Hire a Guide for Bespoke Walks on Dartmoor

Book an unforgettable day out for you, your family, or your group on your visit to Dartmoor.

Explore, learn, and enjoy with our personally tailored walks and experiences, designed for those wanting to truly immerse themselves in the ancient and beautiful living, working landscape that is Dartmoor.

These walks offer a rich and mindful way to experience nature, designed for those who want to move at a relaxed pace, taking in the landscape with all the senses. With moments of quiet woven throughout, they offer the chance to pause, listen, and truly connect with the moor—its beauty, its stories, and its ever-changing character.

Ideal for individuals, couples, families, small groups, and celebrations, these walks can take place over a few hours, a morning, an afternoon, or a full day.

Take a look below at what we can offer you and get in touch to craft a truly unique experience on Dartmoor.

Get Inspired with our Themes

  • Ancient Track on Dartmoor

    Ancient Tracks

    Pathways Through Time

    Dartmoor’s landscape is crisscrossed with ancient tracks once used by farmers, tinners, peat-cutters, merchants, sailors, and monks. These routes provided safe and efficient passage through often challenging terrain, shaped by centuries of travel and trade. Walking these historic paths offers a glimpse into the lives, struggles, and traditions of those who once journeyed across the moor. Each track holds a story, quietly woven into the landscape, ready to be uncovered.

  • Ols industrial archaeology building on Dartmoor

    Archaeology

    Uncovering Ancient Lives and Lost Industries

    Step back in time to explore Dartmoor’s rich archaeological heritage, from Bronze Age stone circles, rows, and settlements to the remnants of its once-thriving mining industry. For thousands of years, people have shaped this landscape, leaving behind sacred sites and industrial relics that tell stories of survival, innovation, and community. Today, nature has reclaimed much of this history, but its echoes still reveal Dartmoor’s deep connection to both its ancient past and industrial legacy.

  • Family adventuring on a Dartmoor Tor

    Family Adventures

    Explore, Discover, and Have Fun!

    Enjoy an interactive, activity-filled walk designed to engage the whole family. Take part in letterboxing, a nature treasure hunt, animal tracking or learn to read maps in a fun and accessible way. Along the journey, uncover fascinating facts, local legends, and hidden wonders of Dartmoor’s landscape. From spotting wildlife to solving nature-based challenges, this walk encourages curiosity and adventure, making the moorland an exciting and memorable playground for children and adults alike.

  • Cosdon from Scorhill

    Farming

    Shaping Dartmoor’s Landscape

    Farming has shaped Dartmoor for thousands of years, from Neolithic and Bronze Age crop cultivation to the livestock farming of today. As we walk, explore the history of farming on the moor and how climate change, ownership, and politics continue to influence it. See different breeds of cattle, sheep, and Dartmoor’s iconic ponies grazing the land, and gain insight into the challenges and traditions that define this ever-evolving landscape.

  • Wild flowers on Dartmoor

    Flora & Fauna

    Dartmoor’s Wild Wonders

    Discover Dartmoor’s ever-changing natural world through the seasons. Explore ancient woodlands and temperate rainforests, where moss-covered boulders, rare lichens, and towering trees create a rich habitat. Identify seasonal flowers, trees, and fungi while uncovering their folklore, ecological importance, and uses as edible or medicinal plants. As copper-gold rivers weave through the landscape and birdsong fills the air, we may even spot Dartmoor’s iconic semi-wild ponies roaming freely in this magical setting.

  • Woman touching Dartmoor granite

    Geology

    Unraveling the Landscape’s Ancient Origins

    Dartmoor’s striking granite tors, formed around 290 million years ago, are the exposed remains of a vast batholith—once buried beneath a now-eroded layer of rock. These remnants of the ancient Amorican mountain range have been shaped by millions of years of weathering, from freeze-thaw cycles of past ice ages to the relentless effects of wind and acidic rain. As we explore this rugged terrain, we uncover the geological forces that shaped Dartmoor, revealing a landscape rich in history, science, and legend.

  • Bowerman's Nose

    Myths & Legends

    The Folklore of Dartmoor

    For over 12,000 years, people have lived on Dartmoor, passing down stories through generations. This rugged landscape is steeped in folklore, where misty valleys and windswept tors hold legends of giants, pixies, witches, and ghostly black hounds with glowing red eyes. Every rock, river, and ruin has a tale to tell, from ancient spirits to the mischievous beings said to roam the moors. As we walk, we’ll explore the deep-rooted myths and oral traditions that have shaped Dartmoor’s unique and mysterious character.

  • People learning navigation skills with Dartmoor's Daughter

    Navigation

    Reading the Land, Finding Your Way

    Explore Dartmoor’s stunning moorland while building essential outdoor skills. Learn beginner navigation techniques using a map and compass, alongside natural clues from the land and sky, to gain confidence in exploring off the beaten track in any weather. Develop your ability to read the landscape, understand key landmarks, and navigate safely through this ever-changing and beautiful environment.

  • Stone Row on Dartmoor

    Sacred Landscapes

    Walking in Ancient Footsteps

    Discover the ancient spirit of Dartmoor as we explore the wild beauty of tors, springs, and rivers, once revered as places of power, alongside prehistoric ceremonial sites, including stone circles, standing stones, and burial chambers. These remnants of ancient rituals connect us to the land’s deep past and the people who once walked here. As we journey through this mystical terrain, we’ll uncover the stories, symbolism, and significance of Dartmoor’s natural and man-made sacred sites.

  • Wild swimming spot on Dartmoor

    Wellbeing

    Walk, Wild Swim & Reconnect with Nature

    Immerse yourself in Dartmoor’s stunning landscape on a walk designed to refresh both body and mind. Follow ancient paths past majestic granite tors and breathtaking views to a beautiful river pool or lake-filled quarry where you can enjoy the refreshing feeling of a wild swim. Along the way, we’ll occasionally walk or sit in silence, allowing space to reconnect with nature and ourselves. Step away from the stresses of everyday life and into the calm, restorative embrace of this extraordinary landscape.

Book Your Walk

  • 1. Book a time and date

    Use our booking calendar below to pick a date that suits you.

    Bookings are for half or full days although the duration of the walk can be tailored to your needs.

  • 2. Tell us about your group

    After confirming the date, time and cost please enter your details and tell us more about your group’s needs including size, ability, location (if you will be staying on Dartmoor) and your preferred theme/areas of interest.

  • 3. Pay

    Use our secure payment provider to complete your booking. We will then be in touch to tailor your bespoke experience.

Book a Date

Rates

    • Half-Day (1-4 hours) - £250

    • Full Day (5-7 hours) - £400

    • Half-Day (1-4 hours) - £300

    • Full Day (5-7 hours)- £500

Terms & Conditions

  • Due to limited spaces for our bespoke walks, we request that you cancel at least 4 weeks before the date booked by emailing us at info@dartmoorsdaughter.com

    Before cancelling we would like to encourage you to please look on our website at our Private Hire calendar as we can transfer your ticket to another date or you could use your payment for a publicly scheduled walk or experience. Please also ask a friend or family member before cancelling if they would like your ticket.

    If you do need to cancel and have given us 4 weeks’ notice we will send you a credit note (minus the original booking fee and a £5 admin fee) to use within 1 year for a bespoke walk or any of our publicly scheduled walks or nature connection experiences.

    If you do not cancel prior to the 4 weeks’ notice, you will lose full payment.

    Please see our cancellation policy for further information.

  • Please note, all walks and activities are undertaken at your own risk. Dartmoor’s Daughter accepts no liability for accidents or incidents.

  • When you book onto a walk with us, we usually require some information from you for ticketing purposes, and we also ask for you to provide us with any relevant medical information. We will use this information to communicate with you about your walk or event and any payments that are made, and we require any third-party booking platforms to comply with relevant data protection legislation. We will not keep your information for any longer than is required.

    Please see our Privacy Notice for more information.

What to Wear/Bring

Dartmoor is an upland environment in Devon with two coastlines nearby on the north and south coasts so weather can be unpredictable, change swiftly, and forecasts are not always reliable. For your enjoyment and safety, it is essential that you come prepared with suitable outdoors clothing including:

    • Walking boots/shoes - Ideally with sturdy grips on the soles. Gaiters or wellies are recommended for wet ground.

    • Warm layers - Dartmoor is several degrees colder than lowland environments so thermals, hats and gloves can be important

    • Waterproof jacket and trousers - Bring them whatever the forecast!

    • Walking poles - If you have them

    • Sunscreen

    • Snacks and drinks

    • Personal first aid kit

    • Mobile phone for emergencies - We recommend that you sign up to ‘Emergency SMS’ before a Dartmoor walk www.emergencysms.net

  • By pre-arrangement only. We love dogs but not all walks and activities are suitable for doggy companions, so please check before booking by contacting info@dartmoorsdaughter.com

    It is imperative that dogs are well behaved and under very close control at all times around people and livestock, or they must be on a lead. Dog owners must abide by Dartmoor National Park Authority (DNPA) Byelaws. See Section 9 and Footnote 6 regarding livestock worrying on Access Land plus requests during Ground Nesting Bird season (1st March – 31st July).

    • Dowsing Walk - Dowsing rods (you can purchase from us if necessary).

    • Navigation Training – OS Map (OL28 Ordnance Survey map of Dartmoor) and a Compass - Silva is recommended and a good source is Dartmoor National Park Visitors Centres or dash4it.co.uk. Any of the following would be fine: Silva Starter 8; Silva Field; Silva Ranger; Silva Expedition 4.

What people are saying…

  • "I would recommend Emma's explorations to anyone..."

    …but especially to those who revere the land, want to learn and are willing to seriously think about what they want to experience before they go. I was impressed by Emma's knowledge of the land [where everything is] and her knowledge of applicable science [biology, anthropology, geology]. These remarkable talents of hers make for complete flexibility-she can tailor the trip to your taste. So plan ahead. Give serious thought to what you want out of the trip and you will be richly rewarded.

    Richard E

  • "Magical- a perfect experience in every way"

    Our hike was simply magical and Dartmoor’s Daughter went above and beyond to ensure it was right for our family. From building it around our interests and experience level, to helpful directions for other side of the road drivers, she made us feel prepared for the tour. While on it, her lovely conversation, and careful attention (and sweet dog, Sky) kept the kids engaged, and her knowledge of the history, folklore, and natural elements is simply astounding. Dartmoor itself I can’t review- it’s so stunning it must be seen to be understood, but I am certain it was that much more meaningful to us because our guide has devoted her life to Dartmoor. Emma has a calling and it shows. We are so grateful to have been able to experience it with her.

    Elizabeth K

  • "Perfect way to explore the moors"

    I booked the Dartmoor daughter as part of my hen weekend celebrations. Although I knew the moors pretty well I did not want the responsibility of losing a group of 15 women on the moors, especially when conditions in November can change so quickly. Emma was the perfect guide, she tailored the walk to our needs, provided additional waterproofs and gloves and adapted the walk to ensure we had plenty of time to stop and enjoy the peace of the moors, find a well placed letterbox and share a couple of bottles of fizz. (it was a hen weekend after all!). Emma's love and passion for the moors is contagious! She shared so much of her knowledge of the legends, history and fauna whilst we walked and talked. despite the wind and the rain our spirits were lifted. If you want to explore the moors with a group of friends but don't want the responsibility of getting lost the Dartmoor daughter is the perfect option. Emma even brought the most yummiest Chocolate brownies to share!

    Katie LC

  • "Unique and memorable experience"

    We went on a bespoke tour of the Moor with Emma along with our girls (8 and 4). Emma designed a couple of route options, we selected our favourite and had a wonderful wonderful afternoon. I completely lost track of time. The girls managed to walk 3 miles with barely a complaint because it was all so interesting- the history, nature and geological elements all wove together for a very memorable experience. Highly recommended. Wish we could take Emma with us on every walk!!

    Tour745233

  • "A group of 8 novice map readers met on Dartmoor hoping to learn some basic map reading skills."

    What we got was 4 hours of knowledge, wisdom, passion and skill, generally shared by Emma, who truly is Dartmoor's Daughter. Her connection and love for the land comes through in her words, energy and presence. She was informative and patient, and we all enjoyed the experience, which was paced and pitched just right for our group. And now I feel confident to use a map and a compass with a good foundation upon which to practice.

    ST (Skills)

  • "You could not wish for a better and more knowledgeable guide on Dartmoor!"

    I did the 'Sacred Crescent' Solstice Walk visiting 8 stone circles. Emma is a superb and extremely knowledgeable guide, leading the walk sensitively to people's needs, and very generous in sharing her knowledge throughout the day. She also left space and time to take in the atmosphere at each stone circle, and share our thoughts and ideas about them with the rest of the group. I learned so much from the day, and Emma even followed up with an email detailing the books, websites, and authors she had referred to on the walk, the walking route we followed, and shared lovely photos she had taken of the group throughout the day.

    Scott B (Sacred Sites)

  • "Best 75th birthday present - a bespoke Dartmoor walk"

    A memorable walk in the Kestor, Shoveldown and Scorhill area with Emma and Skye. We heard of ancient sites, their histories and legends, plus geology, flora and fauna. Emma has wide knowledge which she shared with joy, having an obvious affinity to this land. Our small group was led and handled sensitively for our different ages and paces. We experienced rain, sun, even a bit of hail, wind - but all memories are of beautiful Dartmoor bathed in April sunshine. Thank you, Emma.’

    Sue (Flora & Fauna)

  • "Witches, folklore and so much more!" 

    Emma’s knowledge of the moor, the stories it holds, the history, flora and fauna is outstanding. Emma has a real gift and it was an honour to be in the presence of her wisdom. Emma led myself and retreat guests on a witches & folklore walk, with some history added in. It was an area I thought I knew fairly well - but it turns out I knew nothing! I can’t wait to join another walk with Emma and can’t recommend her highly enough.

    Earleanna (Folklore)

  • "A healing and magical experience" 

    How do we put into words what we have just experienced! We have just had 1 1/2 days of bespoke time on Dartmoor with Emma. Emma designed our days/routes and experience to perfection based on what we expressed, sharing her wisdom of history, archaeology, folklore and flora and fauna along the way. It was truly a vision quest of epic proportion for us which we will carry with us forever in our hearts. Healing on many levels as we walked between worlds in the footsteps of ancestors and animals. Emma took care of us and looked after us. This was way more than a walk in nature and far exceeded any expectations we may have had. Thank you Emma. There is still so much for us to absorb, embody and process from our time together. A totally magical experience, a blessing and a privilege. 

    Elle B (Mindfulness)

Want to chat to us before booking?