Dartmoor Walking Weekend

Organiser – Gary Box
Where – Hornicombe Manor, St Anne’s Chapel, Callington, Cornwall, PL17 8JW
When – September 21st-24th September 2012 (3 nights)
Cost – £68.00 (includes 3 nights accommodation and all guided walks)

Summary

Dartmoor National Park with its ancient woodland, granite tors and vast moorland is the perfect place to really get away from the hectic London life. This weekend we will be staying in 2 lodges at Hornicombe Manor which is just to the west of the park in a place called Callington. The Roseland lodge has 1 double bed and 2 twin beds and can also has a sofa bed in the lounge. The Liskeard lodge has 1 double bed and 2 twin beds. We will bring DVD’s and the Nintendo Wii for some evening entertainment. The resort also has an indoor heated pool, sauna, gym and on-site restaurant.

For the walks we will take in some of the best scenery on offer. On Saturday we will start close to the village of Shagford. From here will follow the River Teign until we reach some woods where we turn left on the Hunter’s Path. The route passes Castle Drogo which might be a good place to stop for a break to allow people the chance to visit this National Trust property which was designed by Lutyens. The route continues East to the village of Fingle where we can stop at The Fingle Bridge Inn for a drink on the terrace which overlooks the River Teign. The return route follows the River Teign all the way back to our start point. The Teign Gorge is considered to be spectacular.  In total the route is just over 7 miles and will take little more than 3 hours to complete. Since this walk is likely to be finished early we will visit Tavistock which was once the world’s major copper producing area. The town which is on the River Tavy has a number of old fashioned specialist shops and the best Farmer’s Market in the South West where local produce can be purchased.

On Sunday our walk will start close to Burrator Reservoir. At just over 6 miles this will offer great view of the reservoir, Devonport Leat and extensive views from the top of two tors, Leather Tor and Sharpiter Tor. After the walk has finished we will go for a complete change of scenery and visit the coastline near Saltash. Besides the chance to look at Brunel’s famous bridge which spans the River Tamar we can visit one of the local beaches, either at Kingsand or Whitsand Bay.

On Monday once we leave the accommodation we will make our way back to London perhaps stopping at either Plymouth, Exeter or Bristol to stretch the legs and see some sights.

What to bring

• Towel & Toiletries
• Gym clothes or swimming costume (if you want to use facilities at accommodation)
• Hiking clothes and boots
• Sun screen
• Camera