Gentle walk from sunset to sunrise with Dartmoor’s Daughter and Tony Whitehead to experience the extraordinary soundscape that is Dartmoor. Some of you will love the dark, some may fear it. Join our small group for a slow and immersive meander in the moonlight up tors, down valleys, and along riverbanks with plenty of sitting/lying down spots along the way to rest and drink it all in.
As well as stunning vistas and changing sun-and-moon-light, we hope to hear, and possibly see, churring nightjars, tawny owls, skylarks (they sometimes sing at night), buzzard, blackbird, song thrush, mistlethrush, meadow pipit, stone chat, linnet, yellowhammer, great spotted woodpecker, raven, jay, blackcap, and, if we’re lucky, a curlew.
Tickets
FEE: £45 including porridge breakfast. Group size will be small to ensure enjoyment and safety, so pre-booking is essential. A donation from all walks will be given to Donate for Dartmoor and the Dartmoor Search and Rescue Teams.
Further Information
Date: Saturday 9th May evening through to Sunday 10th May morning
Time: 7.15 pm for a 7.30pm walking start. Finish at 7.30am
Location: Saddle Tor car park (next to Emsworthy Mire. This is the 2nd car park on the left after Hemsworthy Gate cattlegrid travelling towards Haytor. Or coming from Haytor top car park, it’s the 2nd car park on the right. Grid Reference SX748761. The nearest postcode is the Haytor Visitors Centre but please don’t rely on this to take you to the exact location. Car parking is limited so we encourage car sharing. Please let us know if you can offer or need a lift.
Level: Moderate. Approximately 4-5 miles. We will be walking slowly but you will need a reasonable level of fitness and should feel comfortable walking in hilly moorland terrain. And, just before the full moon, WE AIM TO WALK WITHOUT TORCHES as much as possible so that we can truly experience the magic of the night as well as create as little disturbance as possible for the birds, other wildlife, and livestock.
What to wear/bring: LOTS of warm layers including hat & gloves; waterproof hat & trousers (whatever the forecast); something to sit on (or a sleeping bag/blanket to sit/lie in - there will be several sit spots through the night and it can get cold); binoculars if you have them; a (head)torch with spare batteries; walking poles if you have them; drinks/flask and snacks.
Sorry no dogs.
Cancellations: The walk will go ahead come rain or shine. It will only be postponed in the event of dangerous weather or high winds. Please check your emails 12-24 hours prior.
Risk: No liability accepted for accidents or incidents.