On Saturday 4 December join a three hour walk to explore the Tin Mines of Yesteryear . This walk visits some of the most beautiful moorland on north-west Dartmoor including Black Rock, Doe Tor Brook and Falls, Foxhole Mine, Brat Tor and Widgery Cross.  Meet at Lydford High Down (Ordnance Survey (OS) grid reference SX 525 854) 10.30 am.

Explore some of Dartmoor's Bronze Age Antiquities on a three hour walk around Bellever.  The walk leaves the Forestry Commission car park at Bellever (OS grid reference SX 656 772) at 10.30 am on 5 December.

On Sunday 12 December , join a Dartmoor Guide on one of the most stunning walks of northern Dartmoor, The Belstone Ring .  Starting from Belstone (OS grid reference SX621 938) at 10.30 am , you will climb to the summit of Cosdon for spectacular views, before descending to Little Hound Tor and Knack Ford.  You will complete the walk by returning to Belstone via Oke Tor and Belstone Tor.  The walk takes about four hours.  Also on Sunday 12 December is a talk at Dartmoor National Park Authority's High Moorland Visitor Centre, Princetown, on the subject of Peat, Powder and Power .  The talk starts at 2.30 pm and lasts one hour.  Wheelchair access is available by telephoning (01822) 890414 in advance.

Enjoy a four hour Moorland Walk on Saturday 18 December in the South Brent area (meet at OS grid reference SX 697 603, 10.30 am ) or a three hour exploration of Devonport Leat and Weir Head from Two Bridges, at 10.30 am , on Sunday 19 December (meet at OS grid reference SX 609 751).  Also on Sunday 19 December is a 6 hour Improver's Navigation course.  Bring an Ordnance Survey Explorer (OL 28) map and a compass if possible, lunch and a drink.  The course starts at 10 am in Princetown (due to the popularity of navigation courses, it is necessary to book a place by telephoning 01822 890414).

On Boxing Day , why not try Darting up the Waterfall ?  This three and a half hour walk, up the beautiful East Dart River from Postbridge, will help work off that Christmas over-indulgence.  Meet at OS grid reference SX 646 788, 10.30 am . 

Christmas at Winter Tor is the title of a four hour walk exploring the East Okement Valley and the influence of people on the landscape.  The walk starts at 10.30 am , on 27 December , from Okehampton Moor (OS grid reference SX 596 924

A Beginner's Guide to Map and Compass , which includes an indoor and outdoor session, takes place on 28 December at Princetown.  This six hour course starts at 10 am .  Please bring a map (see above) and compass if possible, packed lunch and a drink (to book a place telephone 01822 890414).  A four hour Widecombe Wander also takes place on 28 December.  Meet at OS grid reference SX 719 768, 10.30 am , to explore Windtor, Broadbarrow, Natsworthy Gate and Bonehill Rocks.

Join a Dartmoor Guide on 29 December , 10.30 am , for South Moor High , a four hour walk exploring some of the high points of southern Dartmoor, including Snowdon and Ryders Hill (meet at Venford Reservoir, OS grid reference SX 686 713).  On 30 December there is a four hour walk starting from Prewley (OS grid reference SX 543 911) and visiting the highest points on Dartmoor, High Willhays and Yes Tor.  The walk starts at 10.30 am .  A Children's Dartmoor Discovery Trail takes place at Haytor (OS grid reference SX 765 771) at 10.45 am on 30 December .  Follow a map and clues to discover more about the area - and claim a prize!

On New Years' Eve' there are two walks taking place. At 10.30 am , a four hour walk, Water and Stone , explores the Meavy Head and river valley, visiting prehistoric sites, Hart Tor, an aqueduct and Foggintor Quarry (meet at OS grid reference SX 589 735) and at 2 pm enjoy a three hour walk in the Haytor area to Watch the Sun go Down on 2004 (meet at OS grid reference 765 771).

Most walks don't require booking - just turn up and pay the guide at the start - but there are a few which, due to popularity or organisational difficulties, must be booked in advance.

We regret that dogs cannot be allowed in view of the potential hazard to livestock.

To book a walk, please telephone Princetown (01822) 890414 [international = 44 1822 890414], and give details of the walk you wish to join and your name and telephone number.

FREE WALKS OFFER

Arrive at a walk start point by public transport and you may go on

any walk completely free.

Simply show the guide your public transport ticket. (Excludes Navigation Walks)

Prices of the Walks

Adults - up to:

Two Hours                      £3.50
Three hours                    £4.00
Four hours                      £5.00
Six hours & over            £6.00
Navigation Courses       £12:00

Children (under 14)       £1.50
Children's activities      £2.50
Accompanying adults go free. Adult must accompany children under 14.

Ranger Ralph Events. Free to members, £2.50 for non members

Please make sure that you arrive at the start point suitably dressed for the walk you wish to join. The guide may refuse to take you if you are inadequately equipped, as this can effect the safety and well-being of the whole group. You might find wearing jeans uncomfortable and on wildlife walks please do not wear brightly coloured clothes.

1 -2 hour walks : Sensible shoes. The ground may be uneven, but you will not walking far. Showerproof or waterproof jacket and comfortable clothing.

3 - 4 hour walks : Strong shoes, if dry, wellingtons or walking boots if wet. Good waterproofs and comfortable clothing. Snack or packed lunch.

6 hour + walks : Worn in walking boots or comfortable wellingtons. Good waterproofs and carry extra clothing. Take packed lunch.

Summer : Sun hat and extra drink

Winter : For winter walks we recommend that you are equppied with boots, waterproofs, warm clothing, a hot drink and extra food.

Dartmoor Watercolours at the High Moorland Visitor Centre this Christmas

From 3 December 2004, visitors to Dartmoor National Park Authority's High Moorland Visitor Centre, Princetown, will be able to enjoy a superb collection of watercolours by regional artist Jim Allaway.

Jim's inspiration is gained from the beauty and moods of the landscape and in particular the winter, storms, the freshness of snow, the changing light, the tors and the vast skies above.   He is fascinated by Dartmoor's cultural heritage and loves walking and camping on Dartmoor.  The work on display in this exhibition reflects the artist's deep love of Dartmoor and the countryside in general.

Jim is a self taught painter and has been painting Dartmoor landscapes since 1990.  He lives in Bradninch with his wife and three children.

Jim Allaway's Dartmoor watercolours are on display until 19 January 2005.  The High Moorland Visitor Centre, Princetown is open seven days a week, 10 am to 4 pm.  The Centre will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

© Copyright Dartmoor National Park Authority     For full details and additiona; information contact:

DARTMOOR NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY       http://www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk

Dartmoor National Park Authority, Parke, Bovey Tracey, Newton Abbot, Devon, TQ13 9JQ

(01626) 832093 fax (01626) 834684 e-mail communications@dartmoor-npa.gov.uk