Guide: Jeremy Weiss
Start Location: Newbridge, near Holne, Dartmoor.
Cost: £20 (including refreshements)
Time: 4 hours approx. (09:00-13:00)
Join us for a 13-mile run exploring Dartmoor’s remarkable network of hedges and stone walls. Over the course of around 4 hours, we will make frequent short stops where you’ll learn about their ancient origins, rich biodiversity, and traditional management.
From Newbridge, we will run up the River Dart to Bench Tor and then on to Combestone Tor, where refreshments will be waiting for us. We’ll pass through Bronze Age field systems and then, as we climb to Ryder’s Hill, the highest point on South Dartmoor, we’ll pass ancient tin workings and hut circles.
From here, we’ll descend towards Scorriton, with medieval field systems on either side, and see examples of recently laid and trimmed hedges. We’ll then continue through the village of Holne before dropping back into the Dart Valley for a picnic (bring your own) and swim in the river.
As well as an understanding of the origins and history of Dartmoor’s field boundaries, you also gain knowledge of what makes hedges so valuable for wildlife, what the current threats are to these incredible structures, and how they can be preserved for the future.
The run is 13 miles (21 km) with 2,230 ft (680 m) of ascent. You will need trail shoes, experience of running on uneven ground, and sufficient fitness to complete a half marathon in under 4 hours.
To book a place please click HERE.
Proper Edges - Traditional rural skills, training and consultancy 