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Walks & Nature Connection Experiences for
Transforming Health,
Wellbeing & Performance

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Upcoming Walks & Events

All Walks & Events
Jupiter & Night Skies on Dartmoor - Guided Walk, Talks & Telescopes
May 26
Jupiter & Night Skies on Dartmoor - Guided Walk, Talks & Telescopes

Join us for an astronomical adventure in the heart of the moor. With Jupiter visible in the sky, and a host of other astronomical wonders to enjoy, this promises to be a memorable night. Dartmoor's Daughter will lead us on a walk together to a beautiful location and share its geology, history and associated legends. And then Dartmoor Skies will guide you through the visible constellations, the vast number of star clusters, nebula and galaxies, as well as set up telescopes so you can explore the night sky at your leisure.

Potted History - Half-term Fun for Children
May 27
Potted History - Half-term Fun for Children

Bring your children on a fascinating meander through ancient and modern history. We will walk through the ruins of Neolithic and Bronze Age settlements and ritual complexes (stone circle, rows, and a standing stone) to explore how people lived 4-5,000 years ago. And we will sit together in nearby hut circles to make a clay pinch pot like our Neolithic ancestors may have done or a simple woven bracelet made from Dartmoor sheep wool.

Dartmoor Bears & Lions - Visit to The Bones Cave SOLD OUT
Jun 1
Dartmoor Bears & Lions - Visit to The Bones Cave SOLD OUT

Join us for a privately organised visit to the Bones Cave in Buckfastleigh where there is one of the most important and extensive deposit of bones of animals which lived on Dartmoor during the Last Interglacial Period of about 125,000 years ago.

Earth, Fire & Spirit: Bronze Age Landscape Exploration & Experience - Postponed
Jun 8
Earth, Fire & Spirit: Bronze Age Landscape Exploration & Experience - Postponed

'Earth Fire and Spirit' is a weekend hands-on exploration of the Dartmoor Bronze Age landscape and primitive pottery skills.

Beginning with a shared supper together on Friday evening in a recreated Bronze Age roundhouse, we will then immerse ourselves in the ruins of a Bronze Age settlement on Dartmoor, explore and dowse the sacred ritual landscape with Dartmoor’s Daughter, and learn primitive pottery skills with Jim Hamer (Artist Craftsman).

Navigation Training for Beginners (or Refresher)
Jun 14
Navigation Training for Beginners (or Refresher)

Want a confidence boost to explore new places? Memories of how to use a map and compass faded?

Join us to visit a Dartmoor that's off the beaten track, and a day to help regain your confidence to visit places you've never been to before. Providing a reminder of how to use a map and compass as well as an opportunity to to discover other ways to feel your way through the landscape e.g.: natural navigation (feeling and seeing the landscape). Experience how to always know where you are and how to get to where you'd like to be, whatever the weather.

You'll be walking with others of similar ability and led by Verran Townsend, qualified walking guide and navigator who along with 'Dartmoor's Daughter', loves to encourage and enable others to experience the wildness and beauty of Dartmoor.

Private Hire

Guided Walks & Tours
Corporate & Team Events
Facilitation & Talks

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Latest News & Photos

 
Fascinating Dawn Chorus Walk yesterday with birder Tony Whitehead and a group of hardy souls who met in a Dartmoor car park at 3.15am! Nightjars were churring on the moor as we arrived. Then we walked silently and in the dark into the woodland surrounded by the flight of bats and the occasional tawny owl. We lay in a clearing and waited for the very first bird to sing... The air came alive with an increasing crescendo of birdsong as each joined in - robins, blackbirds, pied flycatchers, black caps, redstarts, wrens, lesser spotted woodpecker, chiff chaffs, songthrushes, bluetits, greattits, grey wagtail, and a jay, heron, cuckoo, and a roe deer barking. Thank you Tony, Natural England for their care of the woods, and to everyone that joined us. Have you heard the nightjars at dusk or just before dawn? ‘The nocturnal nightjar is one of our strangest birds. A wide-mouthed, insect-eating summer visitor to heathlands and young conifer plantations, they spend their days sitting on the floor, where they also nest. Cryptically camouflaged with an intricate mottling and patterning of greys and browns, they look just like a fallen log and are almost impossible to spot during the day. But as dusk falls, all that changes. As the sun drops below the horizon and the light begins to thicken, a strange sound starts up. A mechanical whirring, reeling noise, almost like a distant motorbike engine, a churring that you just can’t place, so good is this ventriloquist at throwing his voice. And then, just as the darkness arrives, there he is: almost falcon like in shape, the silhouette of long stiff wings, and a long tail, a nightjar flying jerkily across the sky with odd claps of his wings: a male nightjar, displaying to attract the attentions of the nearby females.’ Beautiful description by The Wildlife Trusts #dartmoorsdaughter #natureconnection #nightjar #dawnchorus #birdsong #birder #dartmoor #visitdartmoor #visitdevon #woodland #naturalengland (Photo by Vasaaparrot)
Enjoyable morning’s walk from Haytor to Hound Tor yesterday with English language students from Germany. Along the way, they climbed a tor; visited a beautiful quarry; saw wild ponies with foals; tried eating wood sorrel (delicious) and gorse petals (didn’t like it!); and walked through carpets of bluebells on the path up from Becka Brook to Holwell Lawn. Great to work with other Dartmoor guides Paul, Sue, and Nigel. Hope we did a good job for your clients whilst you enjoy your holiday Inga! And fun to see Crag2Mountain near Grea Tor with his weaselling and rock climbing fans! 🌿👣🙏😊🐴🐑🏞🦅🌊🐴 🐾🌲🐂🌼☘️ Do you have staff, students, school, team, group, friends, or family visiting and would like to show them the hidden jewels of Dartmoor. Or invite a greater sense of wellbeing, happiness, or teamwork? Get in touch info@dartmoorsdaughter.com #dartmoorsdaughter #natureconnection #languageschool #dartmoor #visitdartmoor #bluebells #haytor #houndtor #foraging #mythsandlegends #teenagers #visitdevon
Ever looked at Jupiter through a large telescope? Or the surface of the moon? They’re stunning and it’s an awe-inspiring experience 🌿💫💥👣🌖✨ 🌌 Join us on Saturday 26th May for a short walk up to Sharp Tor (near Poundsgate) where we lie under the stars; hear how tors, stars and planets were formed and what makes Jupiter special; and wonder at the night skies. Knowledgable and expert guides will ensure your evening is fun and fascinating. Pre-booking essential - https://www.dartmoorsdaughter.com/walks-events/may-2018-jupiter-night-skies-on-dartmoor #dartmoorsdaughter #natureconnection #nightskies #jupiter #astronomy #visitdartmoor #dartmoor #visitdevon #reachforthestars #walkingtour @dartmoorskies
The Devon Home Ed group today learnt how to amplify their listening for birdsong using ‘deer ears’ and to creep quietly through the woodland using ‘fox walking’ so we might see more wildlife along the way 🌲🦊 🦌 🦅🌿👣😊🐿🌲 Walking through Yarner Woods, we heard and/or saw blackcap, blue tit, mistlethrush, yellow hammer, song thrush, robin, pied wagtail, wren, chiff chaff, goldcrest, and more. Along the way we also found an oil beetle and a worm hiding under a log; a squirrel dray high up in the trees; a multitude of ripening wortleberries; lots of bat and bird boxes; and the treat of a misthethrush feeding its young. We made an offering to it of dried mealworms - making a wish for a happy, healthy year for the birds - and left our prayers in a special spot on he ground for them to find later. The children also made or drew birds and trees (as well as a monkey and octopus which of course we saw plenty of in our imagination!). Thank you to Jeannine King & Kerri Walsh, Tony Whitehead, Albert Knott and the East Dartmoor National Nature Reserve. Join our next children’s walk ‘Potted History’ on 27th May https://www.dartmoorsdaughter.com/walks-events/2018-may/potted-history Do you have a child’s birthday party coming up? Or want to take a group of your children’s friends out for something different? Get in touch with us for creative, fun and learning ideas - info@dartmoorsdaughter.com #dartmoorsdaughter #eastdartmoor #yarnerwoods #woodlandtrust #birder ##homeeducation #walkinthewoods #childrenoutdoors #kidsoutdoors #familyfunday #dartmoor #visitdartmoor #visitdevon
Aren’t we lucky to live on this stunning island? In a small space, we have magnificent moorlands, stunning coastlines, pretty woodlands, and the occasional sunshine to go with it! 👣🏞🙏🌊☀️ 🦋 🌸🌅🌌🌿It was our last walk yesterday for the Gloucester WI was approximately 6 miles along the SW Coast Path. We walked from St Marychurch (which Torquay took over for its steam roller it’s rumoured) - Babbacombe with its beautiful red cliffs and vintage funicular tramway - Oddicombe and the Cary Arms - past Devil’s Point Rock at Anstey’s Cove - and on to Torquay. Along the way, we heard tales of smuggling and the ‘man that couldn’t be hanged’, saw lots of wild garlic, three cornered leek, butterflies, and the D Day Embarkation Ramps on the seafront. And so endeth 6 walks in 6 days for two large groups. Thank you Katie, Pete, and Alan. Do you have a private group, family, staff, or team that would like a bespoke guided walk, nature-connection experience, retreat, or team-building workshop? https://www.dartmoorsdaughter.com/private-hire/ 🌿👣🏞🌊🦋☀️💕💐🌼😊🌿 Do you have a private group, family, staff, or team that would like a bespoke guided walk, nature-connection experience, retreat, or team-building workshop? https://www.dartmoorsdaughter.com/private-hire/ #dartmoorsdaughter #natureconnection #swcoastpath #torquay #babbacombe #babbacombecliffrailway #funicular #ansteys #caryarms #dday #walkinguk #walkingtour #wi #womensinstitute #lovethesea
I heard the plaintive call of the curlew yesterday. And, given that there are only 1-3 breeding pairs left on Dartmoor, and that I have only heard it once before three years ago in a similar spot, this felt like a huge privilege 🙏🏞 🐦💖 Dartmoor is a safe haven for bird species that have declined elsewhere. To help give our birds the best chance of survival, please follow paths where possible, particularly if you have a dog with you. They should be on leads this time of year as dogs can disturb ground nesting birds (plus its lambing season). Here’s how you can help - http://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/814492/lab-gnbirds.pdf Want to hear the sound of the curlew - https://www.british-birdsongs.uk/curlew/ Please spread the word. Thank you! (Photo by Andrew Howe) #dartmoorsdaughter #natureconnection #visitdartmoor #visitdevon #curlew #birding #wildlifeplanet
Two walks yesterday with a lunch stop at The Old Inn in Widecombe for the Gloucester WI. ‘Secret Hills Walking’ hired Dartmoor’s Daughter as a local guide and it was a delight sharing my love of this land and it’s history, flora and fauna with the men and women visiting. 🏞🙏👣🌿 We walked a linear 6 miles route in the morning - Haytor visitors centre to the Tor - Quarry - Tramway - Emsworthy Barn (bluebells are only just poking their heads up here) - Rippon Tor - Seven Lords Cairn - Phil Tor - Bonehill Rocks - Widecombe. And a short 3 miles circular route in the afternoon up Southcombe Lane to the Two Moors Way - Hameldown - down past Kingshead - Widecombe. 🌿🌼🐴☀️ Along the way we saw a herd a wild ponies with foals gallop past us; heard cuckoos, skylarks, crows, and a curlew (only 1-2 pairs left on Dartmoor so a wonderful experience); spotted early purple orchids; bluebells; nibbled on delicious common sorrell, dandelion heads, plantain, gorse flowers, and three cornered leek. We told tales of the devil and lightening hitting church spires. And the history of how the tors were formed and that there used to be cave lion, brown bear, rhino, hippo, lynx, and more roaming these lands. Lunch was delicious. And we ended with a cup of tea at the #cafeonthegreen . Tired but happy customers! ☕️ 🍦 Do you have a private group, family, staff, or team that would like a bespoke guided walk, nature-connection experience, retreat, or team-building workshop? https://www.dartmoorsdaughter.com/private-hire/ #dartmoorsdaughter #natureconnection #wi #womensinstitute #walks #dartmoor #visitdartmoor #visitdevon #teambuilding #privatetour #curlew #cuckoo #skylark #orchids #wildponies #lovenature
 

What people are saying...

Testimonials
Reama

Ah wow...today certainly lived up to all I thought it would deliver, such a lovely, well thought out and educational day. The children absolutely loved it and raved about it all the way home. Save to say we'll be doing this again. Fantastic value for money. 
Thank you so much Emma and Pip xxx

Michael

Thank you Emma, the dowsing earth energies day was great fun. So many techniques to learn, great teachers in Sally and Gwyn plus everyone was so open to talk and share their experiences. 
We dowsed for water, Scorhill stone circle, the Toleman Stone, a hut circle and finally a cairn.
A hugely enjoyable and educational day out on the moor.

Victoria

I attended a Fungi Foray, at the steward community woods. An inspiring talk by an expert, he identified fungi from my farm, which I can now eat with confidence ..We learnt about Fungi, in a way that has inspired me. Thank you so much for arranging this.x

Bex

I had such a beautiful day out on the 'Dowsing for Earths Energies' walk, where I met some welcoming and inspiring people who humbly shared their knowledge and wisdom. Thank you so much Emma and everyone who shared the day :)Would recommend going on one of Emma's many and varied walks to anyone!!x

Caz

What a fab time dowsing on Dartmoor. Wonderful autumn day spent amongst great people, amazing scenery and ancient stone remains. Emma is a beautiful host whose cheerful warmth and calming nature draws everyone together. A real hands on day where I learnt so much without being bombarded. A memorable day on so many levels, heartfelt thanks. Looking forward to the next time.

Lizzie

Emma and Verran were fantastic leaders and facilitators. In just three hours, I learnt the basics of using a compass and how to work out where I might be in - in the middle of windy Dartmoor. It was a great morning and I definitely want to do more, on the moor! Thanks to you both x

Shelby

I went on a full moon walk and story event. Just waw! We listened to a beautiful story as we watched the moon rise above the hill. We then sang and those with drums played them to the moon. Several people came along in pairs, but a lot of people came on their own. We all talked amongst each other happily and shared our food and just had a beautiful, relaxing evening/night that was so magical. Definitely worth going to these events! Definitely going to more!

Bill

Big thumbs up to Emma and Verran for their map reading and navigation day on Dartmoor. Been wanting to do this for years and if I had known how much I would learn in bit size pieces in one day I would have done it much sooner! Loved every minute, and really appreciated how Verran and Emma set out the teaching so that everyone could learn piece by piece using the teachings in a practical way as a group throughout the day.

Maeva

Lovely morning spent roaming beautiful Hound Tor with my kids on the Tails, Trails and Tales day. Emma was engaging and knowledgeable, the session had obviously been well planned and the kids loved it! Highly recommended but remember to bring a packed lunchxx

Aryanna

Spent a lovely day with Emma dowsing for energy lines, water courses and what ever else we wanted to find out about on Dartmoor. Cannot wait to go out again with Emma to learn more about stunning Dartmoor. Made some lovely new friends too- what a way to spend a day! great day thanks Emma and your lovely Mum xxx

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