Join Dartmoor's Daughter and Dartmoor Skies for an astronomical adventure in the heart of the moorland. Both Jupiter and Saturn will be visible in the sky, and a host of other astronomical wonders to enjoy - this promises to be a memorable night.
We will walk together to a beautiful location and guide you through the night skies and set up large telescopes so you can explore the night sky at your leisure.
Tickets
FEE: £15 per adult. £5 under 16. Family discount 10% for 2 adults with 2 children. Group size is limited so pre-booking is essential. Please note our Cloudy Skies Plan below when booking.
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
We need to retain contact details for 21 days post-walk so please include your contact details (email and mobile/telephone when booking/paying.) And check your emails 12-24 hours before the date.
Location:
Please arrive at 7.45pm ready for 8.00pm walking start at Swallerton Gate car park (near 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). The nearest public toilets are at Haytor Visitors Centre and Widecombe village carpark.
Please car share in your ‘bubbles’ where possible. Parking is limited on Dartmoor. And sharing lessens our impact on the environment. Thank you.
Further Information
WHAT TO WEAR/BRING: Dartmoor is always a degree or more colder than the lowlands, so please wear/bring LOTS of warm layers including hat, gloves, blanket and/or sleeping bag, and bring waterproofs (whatever the forecast); sturdy walking boots; hot drink and snacks; and head/torch with red filter (or a rear bicycle lamp works well). And please bring something waterproof to sit on as the ground at night is damp and cold.
Dogs - Sorry no dogs.
We also recommend bringing personal masks, a pair of disposable gloves, and a personal first aid kit. (From a safety perspective, this offers additional protection against Covid-19 if there were to be an accident and first aid is required by me or the rescue teams. Sorry we know it seems onerous but, given current government guidelines, these are currently being proposed by all guides.)
LEVEL: EASY - approximately 1 mile in open, hilly and rocky moorland
Route is dependent on weather conditions and group pace.
CLOUDY SKIES PLAN: If the weather is unfavourable, we will contact you 12-24 hours beforehand to let you know that we will be implementing our cloudy skies plan instead and going to the Manaton Village Hall https://www.manatonparishhall.co.uk/directions/ . We have planned talks, night skies presentations, and a 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.
CANCELLATION: Payments are refunded (less the booking fee) for cancellations no less than six weeks before your walk or experience.
Dartmoor’s Daughter has received the ‘We’re Good to Go’ Industry Standard Certificate. If you have a cold, flu, cough, temperature or are diagnosed with COVID-19 please do not join the walk. You will be able to transfer your booking to another walk.
RISK: Walks and activities are at your own risk. No liability accepted for accidents or incidents.
DRINKS & DINNER: The Kestor Inn is available for drinks and dinner pre-event - please book ahead. The Kestor Inn, Manaton, TQ13 9UF https://www.thekestor.com/ Telephone 01647 221626. Please support the new owners if you can - Julie & Gary, and James. Thank you.