Celebrate the Summer Solstice and Midsummer by walking through an ancient and ritual landscape on Dartmoor. Our intention is to engage and reconnect with the landscape - past, present, and future. We have chosen to walk through 8 stone circles, several stone rows, megaliths and monoliths on an auspicious day near the Summer Solstice as well as Midsummer. Let's gather to honour these places, the time of year, each other, and this wild and ancient landscape that has brought succour to thousands of men, women, children and animals throughout the centuries.
You are also invited for early breakfast at Gidleigh Village Hall so that we can park our cars here, gather early, and have full bellies before setting off in the morning.
Tickets
COST: £35 per adult including breakfast on Sunday morning. Older children 16+ years are welcome if they have sufficient walking experience and fitness. Group size is limited so pre-booking is essential.
Further Information
LEVEL: 4 out of 5. A good level of fitness (and enthusiasm) will be required for the group to keep a good pace and cover the approx 14 miles. We will stop and spend time at each stone circle. There are a few paths to follow on the route but also some rough, open, and occasionally boggy ground plus a few hills and tors to hike up and down for good measure.
WHAT TO BRING: Sturdy hiking boots; sunscreen and warm layers; waterproof jacket and trousers (whatever the forecast); walking poles if you use them, PLENTY of drinking water, snacks, and picnic lunch. You may also want map and compass; drum, or other musical instrument, poems/stories; dowsing rods if you have them, and questions/intution to honour these ancient monuments and see if we can divine answers together. (If you choose to bring offerings to leave at the circles, please only bring swiftly bio-degradable, seasonal, and entirely natural materials that are from or appropriate to Dartmoor with its wildlife and grazing animals.)
Dogs - By arrangement only. They must be under close control or on a lead all day. They will need to be quiet when we gather in the circles as well as well-behaved with people and other dogs, and not chase livestock, or disturb ground nesting birds.
TIME/WHERE TO MEET: 7am for breakfast on Sunday 24th June at Gidleigh Village Hall, Gidleigh, near Chagford, Dartmoor, Devon, TQ13 8HR. Please park and leave your cars here. Grid Reference: SX672 883.
We will leave Gidleigh Village Hall at 7.45am with 1-2 carshares up to the Scorhill Moor Gate (PLEASE DO NOT PARK HERE. This is important so as not to upset the landowner. Thank you.)
Finish time will be approximately 6-7pm depending on our group pace and how long you want to spend in the circles.
CANCELLATION: The walk will go ahead come rain or shine. Sorry no refunds if you are unable to attend.
RISK: No liability accepted for accidents or incidents.