DATES
Thu 15th May 2025
-
Mon 19th May 2025
4 nights
This is a beautiful time to explore this mysterious part of South West England in the glorious spring. It is the time of bluebells and warmer weather and a good time for walking. There are even sparkling clean streams to paddle in. For lovers of cream teas you can expect some of those too ! You will be staying in a hotel where Agatha Christie stayed and was inspired to write her first novel. Hopefully you will be inspired too!
SUMMARY
Dates: Thursday May 15th to Monday 19th May – 4 nights with walks on 4 days.
Guide: Alison and Chrissie
Walking Grade: A bit of everything with a focus on 1 and 2 Goats. We will do long, steady walks up to 10 miles/16km but not steep. There will be options to shorten and walk more gently for any 1 Goaters. If the weather is good we may extend walks for the 2 Goaters to longer than 10 miles some days and your guides will discuss with the group each evening. The first day of walking is always a chance to get to know the group and see fitness levels.
Base: The Moorland Hotel, Haytor in the heart of Dartmoor National Park. Agatha Christie wrote her very first novel here and Ava Gardner once stayed here. It is a historic hotel with lovely grounds. You can often see wild Dartmoor ponies roaming near by. This is a beautiful, elegant place to stay with grounds you can relax in pre or post your walks.
Arrivals : For check in at 3pm on Thursday to settle in before a pre dinner briefing with your guide at 5pm.
Departures: Check out is 11am and departure is after a Monday morning walk. Arrange travel for after 14.00.
Nearest Train Station is Newton Abbot a short taxi ride away. There is free car parking at the hotel.
Price: £1500 per person per holiday for solo occupancy in an deluxe ensuite room.
If you bring a partner or friend and share a room the price is £1200 per person.
Includes:
- Ensuite accommodation in a lovely historic hotel – solo occupancy room.
- Breakfast every day
- Dinner at the hotel restaurants every night – the hotel has 2 restaurants.
- 4 x Packed Lunches on Walking days
- Experienced local guiding
- Local transport as required for walks
Not included:
- Transport to Haytor
- Drinks – the hotel bar is open for drinks throughout the day.
DETAILS
Dartmoor National Park is the largest national park in England and known to be shrouded in mystery with many a local legend. You will be staying at a hotel which was itself the home to many a mystery and Agatha Christie wrote here – a place that gave her inspiration! Our guide will help you to discover the history of this area and maybe a local myth or two whilst exploring the beautiful landscape.
Located in Devon this is a real gem in the South West of England. Big skies, forests, moors, wild Dartmoor ponies, rolling hills , iconic granite tors, ancient stone circles, standing stones and cairns. The area has much to offer and over your short holiday you will have the chance to experience the drama and unspoilt wilderness that is hard to find on this scale anywhere else in the south of England. In Spring you have the bluebells which are a wonderful sight – purple colour stretching out across the landscape.
On a clear day from the top of the Tors there are views down to the coast around Tynemouth.
Our hotel is 4 star as we wanted to give you quality, comfort and a little pampering after days out walking. There are two restaurants and we will eat at the hotel every night where you can taste local produce and relax knowing you don’t have far to go after dinner.
ITINERARY
Itinerary – may change depending on the weather and at the discretion of the guide..
These walks are the Goat 2 walks and they will be varied and also others offered for the 1 Goaters.
Arrival Thursday for a 15.00 check in and settle in. There is a briefing with your guides at 17.00 followed by dinner together at the hotel. If you arrive early there are local walks near the hotel.
Day 2: 8 miles. From the hotel we set out to explore and have an introduction to the area to include visiting 5 Tors (the free standing rocks which are a landmark of this area) We start with Bag Tor and Rippon Tor giving us far reaching views down to the coast around Torquay.
Day 3 8 miles:Stroll up to the iconic Haytor Rocks, that stands 4570m above sea level, and scramble to the top for the panoramic views (the scramble will be optional for those who feel comfortable and able for it) We then cross to Saddle Tor before entering Emsworthy nature reserve where there will be carpets of bluebells in May. We will explore the impressive Hound Tor and pass the remains of a medieval village before climbing back up towards Haytor where there is a fascinating disused granite quarry below ground level.
Day 4: 8.5 miles and the longest walking day. A short drive takes us to the deep wooded valley of Lustliegh Cleave. Old Granite cottages set in ancient woodland where Becka Brook runs are all part of the scenery for this varied walk.
Day 5: 3 miles – Departure Day on Monday . A morning stroll from the hotel taking us around the pretty hamlet of Haytor Vale ending with a farewell coffee at the local pub. Arrange departures for after 14.00. If anyone wants a more relaxed morning or an earlier departure let your guide know in advance.
CALL 01784 664063 – EMAIL CONTACTUS@WALKINGWOMEN.COM
