Dartmoor Trails - Safety Information, Weather, Firing Ranges and How to get there

Although one can walk over a good part of Dartmoor, it is a wild, extensive place on the moors and if you have not been before or are a novice as a walker or cyclist over distance it is best to stick to the trails to avoid getting lost. If you are a novice try shorter walks or rides to start with. Most of the trails are waymarked, but not all. It is very possible to get lost on Dartmoor, many have died before they were found.

Sat nav gadgets have revolutionized car travel and are now setting their sights on walking/cycling routes. Along with mobile phones they are useful safety devices, but they do not replace the common sense approach of a map and compass and knowing how to use them. Mobile phone coverage on the moor is not too good. Electronic gadgets need batteries, if you are planning to use them then take spares. Make sure your device is charged before you go!

As well tell someone reliable where you are going, your route and what time you expect to get there.

There is an old saying “take a coat when it is dry, please yourself when it is wet”. Rather applies to Dartmoor! A good pair of boots is a good investment for moorland conditions. A bottle of water and a picnic would be handy as would sun cream. Windburn is painful too. A torch would be a good friend if you get lost, at least make you feel better!

The weather on the moor is changeable, sudden thunderstorms are not at all unknown. Waterproofs are handy. Fog can come down quickly – do not forget the animals on Dartmoor can't see in the fog either, a hazard to drivers. Hearing and direction can get disorientated. Weather in one part of the moor can be different to another, Checking the weather before you go is practical. You may well be lucky, there are many days when it is hot and dry.

If, although you have taken all precautions, you do get lost there is the Dartmoor Rescue Group, skilled volunteers based in Asburton, Okehampton, Tavistock and Plymouth. This is when you will be thankful you told someone where you were going, what time you expected to arrive and your route. Of course do not use the website in an emergency! If you can, ring 999 or 112

The Army use Dartmoor as a firing range – a live firing range. Red Flags are posted where this is taking place, not only on the firing range being used, but on prominent hilltops. People are watching to make sure no one strays on to the range accidentally, and this usually works. Firing ranges are indicated by red and white poles.. Do not pick up any army debris you may find. Firing days are published in local newspapers and Tourist Offices have the information.

There are many interesting trails in Devon and those on Dartmoor can be tackled as a holiday walk in themselves or taken in bite size bits as a day out. The trails criss cross each other so a wide variety of different walks are possible holidays or days out. See Walking Trails in Devon

Wildlife abounds in this variety of magnificent scenery or deep wooded valleys.

Cameras are a must for the shutterbugs amongst us. Take your digital and plenty of GB memory space!

Why not leave the car at home. Bring your bike. Most trails are accessible by bike or walking.

Great Western and Virgin accept bikes, but a charge is made and booking may be required. Replacement buses may not be able to carry bikes.

Virgin of course does not travel to the south west, but if you are travelling from the north or Wales you may need this service for the earlier part of your journey. Travelling from London – First Great Western all the way. Cross Country Trains are very useful indeed and run services from Aberdeen to Penzance through Birmingham and to many places besides. For the latest news, fares, timetables and bike bookings see their website.

A much less expensive way of travelling to anywhere in the United Kingdom, and to see the countryside go by, is by National Express coaches. They are comfortable and frequent. Bikes can be carried in the hold if they fold in half and are packed in a proper protective carrying case. A journey planner for train, coach and bus can be found at the Traveline website.

Travel light, but make sure you have some warm clothing. A pretty handy service provided by some accommodation places is a baggage forwarding facility. Not all do so. If you would like it It is vital to let the owners know well ahead if possible.

Stay safe and enjoy your break.