Dartmoor National Park Walks and Events – What you need to know.
If you are planning to take part in a Dartmoor National Park Authority guided walk or activity the following information should answer all your questions. However if you need help contact the High Moorland Visitor Centre, Princetown and they will be pleased to help you. Tel. 01822 890414.
Do I need to book?
Generally, no - just arrive in good time and pay the Guide at the start of the walk. There are a few walks that need to be booked in advance due to popularity or limits on numbers. This will be stated in the monthly walks listings.
When do I need to arrive?
Allow plenty of time for the journey to arrive about 10 minutes before the start time. There will be no local facilities at most rural start points.
What do the guided walks and events cost?
| Guided Walks (from April 2006) | |
| Up to 2 hours | £3.00 |
| Up to 3 hours | £5.00 |
| Up to 4 hours | £6.50 |
| •Up to 6 hours | £8.00 |
| •Children 14 & Under | FREE |
| Navigation Courses | £15.00 |
| Children’s activities (Accompanying adults go free but must accompany children 14 & under.) | £3.00 |
| Illustrated Talks | |
| Adults | £3.00 |
| •Children 14 & Under | £1.00 |
NEW - Season Ticket
A three month season ticket is now available. It entitles the holder to attend an unlimited number of guided walks (except bookable walks) over the three month period. Call in at any Darmoor National Park Authority Information centre for details or ask a Dartmoor National Park Guide.
Free Walks
Many Guided Walks are accessible by bus. Show your ticket to the Guide and walk for free! (excludes Navigation Courses) Traveline tel: 0870 6082608
Which Type of Walk?
Learn more about Dartmoor’s heritage and landscape and Walk your Way to Health by choosing a walk to suit your needs and abilities.
These descriptions will help you choose the kind of walk most suitable for your abilities. For each route, an approximate length and star rating is given.
Easy-Going Stroll - very gentle pace for up to about two hours. Accessible locations for everyone, including less mobile people, and suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. If you have a special need, are unsure about the suitability of a walk, or require a helper, contact the Recreation Section on 01626 832093 at least two weeks in advance if possible.
Stroll (including Family and Introductory Walks) - normally up to two hours at an easy pace. Suitable for children and slower walkers.
Walk - for more experienced or fitter walkers. Open moor and steep or rough ground may be covered in walks that vary in length and type of terrain. Walks are led at the speed of the slowest walker but the descriptions listed will help in the choice of walks to suit your capabilities.
- 1 –2 hour walks: sensible shoes (the ground may be uneven but you will not be walking far); showerproof or waterproof jacket and comfortable clothing; a snack and a drink is also advisable.
- 3 – 4 hour walks: strong shoes if dry, wellingtons or walking boots if wet; good waterproofs and comfortable clothing; snack or packed lunch and a drink.
- 5 - 6 hour + walks: worn-in walking boots; good waterproofs; extra clothing; packed lunch and drink.Please note these walks are more strenuous in nature and are over rough terrain, so please consider your fitness level before committing to one of these walks
In hot sunny conditions please wear sunscreen and a take hat and extra drinks.
On The Day of the Walk:
The guide will be at the walk start point, regardless of the weather. Final routes will be decided by the guide, depending on the weather and ability of the group.
Please arrive at the start point suitably equipped because the guide may refuse to take you if you are not, as this can affect the safety and well-being of the whole group.
Everyone walking with our guides does so at their own risk. If you have any doubts, talk to the guide before you set off and they will be pleased to offer advice.
The Guides:
- are Guides because they enjoy sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm for Dartmoor
- have expert local knowledge and wide interests in many aspects of the moor
- can give some local information or where to find it
- are only human! Ask them to explain, slow down or give you a hand and they will be happy to oblige.
How do I get more information?
For more information or to book a place when specified, please contact the High Moorland Visitor Centre, Princetown tel: 01822 890414
Dogs on Walks
We regret that dogs are not allowed on any National Park walk or event (with the exception of guide dogs) due to the potential hazard to livestock.
DNPA reserves the right to curtail or vary the duration, length, or route of any walk, or to postpone or cancel any walk without notice. In the unlikely event that a walk is cancelled or abandoned, DNPA will refund any fee you have paid, but will not accept any further liability.
Other Guided Walks and Event Programmes in the Dartmoor Area
National Trust Walks and Events
Copies of the programme are available from Information Centres, or by telephoning 01626 834748.
Devon Wildlife Trust
For a full list of events and activities telephone 01392 274244 or visit www.devonwildlifetrust.org (external link opens new window)
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. For walks, talks and events telephone 01392 453758 or visit www.rspb.org.uk (external link opens new window)
Tamar Valley AONB For walks and events telephone 01579 351681
Teignbridge District Council - telephone 01626 361101, ext. 5742
South Hams District Council - telephone 01803 861140
For details of the guided walk start points including grid references visit the guided walk start point page.
Return to the Dartmoor Events and Guided Walks homepage.
