Stories about the stars can be found all across the world and throughout history including in Greek mythology; by the Aborigines in Australia; the Tupi people in Brazil; and the 'star people' or Lakota in North America say they brought spiritual teachings, stories and maps of the cosmos which they then offered freely.
Dartmoor's Daughter will lead us on a gentle walk up to Hound Tor and introduce the Dartmoor context followed by Dartmoor Skies who will guide you through the visible constellations and set up telescopes so you can explore the night sky at your leisure.
This walk has been designed to coincide with International Dark Sky Week - http://www.darksky.org/dark-sky-week-2018/ and Dartmoor National Park Authority will be hosting the Dartmoor Skies photography exhibition from Tuesday 17th April until Tuesday 5th June inclusive at the National Park Visitor Centre in Princetown. Featuring work by four local photographers the exhibition will highlight the special quality of Dartmoor’s dramatic skies. The visitor centre is open daily from 10am until 5pm.
If the weather isn’t favourable, our back up plan will be tea and talks with slides and a quiz at the nearby Kestor Inn where we will bring the telescopes out if the weather clears at any point during the evening.
Tickets
PRICE: £12 per adult. £5 under 16. Family discount 10% for 2 adults with 2 children. To book
Further Information
WHAT TO BRING: Snacks, drinks, sturdy walking boots, plenty of warm layers, waterproof jacket & trousers, something to sit on, (head)torches with red film covers (this helps our eyes adjust so that objects in the night sky are easier to see) or rear bicycle lamps. (Please take home everything you bring with you - Dartmoor is a unique moorland environment with livestock, wildlife and fauna so we aim to leave no trace please.)
MEETING TIME & PLACE: Please arrive at 7.45pm ready for an 8pm start at Swallerton Gate car park (near Hound Tor). Grid Ref SX 739 792. The car park is approximately 2 1/2 miles west of Haytor Vale on the B3387 - from this direction, turn right to Hound Tor & Manaton. Continue for 1 1/2 mile (approx.) to Swallerton Gate car park to the right.
Nearest postcode for SatNav is TQ13 9XG (approx location only). Car sharing is encouraged please. There are no public toilets here.
LEVEL: 1 out of 3. The walk is a short uphill stroll with some rocky sections where we will then sit together to enjoy talks and viewing through telescopes.
DINNER: The nearby Kestor Inn has tables available for dinner before our event at 8pm but you will need to book before Tuesday this week please - The Kestor Inn, Manaton, TQ13 9UF http://www.kestorinn.com/index.html Please telephone Wendy or Maurice to book - 01647 221626.
Any drinks or dinner at The Kestor Inn are payable directly to the owners.
Dartmoor Skies is a charity that aims to inspire people about astronomy and science. 50% of the event profits go towards their funding and equipment - http://dartmoorskies.org
Dartmoor's Daughter creates walks and nature-connection experiences to enhance health, wellbeing and performance. All on the ancient, wild and beautiful land of Dartmoor.
WET WEATHER/CLOUDY SKIES PLAN: If the weather is unfavourable, we will contact you the evening before or morning of our walk to let you know that we will be going to the local Kestor Inn instead - they have kindly offered their private dining room to our group. We have planned talks, presentations, and quiz. Then if the weather clears during our evening, we can still go out into the garden with our telescopes. Please keep an eye on your emails (and spam folder) just in case...
BOOKING: Group size is limited to pre-booking is essential.
Cancellation: This event will go ahead whatever the weather. Sorry no refunds if you are unable to attend.