grimspound Border, Beltane Border and Heather & Gorse clog dancers will begin the festivities at dawn (5.30am) to greet the sunrise at Haytor top car park. Later on dance displays will take place in Widecombe village centre from 12 - 1.30 pm and the Rugglestone Inn from 2pm.

SUNDAY 2
10:30: 6hr Walk, Archaeology and the Two Moors Way (Ivybridge) Part of the Ivybridge walking Festival. For more information visit www.Ivybridge-devon.co.uk  Guide I Johnstone.
14:00: 2hrs, Visit A 14th Century Dartmoor Longhouse (Bel Tor Corner) Visit Dartmoor National Park Authority's own Grade 1 listed 14th Century Longhouse - a place where people and animals lived under the same roof.  Please book on 01822 890414
14:00: 3hr Walk, Kelly Mine (Trenchford Reservoir Car Park, Bullaton Cross)

12:00:  National Trust Woodland Explorer Fun Day. Lydford Gorge, nr Okehampton. Lots of seasonal games and activities for all the family in the orchard and woodland. Suitable for children aged 5+.  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. 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 site, opens new window) or 01752 691749.

Dawn Chorus at Yarner Wood
5.15am – 7.15am
As dawn breaks, come and be part of this amazing wildlife spectacle and listen to the fantastic birdsong of our exotic summer visitors.
Local experts will be on hand to help decipher the songs and point out some of our more unusual birds on this walk suitable for adults...And afterwards, join us for a bacon butty cooked in the woods!
To book your place phone 01626 832330
Meet at Lower Trendlebere car park (look out for the landrover!) G.R. SX780792 on the Bovey – Manaton road on the way to Becky Falls

Let’s Go Wild!  Dawn Chorus Adventure
8.30am- 10.00 am
Get your wellies on and discover the secret birdlife of Yarner Woods. Listen to long distance travellers and find out what this beautiful birdsong is really all about!
Finally share our adventures over hot chocolate and biscuits on this family friendly bird walk!
To book your place phone 01626 832330
Meet at Yarner Wood car park off the Bovey-Manaton road on the way to Becky Falls

Let’s Go Wild!  Bird Brains!
10.00am – 4.00pm
Are you a bird brain? How well do you know our feathered friends? Pick up a quiz trail throughout the day, follow the secret clues and take part in your own family adventure around the nature reserve. It should take about 45 mins to complete and everyone gets a certificate!
Pick up a quiz trail from the Yarner Wood base off the Bovey- Manaton Road on the way to Becky Falls.(Additional parking is available further along this road adjacent to the reserve).

MONDAY 3
10:30: 2hr Stroll, Family Stroll (Postbridge) An ideal walk for families on their first visit to Dartmoor to discover more about Dartmoor's special qualities.
10:30: 3hr Walk, Tin, Tors and Tombs (Venford Reservoir)

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 site, opens new window) or 01752 691749.

TUESDAY 4
10:45: 2hr Stroll, Legends of Dartmoor (Hound Tor)

09:00:  Moretonhampstead Market. Parish Hall. Contact 01647 277528.
19:00:  Princetown History Group. The Village Centre. River Exe Source to Sea by John Stuart.

WEDNESDAY 5
10:30: 6hr Walk, Moorland Archaeology (South Brent) Discover the south moor and its wealth of history. Guide A Partridge

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 site, opens new window) or 01752 691749.

THURSDAY 6
11:00: 3.5hr Walk, Archaeology and Moorland (Merrivale, Four Winds) Explore the antiquities in this well known location

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

FRIDAY 7
14:00: 3hr Walk, Prehistory and Plantation (Fernworthy Reservoir)

SATURDAY 8
10:35: 6hr Walk, Heathercombe & Hameldown (Widecombe-In-The-Moor) Guide A Partridge
11:00: 2hr Walk, Introduction to Dartmoor (Postbridge) A great way to start your exploration of 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 site, opens new window).
10:00:  Daffodil Crafts, Craft Fairs. The Church House, Widecombe-in-the-moor. Until 4pm. This is all pure craft, and the goods are made by the person on the stand that’s selling them.

SUNDAY 9
10:15: 4hr Walk, Tin Workings & Potato Caves (Sharpitor)
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.

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 site, opens new window) or 01752 691749.

TUESDAY 11
10:30: 4hr Walk, Bronze, Tin, Peat, Clay, Granite & Man (Ivybridge)

WEDNESDAY 12
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 site, opens new window) or 01752 691749.

THURSDAY 13
09:00:  Buckfastleigh Community Market. Globe Inn car park. Until 1pm. Local produce and Fair Trade refreshments. Contact 07799 534109.
10:00:  Daffodil Crafts, Craft Fairs. The Church House, Widecombe-in-the-moor. Until 4pm. This is all pure craft, and the goods are made by the person on the stand that’s selling them.
13:00:  National Trust Granite Quarries and Bronze Age Archaeology, Urgles Cross. A circular walk taking in the 19th century granite quarries of Dewerstone and the Bronze Age archaeology on Wigford Down.  Adult £4, child £2.  Meet at Urgles Cross, Grid Ref SX 535 649.  Booking essential (Monday to Friday only) on 01752 341377 or dartmoor@nationaltrust.org.uk

FRIDAY 14
09:30: 3hr Walk, Spring Birds (Hound Tor) Dartmoor is well known for its bird species, please bring binoculars and do not wear brightly coloured clothing.

SATURDAY 15
09:30: 6hr Walk, Ancient Mysteries of the Moor (Sticklepath, Finch Foundry) Explore the open moor on this walk into some of the remoter parts of Dartmoor. Guide A Cope
14:00: 3hr Walk, Snaily House & Laughter Tor (Bellever) Hear the story behind the unusually named Snaily House and the 2 old ladies who lived there.

09:00:  Okehampton Craft Fair. Charter Hall. A wide variety of unique West Devon craft work. Refreshments in aid of North Devon Air Ambulance. Contact 01363 82295.
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 site, opens new window) Contact Ruth Kelsey 01837 811762
11:00:  Milton Combe Village Market and Café. Village Hall. Until 1pm. Fair trade products and crafts etc, refreshments. Contact 01822 854865.
13:00:  National Trust Living in Plym Bridge Woods. A guided walk looking at life in the valley from the late 19th to mid 20th century, using photographs and personal recollections (2hrs).  Adult £4, child £2 (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
13:00:  Hidden Gardens of Manaton. Manaton Parish Hall. An opportunity to visit different varieties of chiefly ericaceous plants in a number of large and small gardens.  Light lunch and cream teas available from 12:30. Contact Pauline Evans 01647 221336. Until Sunday 16 May 2010

SUNDAY 16
10:30: 6hr Activity, Beginner's Guide to Map & Compass (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.
10:30: 2hr Walk, Tinners & Rabbits (King's Oven)
10:30: 4hr Walk, West Devon Way (Yelverton) Meet in the car park next to the Leg O'Mutton Inn

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 site, opens new window) or 01752 691749.

MONDAY 17
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 Pilates instructor.  Book on 01822 618660 or 07976 289260

18:30:  Lukesland Charity Jazz in the Garden. Various Jazz bands including the Ivybridge Community College band.  More details at www.lukesland.co.uk (external site, opens new window) or 01752 691749.

TUESDAY 18
10:30:  Manaton Produce Market. Parish Hall. Until 1pm.  Sales of local produce and craft. Contact Christina Everitt 01647 221302.
09:00:  Moretonhampstead Market. Parish Hall. Contact 01647 277528.

WEDNESDAY 19
10:15: 3hr Walk, Dartmoor's Eastern Tor (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 site, opens new window) or 01752 691749.

THURSDAY 20
10:00:  Daffodil Crafts, Craft Fairs. The Church House, Widecombe-in-the-moor. Until 4pm. This is all pure craft, and the goods are made by the person on the stand that’s selling them.
09:00:  Buckfastleigh Community Market. Globe Inn car park. Until 1pm. Local produce and Fair Trade refreshments. Contact 07799 534109.

FRIDAY 21
10:30: 6hr Walk, Bronze, Tin, Peat, Clay, Granite River Erme & Man (Ivybridge) Guide M Walker

SATURDAY 22
09:20: 6hr Walk, The Rattlebrook Peat Railway (Lydford High Down) Visit the remains of this standard-gauge railway constructed to link Rattlebrook Peat works to the main line at Bridestowe Station. Guide J Wihiting
10:30: 2.5hr Activity, Introduction to Nordic Walking (Norsworthy Bridge) 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.
14:00: 4hr Walk, Dartmoor's Blanket Bog (Fernworthy Reservoir) A walk to look at internationally important blanket bog and its management with a DNPA Ecologist. Walking boots essential Please book on 01822 890414  For more information about events happening in Devon for the International Year of Biodiversity please download this leaflet. (PDF Help 850 kb)

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 site, 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 who benefit from the proceeds. Contact Di Cameron 01364 621218.
11:00:  National Trust Vintage Motorcycle Rally. Finch Foundry, nr Okehampton.  A free display of some of the best vintage motorcycles in the area.  Normal admission charges apply.  Further information on 01837 840046 or finchfoundry@nationaltrust.org.uk

SUNDAY 23
10:30: 6hr Walk, Zeal Tor Tramway and Red Lake China Clay Works (Shipley Bridge) Explore the Redlake Tramway and surrounding area. The line was completed in 1912 and used to transport men and materials to and from the clayworks at Red Lake.  The line operated until 1932. Guide I Johnstone
10:30: 3hr Walk, Templer's Tramway (Haytor, Lower Car Park) Possibly the most well known of the Tramways, the rails constructed entirely of granite.
11:30: 2.5hr Walk, The History of Burrator (Burrator Quarry)

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 site, opens new window) or 01752 691749.

TUESDAY 25
11:00: 6hr Walk, Lustleigh Cleave & Nutcrackers (Trendlebere) Enjoy a walk on the eastern slopes of Dartmoor in this lovely wooded area. Guide A Partridge

21:00:  National Trust Nightjar Walk. Plym Bridge, nr Plymouth. The Nightjar flies at night.  Come with us on a walk in the woods to hear and see this shy but amazing bird (2 hrs).  Adult £4, child £2 (children must be accompanied by an adult).  Meet at Plym Bridge Grid Ref SX 524 585.  Booking essential on 01752 341377 or dartmoor@nationaltrust.org.uk

WEDNESDAY 26
10:45: 2.5hr Walk, Explore Meldon Valley (Meldon Reservoir)

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 site, opens new window) or 01752 691749.

THURSDAY 27
10:00:  Daffodil Crafts, Craft Fairs. The Church House, Widecombe-in-the-moor. Until 4pm. This is all pure craft, and the goods are made by the person on the stand that’s selling them.
09:00:  Buckfastleigh Community Market. Globe Inn car park. Until 1pm. Local produce and Fair Trade refreshments. Contact 07799 534109.
21:00:  National Trust Nightjar Walk. Plym Bridge, nr Plymouth. The Nightjar flies at night.  Come with us on a walk in the woods to hear and see this shy but amazing bird (2 hrs).  Adult £4, child £2 (children must be accompanied by an adult).  Meet at Plym Bridge Grid Ref SX 524 585.  Booking essential on 01752 341377 or dartmoor@nationaltrust.org.uk

FRIDAY 28
10:15: 4hr Walk, A Walk In The Past (Chagford)

SATURDAY 29
08:45: 8hr Walk, The Trig Trek (Princetown) A two day linear walk connecting most of the high points on Dartmoor that have Trig Points.  This is a challenging walk covering 16/17 miles per day between Okehampton and Ivybridge.  Walkers need to be fit and well equipped. For full details and to book 01822 890414 (cost £15.00 per day preference given to walkers booking both days)
10:15: 6hr Activity, GPS - Get Lost on Dartmoor no more! (Princetown) If you are thinking of purchasing or have recently bought a GPS comapss then this course is perfect for you.  Garmin Etrex units are provided and basic instruction given.  For more information and to book contact 01822 890414.
10:30: 4hr Walk, Water Power of the West Webburn (Bel Tor Corner) An opportunity to visit an award winning hydro electric power station capable of supplying enough electricity to service Widecombe-in-the-moor.  Once on site meet owners Miles and Gail Fursdon for their personal tour of the site.  Visit www.waterleat.co.uk

10:00:  National Trust Nature's Remedies. Lydford Gorge, nr Okehampton. Make your own insect repellent and learn about medicinal herb remedies with a trained herbalist.  £5 per person.  Booking essential.  Tel:  01822 820320/820441, email lydfordgorge@nationaltrust.org.uk

Lukesland Gardens, Ivybridge.  An Evening of Light Summer Music and Food. In aid of St John's Church.  Contact www.lukesland.co.uk (external site, opens new window) or 01752 691749.

SUNDAY 30

08:45: 6hr Walk, The Trig Trek See 29th May. Booking essential 01822 890414
10:00: 3hr Walk, Landscape of Moor & Woods (Shaugh Bridge)

12:00:  National Trust Woodland Explorer Fun Day. Lydford Gorge, nr Okehampton. Lots of seasonal games and activities for all the family in the orchard and woodland. Suitable for children aged 5+.  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 site, 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 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 31
11:30: 3hr Walk, National Family Week Picnic Walk (Bellever)

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 site, opens new window) or 01752 691749.

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Page updated 1 June 2010