Dartmoor Take time to explore an ancient landscape Stay safe and enjoy the moor An outstanding beauty


Dartmoor is free for all to enjoy, but please do so safely, espe- cially if you are walking/hiking. l Plan before you leave – check current and recent weather con- ditions – as after rain areas can be boggy with streams or riv- ers running full; plan alterna- tive routes to use if necessary; should mist come down, turn back. l Plan for ages and abilities of your party; allow rest stops; take water, food and warm drinks with you, plus emergen- cy rations. l Have with you and know how to use large-scale maps


and a compass – there may be no signal to work technology. l Get back home/to your trans- port in daylight – the moor is not a place to be in the dark if you don’t know it! l Let someone know where you lare going and when you expect to return – and tell them you are back safely. l Use stiles or gates to gain access – never climb walls or fences; find bridges or safe crossing points for rivers or take a different route if neces- sary. l Wear sensible clothing – take waterproof outer layers; several


thin layers provide better insu- lation than a single thick layer and you can adjust as required to conditions. l Sturdy footwear offering ankle protection, such as walk- ing boots, help you cope with rough terrain and help prevent you slipping. l Carry everything in a ruck- sack so both hands are free – pop in a first aid kit, torch and whistle. Take your litter home. l Keep your dog under close control and on a lead near live- stock; free roaming moorland animals can be unpredictable so best to steer clear.


The very name of this stunning national park conjures up so many different images... Wild, open countryside, the stuff


of legends; lowland pastures, home to the much-loved Dartmoor pony; spring lambs gambolling on grassy outcrops; majestic, immense granite fingers reaching to the skies; and ancient clapper bridges still bearing the marks of centuries of passing feet and hooves. A landscape which changes with the seasons – glorious, seemingly endless walking country under a summer sun; brooding and full of mystery in winter when it is easy to conjure up the spirit of Conan Doyle – but well worth a visit, whatever the time of year. Dartmoor has


evolved


slowly


over time – discover the different character and nature of the moor as you criss-cross it from low to high level; north to south. This is a living, breathing place


– a haven for wildlife and birds; where traditional ways of life, cus- toms and events are still observed; where the pace of life is unhurried in the scattered towns and villages on the moor with their welcoming pubs.


It is also a home of vibrant arts


and crafts; of music and festivals; of the country’s last-built “castle”... wherever you turn, there is some- thing different and exciting to dis- cover. Take time to enjoy Dartmoor;


to find your special place. It may be a favourite picnic spot by an ancient postbridge; a shady bank where the two rivers meet; or atop a high tor. The national park is there for all to enjoy so please treat it with respect and help preserve it for the generations who will come after us.


Set within a spectacular ancient valley, Dartmoor’s famous Becky Falls has been attracting visitors since 1903. No trip to Devon would be complete without a visit. With a choice of three trails,


Pay a visit to Becky Falls


you can take time to explore more than 50 acres of wood- land rich in wildlife.


Why not try our notoriously fun boulder scramble, and to help children really discover nature, there are explorer back- packs to borrow, and a stamp trail with a prize for every child.


Don’t forget we also have the animals here too. Along with the petting area, we have the Animal Discovery Zone where our more exotic animals live. We offer two hands-on ani- mal encounter shows each day where you can get up close to some of our friendly residents. They could be furry, scaly or


even have eight legs! No ses- sion is the same. Not forgetting the Meet the sessions


Keeper throughout


the day to learn more about the animals from the people who care for them, watch them being fed or enjoying their favourite activities.


At 1pm you can even help feed our meerkats. After all this, relax and treat yourself in our licensed wood- land café and gift shop. There really is something


for all ages, including your dog, who can come too. The best part is all our shows and activities are included in your entrance fee!


Just 15 minutes from the A38! 12


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