Dragon legends exist across Dartmoor. Tin-miners reported seeing ‘dragon’s breath’ or 'Will-o'-the-wisp' vapours. The dragon at Becka Brook liked to make a lunch out of the local farmer’s sheep and cattle. Lone travellers feared to walk too near the dragon’s lair at O’Brook in case they were eaten. And 'dragon's breath' is the misty tendrils that curl up through the trees.
As well as living on the earth's surface, dragons also live deep down below us. Ancient energy pathways snake their way around the world - 'Serpent Lines' in Britain; 'Songlines' in Australia; 'Invisible Black Thread Laid Down by the Earth Mother' in the Sierra Nevada; and 'Dragon Lines' in China. An expert from 'Devon Dowsers' will teach you how to dowse with metal rods and pendulums to see if we can find water, archaeology, and earth energy/serpent lines.
Tickets
FEE: £25. Everyone will be supplied with a pair of metal rods to learn and practice dowsing - you are welcome to purchase (at cost) at the end of the walk if you wish. A small portion of your fee will be donated to Donate for Dartmoor and the Dartmoor Search and Rescue Teams.
Further Information
Level: Easy - the walk will be approximately 3 miles on open moorland. We will follow some paths but also walk across some tussocky and rocky areas, and up and down hills.
What to wear/bring: Sturdy walking boots; plenty of warm layers including hat and gloves; waterproof jacket and trousers (Dartmoor weather is unpredictable), drink and picnic lunch. Please bring dowsing rods if you have them. Everyone will be supplied with a metal pair to learn and practice with which you are welcome to purchase (at cost) at the end of the walk.
Where to meet: 10.45am meet for 11am prompt start at Swallerton Gate car park (under Hound Tor). Grid Ref SX739792. 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.
Cancellation: The walk will go ahead in all weathers except strong winds which makes dowsing difficult. Please check your emails (including spam folder) 12-24 hours prior to our walk. Sorry no refunds if you change your mind about attending.
Risk: Walks and groups are at your own risk. No liability is accepted for accidents or incidents.