Moorland Guides Dartmoor Walks

In the most recent episode of our podcast, Voices of Dartmoor, we were delighted to be joined by the wonderful human being that is Lisa Schneidau. Lisa is a professional storyteller, ecologist, and one of the founders of the Dartmoor Nature Alliance. She is passionate about finding and telling stories that inspire, provoke curiosity and build stronger connections between people and nature.

Lisa joined me at Two Bridges to walk towards Wistman's Wood where we wandered and talked about the tradition of story on Dartmoor, the art of storytelling and her journey into story.

We discussed where these stories and myths have come from, their purpose, themes that run throughout them and how they can be relevant in today's environment. We also touched on how the story of Old Crockern has become a symbol of resistance and hope, and the work that the Dartmoor Nature Alliance does.

You can find our podcast on all major podcast platforms or comment FOLKLORE to be sent a direct link to it on Spotify! Why not have a listen and let us know in the comments who else you think we should speak to 💚

We're really excited today to announce another of the incredible local experts who will be joining us to run a session at our Wild Words Creative Retreat in October.

Jenny has always preferred being outdoors and was especially grateful for her experience in walking the moors when going through a period of chronic illness, where exercise became impossible.

The slow recovery led her both to a degree in Medical Herbalism and training to become a Hill and Moorland leader, as she hopes to facilitate access to the moor for people who would like to regain confidence or overcome other barriers to be outdoors in a way that helps their mental and physical health the most.

She has previously worked in Biosciences, has a personal interest in Geology and Social history, and is currently working on an Archaeobotany project, all of which are also reasons why she loves Dartmoor!

We're so pleased that she's agreed to be part of this weekend, in which she'll be leading a plant-based walk, helping us to connect with the landscape through knowledge of the local flora.

Head over to our website to find out more or comment RETREAT for a direct link 💚

Just dropping in with a quick reminder of our next Introduction to Moorland Navigation workshop, running in the Haytor area on Saturday 27th June.

If you're a walker who would like to learn how to navigate on Dartmoor, then this is the workshop for you! In this relaxed half day session, Craig will introduce participants to using a map and compass in the easy terrain around Ripon Tor, Pil Tor and Top Tor.

There are only 2 spaces left for this workshop so if you'd like to join us, drop us a message or leave a comment for booking details! 🧭

Just a few weeks until Kate, from Forest Chi, will once more be gathering on the moors to lead one of her fantastic walks, blending Tai Chi, nature connection and mindfulness.

This next gentle adventure takes place on Friday 19th June at 10am, starting from Fingle Bridge car park, and is the perfect way to wile away a few hours in a beautiful setting, with like minded folk.

Drop us a message, or leave a comment to find out more and book your space today 💚

We've been busy behind the scenes planning our retreat for creatives with the fantastic Dartmoor Preservation Association and we are so excited to tell you a little bit more about it today.

A central tenant of the weekend, taking place at the beautiful Karuna Retreat Centre (near Widecombe-On-The-Moor) and running from Friday 9th - Sunday 11th October, will be the sacred map-making that is being led by the DPA's very own Helen Bruce.

Helen will be supporting those attending to create individual maps, to reflect their own relationship with the landscape around us. We'll be drawing inspiration through a meditative guided walk on the moors and taking our ideas back to the beautiful studio at Karuna where we'll have time to explore and document our findings through mark making and whatever creative outlet appeals.

This project will weave itself through the rest of the weekend and we just know that it's going to be such an enriching and creative process for all.

If you'd like to join us for a weekend of of nature connection, fellowship with like-minded creative folk and rejuvenation in the heart of the moors, we would absolutely love to see you there.

You can find the booking link in comments or head to our website to find out more 💚

📷 Glavind Strachan Photography

In our latest episode of Voices of Dartmoor, Hannah was delighted to meet up with the fantastic Paul Rendell, also known as 'Dartmoor Paul'. They found a sheltered spot nestled underneath Bell Tor to enjoy the view on a blustery day and to talk about Paul's life on Dartmoor.

He shared his earliest experience of Dartmoor that ignited his love of this area of the world and his particular interest in Burrator Reservoir and the tragic story surrounding it. We talked about his involvement in the discovery of a Bronze Age burial cist on Cut Hill, the origins of letterboxing and his involvement in this traditional moorland activity.

We also chatted about his work as a Dartmoor guide, his penchant for spooky stories and his passion for conservation. It was a fantastic chat that we really enjoyed having. You can find this episode on all major podcast platforms or on Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4JP51ABLs2p0TjnoL7TMX7?si=rRB9_WC6R1Cm97-pmyI8EA

A lovely way to end a podcast session for with the brilliant Hannah.

Watch this space to hear some of our ramblings - talking about .2roam, .uk and connection in nature.

It was a VERY hot day for the fortnightly WAGs walk yesterday!

They met at the Postbridge National Park Visitor Centre in the morning, where the sun was already getting hot.

The assembled group proceeded across the B3212 to Bellever Forest. With the assistance of Phil Watson, Adrian conquered the notorious north face of Bellever Tor. It is understood that this is a first on wheels!

The afternoon took them to Brimpts Farm near Dartmeet. They were able to assess the wonderful work being done there to improve access. Several hundred metres of walkways have been provided over poorly drained areas, together with hardcore on extensive new paths which direct the visitor to focal points around the farm.

Another fantastic, if rather warm trip out for the Wheeled Access Group!