Stroll 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 as well as some quiet time 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.
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, on the night of 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. (Route is dependent on weather conditions and group pace).
LOCATION: Saddle Tor car park (next to Emsworthy Mire). National Grid Reference SX748761. Driving directions/any final details will be emailed approximately a week before the walk; please remember to check your junk email folder.
Please car share where possible. Parking is limited on Dartmoor and sharing lessens our impact on the environment. Thank you.
Tickets
FEE: £55 per adult (including hot porridge breakfast, with tea & coffee). Group size is limited so pre-booking is essential.
CANCELLATION: The event will go ahead come rain or shine. Payments are refunded (less the booking fee) for cancellations no less than six weeks before your walk or experience.
If you cancel after the six weeks, we would advise you please try to resell/pass on your ticket and/or we can try to re-sell your ticket (we sometimes have a waitlist although there is no guarantee) we can then offer a credit note for the ticket price (minus the £2 booking fee and minus a £5 admin fee).
You will receive a confirmation email after booking from ‘noreply@bookinghound.com’ - please check your spam/junk folder and email info@dartmoorsdaughter.com if not received
Further Information
WHAT TO WEAR/BRING: Sturdy walking boots; 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.
DOGS - Sorry no dogs.
RISK: Walks and activities are at your own risk. No liability accepted for accidents or incidents.
FACILITATORS: Dartmoor’s Daughter creates walks and nature-connection experiences to enhance health, wellbeing, and performance. We have invited Tony Whitehead to co-facilitate. He has had a lifelong interest in birds and wildlife. And has worked for RSPB for over twenty years in a variety of roles from managing nature reserves, running environmental educations projects to managing the charity's communications in the south west. His passion is for the sounds of birds and how people can be encouraged to connect to nature through listening to and learning the 'language' of wildlife. Tony also runs the field recording label Very Quiet Records.
Yarner Wood is part of the East Dartmoor Woods and Heaths National Nature Reserve managed by Natural England. Dominated by the internationally important western oak wood, there are also birch, scots pine, beech, and larch. Take a look at their blog and website.