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. The Visitors Centre guide will tell us about the caves geology and history of the animals bones that included spottd hyena, bison, hippopotamus, extinct rhino, wolf, red fox, brown bear, badger, wild cat and lion, wild boar, giant as well as fallow dear, and straight-tusked elephants. And then Dartmoor’s Daughter will walk us up through an ancient track to the burnt out Buckfast Church which has a fascinating history and was part of the inspiration for Conan Doyle's 'Hound of the Baskervilles' novel. Along the way we will forage a few wild edibles to make a salad to share for our lunch together as our hunter-gatherer ancestors might have done. There is also a wealth of information in the visitors centre which you are welcome to visit after our walk together.
Tickets
Price: £10 per adult. £5 per child.
(older, engaged children only please)
The Pengelly Trust was established in 1962 to further the study of caves and to promote the conservation of the cave environment. 50% of your fee goes to the trust to continue their good work.
This cave system is an important winter hibernating site for Greater and Lesser Horseshoe Bats so is closed from mid September until after Easter. The cave may be visited by the general public as a part of the Guided Walks scheme on Wednesdays and Thursdays in August every year at 11am and 2pm.
Further Information
Meeting time & location: 10.15am for 10.30am start at the Pengelly Centre, Russets Lane, Buckfastleigh, TQ11 0DY
Level: 1 out of 5.
What to wear/bring: Sturdy walking shoes; plenty of warm layers; waterproof jacket and trousers; packed lunch, snacks, and drinks.
Cancellation policy: The event will go ahead come rain or shine. Sorry no refunds if you are unable to attend.
Risk: No liability accepted for accidents or incidents