West Dartmoor - Xtra Info

Bits that are missing from the other bits!

Walking Dartmoor

Essentials

Firstly, unless you are with a guide please

ALWAYS

• We do have a Dartmoor Mountain Rescue Group which is regularly called out to help those in trouble. These are all volunteers and unpaid!
  They often risk their lives, especially in winter, to bring the foolhardy and stupid home to safety. Remember, they are a VOLUNTEER organisation and rely entirely on donations to function. They are all fully trained in all aspects of Mountain Rescue procedures. They can be your lifeline.

Don't place your self in a position where you need their help because of your foolishness. If you need rescuing because of a genuine accident then they are proud to help you.
They work in conjunction and in accord with the Devon & Cornwall Police Authority.

Secondly, always dress properly for the occasion!

This may seem self-evident but far too often people enter on to the moor dressed in clothes more suitable for a walk in a city park or paved streets. They risk a sprained ankle at best and a broken leg at worst. Try walking through the Dartmoor clitters with a broken ankle. You have been warned!

• You must have stout shoes or boots. Thin casuals or "yuppy" green wellies are an absolute No-No!
  
• Wear or carry ample clothing to cope with the prevailing weather. What seems to be a soft gentle breeze as you leave your car can be a very cold wind when you reach the top of a tor or hill.

Carry a light rucksack with a spare pair of socks and very light-weight waterproofs.

• Most light rucksacks are not waterproof! If you want to make it waterproof then put a plastic carrier bag or a bin liner - (a trash-can liner to our American friends) inside first. It is amazing how a gentle drizzle can soak into that nice dry pair of socks you were going to change into at the next stopping place.

Some candy or raisins or chocolate bars are good for energy and emergency rations if you have to stay out all night. Some people carry water purifying tablets but I have always managed to drink the river waters, even if they do taste rather strongly of peat. If you have a weak tummy then its "tabs" for you I suggest.

• A map is essential - unless you can't read a map. If you can't then don't go out of sight of your car. The mists for which Dartmoor is famous can come down in seconds and you can be lost immediately. Learn to read a map and how to use a compass. Also learn to trust your compass once you have learned!

I have never been really lost in the fog but....... I was once "locally disorientated" for at least an hour. I didn't take a bearing because I knew roughly where I was and where I was going.... truthfully!....I didn't and I wasn't!
I was only half a mile from the road at the time!

• Jeans are useless as walking clothes as they chafe after a while and are awfully heavy when wet.
• Lightweight cotton which dries quickly is better.
• A pair of water-proof leggings will stop the gorse from scratching your legs. Army surplus camouflage trousers are good - and relatively cheap too!

Of course if money is no object then a set of Gortex jacket and trousers are the thing. They will cost well over £100 but will certainly keep you warm and dry. Some Gortex and similar gear will keep out the wildest of storms but this is only neccessary if you intend to do winter trekking or survival training. We don't advise you being that adventurous - certainly not to start with.

I assure you that other than in very dry summers it is extremely unlikely that you will come off the moors with dry feet. The numerous bogs and streams will ensure that. Place clean dry socks in a plastic freezer bag and seal it!.

Another essential item

• - is a whistle of some sort in case of emergencies.

  The code is six long blasts followed by a period of one minutes silence - then six more long blasts. Repeat until you are discovered.
  The reply to your distress call will be three long blasts and means that someone has heard you.
  Continue with your 6 blasts, one minutes silence, 6 blasts routine until you actually see your rescuer.
  Lets hope that you never have to use it.
  (Grateful acknowledgement to Dave Smale for the info on whistle codes.)

A torch can be useful if there is a chance of being caught out overnight.

• Don't clutter yourself up with too much gear though or you won't enjoy the walk.

Most seasoned letterboxers carry the essential items listed above. They are the experts - be guided by them and enjoy the day out!

• West Dartmoor is a farming area. Dogs are better kept on a lead. If your dog is seen worrying sheep at any time it can legally be shot!

Don't expect to buy fresh milk from farms - they are not allowed to sell you any. They have to buy their milk from the milkman or the local supermarket just like you do!

• If you find a field gate shut then shut it after you have gone through. If you find one open - leave it open - the farmer is probably coming along on his tractor any moment and expects to find it open. You'll save many frayed tempers and gates that way!

Horses have the "right of way" on all roads at all times. Don't expect the horse rider to back up.

The best time of year to come to West Devon is in the spring when all the hedgerows are ablaze with colour. We purposely don't cut our grass verges so that the flowers can thrive. We don't use weedkiller either!

All fresh water fishing requires a National Rivers Authority Licence. To fish a particular water or lake you may need an additional permit. The licence may be purchased from Post Offices.

In general - follow the Country Code!