Public Walks & Experiences
Walks and Experiences are designed to help you Explore, Learn and Enjoy Dartmoor.
We offer a range of activities for differing abilities, locations and interests including navigation, archaeology, geology, flora and fauna, myths and legends, farming, foraging, wild swimming, mindfulness, and more on Dartmoor. We look forward to having you join us!
Please check the information carefully before booking, including what to wear/bring, concessions, and cancellation policy. If the walk or experience you want to book is full, please add yourselves to the waitlist, or consider Private Hire which can be tailored to your interests, ability and location.
The Lych Way or ‘Way of the Dead’ - Online Talk
Corpse roads existed all over Britain, and Dartmoor was no different. This medieval route was used by inhabitants of the ancient tenements in the central basin to carry their dead many arduous miles across the moor to Lydford, the former ecclesiastical capital of Dartmoor Forest. Join Emma on a photographic journey to explore the fascinating history, features, and changes of use along this ancient track.
Witches on Dartmoor - Samhain Walk
Myths and legends of witches abound on Dartmoor – Vixana, Old Hannah, Witch Hare, Levera, Mary Ann, and more. Some offered helpful ‘blessing for bleedings’ or wart charms. But most stories tell of women who were old and wicked. This twisted truth stems from the medieval witch-hunts, and has been rife for centuries. Instead these indigenous wisdom-keepers were likely community mid-wives and herbalists working with the natural effects of weather changes, moon cycles, and seasonal plants. For Samhain, walk with Dartmoor’s Daughter to one of the locations of a Dartmoor witch legend, and see if we can reimagine these stories, and reawaken our innate human connection with nature, mystery and magic.
Witches on Dartmoor - Samhain Walk
Myths and legends of witches abound on Dartmoor – Vixana, Old Hannah, Witch Hare, Levera, Mary Ann, and more. Some offered helpful ‘blessing for bleedings’ or wart charms. But most stories tell of women who were old and wicked. This twisted truth stems from the medieval witch-hunts, and has been rife for centuries. Instead these indigenous wisdom-keepers were likely community mid-wives and herbalists working with the natural effects of weather changes, moon cycles, and seasonal plants. For Samhain, walk with Dartmoor’s Daughter to one of the locations of a Dartmoor witch legend, and see if we can reimagine these stories, and reawaken our innate human connection with nature, mystery and magic.
Dartmoor Myths and Legends Talk (organised by The Ivybridge Bookshop)
Inside every seemingly strange story of witches, black dogs, and ghostly happenings there is often a small kernel of truth. What are the real stories behind the Devil at Widecombe church, Hairy Hands, Faithless Wives of Chagford, Hound of the Baskervilles, Bowermans Nose, Nine Maidens, Lady Howard and her ghostly coach of bones, Jay's grave and more....
Fungi - Voyage into the Mycelium (Intermediate)
Explore the fascinating world of fungi with mycologist Dr Christian Taylor. You will already have a basic knowledge of fungi and this intermediate level session will explore in more depth this marvellous kingdom of nature.
Gentle Moorland Stroll
The Merrivale complex is fascinating - it includes a ruined Bronze Age settlement and field system, two double stone rows, standing stone, small stone circle, and several burial chambers. Following a short section of an ancient Dartmoor packhorse track, there are also beautiful views to enjoy on a clear day, plus a local legend to hear.
This experience is specifically designed for people living with chronic health conditions such as ME/CFS, Long Covid, Fibromyalgia, Lyme disease, and/or chronic pain. We will stroll at a gentle pace with plenty of stops along the way to rest, admire the views, and discuss these magnificent stones and Dartmoor features.
Navigation Skills for Beginners (or Refresher)
Learn map and compass skills in a hands-on and practical workshop. Build confidence to explore new places and walk off the beaten track. We will also discover other ways to feel your way through the landscape e.g.: natural navigation.
Dartmoor Myths and Legends Talk (Organised by Kingston Local History Society)
Inside every seemingly strange story of witches, black dogs, and ghostly happenings there is often a small kernel of truth. What are the real stories behind the Devil at Widecombe church, Hairy Hands, Faithless Wives of Chagford, Hound of the Baskervilles, Bowermans Nose, Nine Maidens, Lady Howard and her ghostly coach of bones, Jay's grave and more....
Dartmoor Myths and Legends Talk (Organised by Friends of Totnes Museum)
Inside every seemingly strange story of witches, black dogs, and ghostly happenings there is often a small kernel of truth. What are the real stories behind the Devil at Widecombe church, Hairy Hands, Faithless Wives of Chagford, Hound of the Baskervilles, Bowermans Nose, Nine Maidens, Lady Howard and her ghostly coach of bones, Jay's grave and more....
Dartmoor Myths & Legends Talk with Afternoon Tea (organised by Gidleigh Park)
Join local guide and expert, Emma Cunis discuss Dartmoor's myths and legends with Afternoon Tea.
Dartmoor Myths and Legends Talk (organised by the Museum of Dartmoor Life)
Inside every seemingly strange story of witches, black dogs, and ghostly happenings there is often a small kernel of truth. What are the real stories behind the Devil at Widecombe church, Hairy Hands, Faithless Wives of Chagford, Hound of the Baskervilles, Bowermans Nose, Nine Maidens, Lady Howard and her ghostly coach of bones, Jay's grave and more....
Fungi Foray - Introduction (afternoon session)
Explore the fascinating world of fungi with mycologist Dr Christian Taylor. On a walk through the woods, you will learn how to identify fungi and find out all about this marvellous kingdom of nature.
Fungi Foray - Introduction (morning session)
Explore the fascinating world of fungi with mycologist Dr Christian Taylor. On a walk through the woods, you will learn how to identify fungi and find out all about this marvellous kingdom of nature.
Magical Myths & Moorland Legends Talk
An evening of stories, art, and folklore with Emma Cunis, Terri Windling - renowned folklorist and award-winning writer - and artist, Gina Hemery.
Tall Tales and Strange Stories: Dartmoor’s Daughter in conversation with Sophie Pierce (organised by Dartmoor Tors Festival)
Tall Tales and Strange Stories: Dartmoor’s Daughter in conversation with Sophie Pierce
Navigation Skills for Beginners (or Refresher)
Learn map and compass skills in a hands-on and practical workshop. Build confidence to explore new places and walk off the beaten track. We will also discover other ways to feel your way through the landscape e.g.: natural navigation.
Autumn Forage & Flavour: Wild Walk and Gin Workshop (organised by Bovey Castle)
From forest to flavour – a hands-on journey into foraging and gin-making.
Hurston Ridge Stone Row (this walk is offered on behalf of the Dartmoor Outdoor Festival)
Walk to one of the best examples of a double stone row on Dartmoor with Emma Cunis of Dartmoor's Daughter. With 50 pairs of stones, this is a fascinating alignment to consider theories about life and death in the late Neolithic and early Bronze Ages. Along the way, we will explore flora, fauna, farming, and folklore as well as hopefully see a semi-wild pony herd.
Gentle Woodland Stroll - Okehampton
Walking from Okehampton Train Station through a beautiful stretch of the East Okement Valley, we will follow the line of tracks laid during the building of Fatherford railway viaduct in the 1870s. We will stop several times along the way to admire the woodland, plantlife and birds; learn about the history of the area; as well as to rest as needed. This walk is specifically designed for people with ME/CFS, Fibromyalgia, or chronic pain.
Navigation Skills for Beginners (or Refresher)
Learn map and compass skills in a hands-on and practical workshop. Build confidence to explore new places and walk off the beaten track. We will also discover other ways to feel your way through the landscape e.g.: natural navigation.
Sacred Arc - 8 Stone Circles Walk to celebrate Summer Solstice
Walk through an ancient and ritual Dartmoor landscape. 8 prehistoric stone circles form an approximate arc and, plus others reported are possibly part of a much larger circle of stone circles around the high moor. So, taking an archaeological as well as phenomenological approach, we will journey together (sometimes in silence and sometimes sharing our experiences) through this wild and beautiful landscape asking questions of the ancestors, stones, and land along the way.
Recovery of the Erme river upper catchment - an exploration of Harford Moor (organised by Moor Trees)
Learn more about this important river catchment, trees to reduce flooding downstream and plans for nature's recovery.
Ancient Tracks on Dartmoor: A talk by Emma Cunis, Dartmoor's Daughter (organised by Okehampton Library)
This illustrated talk traces some of the key routes that offered safe passage across Dartmoor.
Dowsing for Earth Energies Walk - Introduction
Join us for an introduction to dowsing for earth energy lines at the fascinating stone row, burial chambers, and settlement near Black Tor.
Spring Wild Foods Walk
Walking from Okehampton train station, this lovely route takes in a section of the Granite Way as well as beautiful woodland and views. Along the way, we will learn how to ID edible plants, leaves, and flowers as well as how to prepare them for eating. This walk is ideal for foraging beginners.
Navigation Skills for Beginners (or Refresher)
Learn map and compass skills in a hands-on and practical workshop. Build confidence to explore new places and walk off the beaten track. We will also discover other ways to feel your way through the landscape e.g.: natural navigation.
Templer Way Walk - Chapple Road to Stover Country Park
Enjoy a fascinating walk following a section of the historic Granite Tramway through woodland, meadow, and quiet lanes to Stover Country Park. Along the way we will explore history, flora and fauna, as well as hear about the restoration of Stover Park which is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. When we have finished the walk, a campfire and delicious hot meal will be waiting for us in the roundhouse at Stover Country Park.
Gentle Woodland Walk
Designed for people with ME/CFS, Fibromyalgia, or chronic pain, we will walk together at a gentle pace following the River Erme through beautiful woodland. Stopping occasionally to rest along the way, we will participate in a short guided meditation, and receive nature-connection invitations to help soothe body, mind, and spirit.
Hound of the Baskervilles - Origins & Inspirations (Online Talk) Postponed from 21.11.24 to 03.12.24)
Join Emma to explore some of the possible inspirations and origins for Sherlock Holme’s most famous case, the 'Hound of the Baskervilles'. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle visited Dartmoor, and you can see many of the influences for his novel from real-life people, places and incidents.
Photo credit Jason OfEngland
Fungal Foray - Introduction (afternoon session)
Explore the fascinating world of fungi with mycologist Dr Christian Taylor, Emma from Dartmoor's Daughter and Daniel Thompson-Mills of Steward Community Woodland. On a walk through the woods, you will learn how to identify fungi and find out all about this marvellous kingdom of nature.
Fungal Foray - Introduction (morning session)
Explore the fascinating world of fungi with mycologist Dr Christian Taylor, Emma from Dartmoor's Daughter and Daniel Thompson-Mills of Steward Community Woodland. On a walk through the woods, you will learn how to identify fungi and find out all about this marvellous kingdom of nature.
Navigation Skills for Beginners (or Refresher)
Learn map and compass skills in a hands-on and practical workshop. Build confidence to explore new places and walk off the beaten track. We will also discover other ways to feel your way through the landscape e.g.: natural navigation.
Witches on Dartmoor - Samhain Walk
Myths and legends of witches abound on Dartmoor – Old Hannah, Witch Hare, Levera, Vixana, Mary Ann, and more. Some offered helpful ‘blessing for bleedings’ or wart charms. But most stories tell of women who were old and wicked. This twisted truth stems from the medieval witch-hunts, and has been rife for centuries. Instead these indigenous wisdom-keepers were likely community mid-wives and herbalists working with the natural effects of weather changes, moon cycles, and seasonal plants. For Samhain, walk with Dartmoor’s Daughter to one of the locations of a Dartmoor witch legend, and see if we can reimagine these stories, and reawaken our innate human connection with nature, mystery and magic.
Fungi - Voyage into the Mycelium (Intermediate)
Explore the fascinating world of fungi with mycologist Dr Christian Taylor, Emma from Dartmoor's Daughter and Daniel Thompson-Mills of Steward Community Woodland. You will already have a basic knowledge of fungi and this intermediate level session will explore in more depth this marvellous kingdom of nature.
Fungal Foray - Introduction (afternoon session)
Explore the fascinating world of fungi with mycologist Dr Christian Taylor, Emma from Dartmoor's Daughter and Daniel Thompson-Mills of Steward Community Woodland. On a walk through the woods, you will learn how to identify fungi and find out all about this marvellous kingdom of nature.
Fungal Foray - Introduction (morning session)
Explore the fascinating world of fungi with mycologist Dr Christian Taylor, Emma from Dartmoor's Daughter and Daniel Thompson-Mills of Steward Community Woodland. On a walk through the woods, you will learn how to identify fungi and find out all about this marvellous kingdom of nature.
Navigation Skills for Beginners (or Refresher)
Learn map and compass skills in a hands-on and practical workshop. Build confidence to explore new places and walk off the beaten track. We will also discover other ways to feel your way through the landscape e.g.: natural navigation.
Fungal Foray - Introduction (afternoon session) - POSTPONED
Unfortunately, due to high winds this walk has been POSTPONED - Please check your inbox/junk mail for more info.
Explore the fascinating world of fungi with mycologist Dr Christian Taylor, Emma from Dartmoor's Daughter and Daniel Thompson-Mills of Steward Community Woodland. On a walk through the woods, you will learn how to identify fungi and find out all about this marvellous kingdom of nature.
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Create a bespoke day out with some of our carefully crafted, private guided walks.
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What to Wear/Bring Recommendations
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:
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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
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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).
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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.
Terms & Conditions
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Due to limited spaces on our walks and experiences, we request that if you need to cancel you do so at least four weeks before by emailing us at info@dartmoorsdaughter.com
Events will go ahead come rain or shine (with certain exceptions mentioned on our Cancellation Policy page). We do not offer refunds. If you cancel more than 4 weeks before the date of the walk or experience we will send you a credit note to use within 1 year minus a £5 admin fee and the original booking fee.
We do not transfer tickets so in this instance you can use your credit note to rebook with us.
We do not offer refunds, transfer of tickets or credit notes for cancellations within 4 weeks of the date of a walk or experience. We recommend in this instance that you try to resell/pass on your ticket yourself. If you manage to resell/pass on please let us know who will be attending in your place.
Please see our cancellation policy for more information.
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Please note, all walks and activities are undertaken at your own risk. Dartmoor’s Daughter accepts no liability for accidents or incidents.
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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.
Access for All
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Access to national parks and the natural world is vital for individual and community health and wellbeing. Responsibility and care for our environment stems from learning, exploring and enjoying so we design walks and talks to be as accessible as possible to everyone.
Keep an eye out on our website and in seasonal newsletters for free-to-attend opportunities offered to you due to the kindness of organisational funding.
And Dartmoor’s Daughter is one of many individuals and organisations that offer donation-only walks for the Annual Dartmoor Walking Festival every September.
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Please get in touch if you plan to use public transport to travel, or wish to car share to a walk start point. We will help to put you in touch.
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If you want to join us for a specific walk or talk but have low/no income, please ask us for a concessionary rate info@dartmoorsdaughter.com
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We offer a range of walks and experiences that aim to accommodate a variety of abilities, needs and interests:
Look for the ‘Level’ description on each public group walk. Some are short and gentle, others will be longer and more challenging.
Contact info@dartmoorsdaughter.com to enquire if a specific public group walk is suitable for you or your loved ones/group
Book a private day (or half-day) out that can be tailored to your abilities, needs, interests, timings, and location
Dartmoor offers wonderful opportunities for everyone to get out and about:
Trampers/All Terrain Mobility Scooters available for hire on Dartmoor at Devon Cycle Hire, National Trust (Buckland Abbey, Parke & Lydford Gorge) and Plymouth Bike Hire)