What to Expect, what to bring, what to wear.
My guided walks fall into three categories.
Relaxed- this will mean that the vast majority of the walk will be on paths and trails, very steep ascents, serious bogs and rocky bits will be avoided. For example the route from Grimspound to Widecombe or Hay Tor to Hound Tor.
Moderate- These routes will be slightly more challenging. There may be time crossing pathless sections of moor between paths, steeper, rockier and boggier ground may be encountered. The occasional ankle or calf deep splash through streams may be encountered. An example might be the terrain around Wild Tor and Watern Tor or the area around Huntingdon north of the Avon Dam.
Challenging- More challenging outings duration and distance will be longer, a bit more trail-breaking between paths and a higher tolerance of bog and rocky terrain will be required. some fording of larger rivers up to knee deep. Deeper moorland journeys into the heart of the north or south moors the area between Devil's Tor and Rough Tor.
Bring food and drink for the duration of the trip (more drinks in hot weather) and some for emergencies, there will generally be a sit down stop every 90 minutes or so but other breathers will be more frequent as we pause to explore specific sites and sights en route.
Check the weather forecast but allow for Dartmoor surprises. A spare jumper or fleece, hat and gloves are often worth their weight in gold on Dartmoor and waterproof jacket and trousers are essential.
Wear footwear that you are used to walking in- personal preference is key here (I don't mind wet feet so I'll often wear running shoes). Walking boots stand a better chance of keeping you dry but once they are wet they tend to stay that way. Gaiters are a very useful addition and help keep your feet dry and your socks tick free.
Sun cream, hats and insect repellent are good to carry in summer. Dry socks and some blister plasters if you are prone to them. Emergency food and a torch along with a whistle and a plastic or foil survival bag should always be in your backpack on Dartmoor.
In General terms I avoid wearing cotton or denim on the hill as it loses most of its heat retention once it gets wet. Denim has a particularly nasty habit of transferring moisture from ankle level all the way up your legs as you walk through damp grass leaving you uncomfortable and cold.
Please feel free to email if you have any queries and I'll be happy to advise you.
Relaxed- this will mean that the vast majority of the walk will be on paths and trails, very steep ascents, serious bogs and rocky bits will be avoided. For example the route from Grimspound to Widecombe or Hay Tor to Hound Tor.
Moderate- These routes will be slightly more challenging. There may be time crossing pathless sections of moor between paths, steeper, rockier and boggier ground may be encountered. The occasional ankle or calf deep splash through streams may be encountered. An example might be the terrain around Wild Tor and Watern Tor or the area around Huntingdon north of the Avon Dam.
Challenging- More challenging outings duration and distance will be longer, a bit more trail-breaking between paths and a higher tolerance of bog and rocky terrain will be required. some fording of larger rivers up to knee deep. Deeper moorland journeys into the heart of the north or south moors the area between Devil's Tor and Rough Tor.
Bring food and drink for the duration of the trip (more drinks in hot weather) and some for emergencies, there will generally be a sit down stop every 90 minutes or so but other breathers will be more frequent as we pause to explore specific sites and sights en route.
Check the weather forecast but allow for Dartmoor surprises. A spare jumper or fleece, hat and gloves are often worth their weight in gold on Dartmoor and waterproof jacket and trousers are essential.
Wear footwear that you are used to walking in- personal preference is key here (I don't mind wet feet so I'll often wear running shoes). Walking boots stand a better chance of keeping you dry but once they are wet they tend to stay that way. Gaiters are a very useful addition and help keep your feet dry and your socks tick free.
Sun cream, hats and insect repellent are good to carry in summer. Dry socks and some blister plasters if you are prone to them. Emergency food and a torch along with a whistle and a plastic or foil survival bag should always be in your backpack on Dartmoor.
In General terms I avoid wearing cotton or denim on the hill as it loses most of its heat retention once it gets wet. Denim has a particularly nasty habit of transferring moisture from ankle level all the way up your legs as you walk through damp grass leaving you uncomfortable and cold.
Please feel free to email if you have any queries and I'll be happy to advise you.
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