Lammas Blessings - July

Where is everyone? May and June were really busy with wonderful walks, talks and coach tours but forward bookings for the summer months are the lowest they have been for years.

And, similar to other Dartmoor organisations, we have also experienced several cancellations from groups who were planning to travel to Dartmoor from the US, Canada, China and even from around the UK. Given the increases in food and fuel costs due to US foreign policy, there was talk of a possible UK Staycation summer but so far that hasn’t materialised. Let’s hope the economy stabilises soon along with the political situation, and we can again welcome friends from near and far to experience the beauty, magic and mystery of Dartmoor!

The Dartmoor ponies have shed their coarse, waterproof outer layer to reveal shiny, shorter coats. Sheep have been shorn which must be a relief in the increasingly high temperatures experienced this summer. The nightjars are still churring at night but the dawn chorus of songbirds is lessening as they come to the end of nesting season. The hedgerows and meadows are abundant with orchids, meadowsweet, mugwort, whortleberries, and purple-pink heathers are emerging in their last strongholds across the Moor. And the first cut of hay/silage happened across farms and fields several weeks ago.

Lammas or Lughnasadh is a traditional seasonal festival celebrated around the 1st August. It is the time of year to give thanks for the first harvest and fruits of the land. And there are still some entertaining market fairs and agricultural shows organised across Dartmoor communities throughout July and August - see below in our ‘What’s On’ section.

In the meantime, I would love to invite you to join me on some of our new walks and experiences. Are you interested to learn about Dartmoor Witches and Wart-charmers for example, or might a Gentle Stroll & Swim appeal, or how about learning/refreshing your Map and Compass Skills. Or invite friends and family to gather and enjoy a Private Walk/Nature-Connection Experience? I will tailor the route, location, and content to your interests, group and abilities. There are lots of themes to choose from including sacred sites, family adventures, geology, folklore, ancient tracks, wild swimming, navigation skills, and much more. Select a date, theme, and book here.

And don’t forget that our early Autumn walks and experiences are booking up fast. There are just a few spaces left now on the Tor Royal Farm Walk & Ploughman’s Lunch near Princetown, Myths and Legends Talk at Two Bridges Hotel, Hidden Gems of Dartmoor (Online Talk), and Fungi walks (Beginners and Intermediate). Hope you will join me!

Summer harvest blessings to you all, Emma x

What you’ll find here…

• New Walks This Summer

  • Dartmoor Witches & Wart-Charmers, Gentle Stroll & Swim, Navigation Skills for Beginners (or Refresher) - Dates are first released to you, our Subscribers!

• Walks & Talks

  • Spaces are still available on some of our Walks & Talks this Summer, if they are full add yourself to the waitlist!

• What’s On

  • There are fantastic Events being held over Dartmoor this Summer, see below for more information.

NEW Walks

Spaces Available

Click below to see the full calendar of upcoming walks and talks, and as newsletter subscribers you will be the first to know new dates. If walks or talks are fully booked, you can add yourself to the waitlist. Or how about Hire a Private Guide to enjoy the experience with just your friends and family?

What’s On

*Image from The Chagford Show Face Book page

There are lots of entertaining market fairs and agricultural shows organised across Dartmoor communities throughout July and August including . . .

Ilsington Parish Summer Show and North Bovey (both on 18th July), Manaton 8th August, Okehampton on 13th August, Chagford 20th August, Moretonhampstead 27th August, The Dartmoor Outdoor Festival is on 28th August - 4th September, Lustleigh 31st August, (and don’t forget the Dartmoor Folk Festival 7th-9th August, Widecombe Fair in early September, and Tavistock Goosey Fair in October). As well as the agricultural and farming focused activities, there are also games, dances, competitions, and artisan craft stalls and demonstrations.

I hope to see you there!

Thank you for reading!

We hope to see you on the Moor over the next few months, and if not, you can catch up with us in our August newsletter!