The background
Farmland on Dartmoor has been inhabited and cultivated for thousands of years. Today, up to 90% of Dartmoor is used for farming with the cows, sheep, and ponies found on Dartmoor all owned by local famers. The landscapes surrounding Dartmoor’s farms have been shaped by and can tell the story of the people and families who have lived on the individual farms over time. Challacombe is one such farm and is at the centre of our Dartmoor’s Living Landscapes experience.
Although the landscape around Challacombe appears wild and natural, this quiet moorland farm has been inhabited and cultivated for thousands of years. It is currently run by Mark and Naomi – tenant farmers – who are making their own positive mark that future generations will enjoy. Our Dartmoor’s living Landscape experience allows you to walk, explore and visit not only the farm itself but the landscapes surrounding it.
For those looking for a longer walk, we can extend to include Grimspound – the best known of many prehistoric settlements on Dartmoor.
Suitable for
This experience is perfect for individuals and small groups and families with children aged 5+.
Length
Dartmoor's Living Landscapes walking tours can be offered as a half-day or full-day activity throughout the year. It can be undertaken and enjoyed in most weather conditions, unless heavy snow should limit driving conditions.
Group size
This experience has a minimum group size of one. For group sizes larger than six, please get in touch.
Charity
We make a donation per booking to Moor Trees – an independent charity dedicated to restoring native woodland on Dartmoor and in South Devon.
Fitness levels
The difficulty of this experience has been rated as easy or moderate – walk options range from in distance and locations and routes can be adapted for any age.
What to bring / wear
Sturdy walking boots, waterproof jacket and trousers (whatever the forecast), jumper/sweater/warm layers including a woolly hat and gloves at either end of the season, sunhat and suncream in hotter weather and drinks and a snack or lunch depending on the length of the experience.
Dartmoor's Daughter
Our Be A Dartmoor History Hunter experience is run in partnership with Emma Cunis – founder of Dartmoor’s Daughter. Dartmoor has been home to Emma’s family for generations and she’ll bring her genuine love for the area into the experiences – all-immersive that invite you to have a deeper connection with Dartmoor’s land and communities.
Starting Point
Located high on the road between Princetown and Moretonhampstead, the Warren House Inn is said to be the highest pub in southern England. The original inn was said to be built in around 1760 (on the opposite side of the road to the current inn which was built in 1845) and was kept busy with visiting miners, travellers and those working on the close by rabbit warrens. On entering the Warren House Inn, look out for the photos from the winter of 1947 when the inn was cut off for six weeks.
Booking this Experience
This experience has a minimum group size of one. If you would like to arrange for a group larger than six, then please let us know. The cost of this experience is £XX per adult and £XX per child.
To arrange your experience please get in touch using the form below and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. If you would like to arrange this experience for a group larger than six, then contact us to discuss.