Dartmoor Social Walk | 10th October

Join BMC Southwest Hill Walking Representative Julie Woodman for a relaxed social walk from Princetown to Foggintor Quarry. The route follows mainly broad tracks and the old Princetown railway line, with gentle gradients and relatively little ascent.

We will pause at Foggintor to explore the quarry landscape and the remains of the former quarry workers' settlement nearby. The walk combines accessible Dartmoor walking with an opportunity to discover some of the area's industrial and social history. It is intended as a steady, sociable outing rather than a strenuous hill day.

We’re excited to welcome you for a memorable day in the outdoors!

Meet The Leader

Julie is the BMC Southwest Hill Walking Representative and a qualified Mountain Leader, Hill and Moorland Leader and NNAS Tutor. A regular hillwalker and trail runner across Dartmoor, she has extensive local knowledge of the moor and spends much of her free time exploring its paths, tors and more remote areas.

She also regularly walks in the mountains of North and South Wales, the Lake District and Scotland. Julie leads and supports Duke of Edinburgh expeditions across Dartmoor and the wider South West and volunteers with the Scouts, helping young people develop confidence, navigation skills and experience in the outdoors.

She is particularly interested in making hill walking accessible and welcoming, supporting people to build the skills and confidence to explore upland environments safely and independently.

Walk Details

Walk Grading: Easy

Distance: Approx 6 km (3.5 miles)

Ascent: 40 m (130 ft)

Duration: Approximately 3 hours

If you or anyone in your party can’t attend after booking, please let us know so we can offer the place to others

Meeting Details

Time: Saturday 10th October, 09:50 am for a 10:00 am start

Location: Princetown Car Park, Tavistock Road, Princetown, Yelverton, PL20 6QF

OS Grid Ref: SX 588 735

Google map pin: Princetown Car Park

Parking: Pay & display. Current Dartmoor National Park charges are £3.50 for up to 3 hours and £5.80 for over 3 hours, charged daily between 10:00 and 18:00

Please check out the BMC Liftshare service

Facilities: Public toilets, cafés, pubs and small shops are available in Princetown

Public Transport: Public transport to Princetown is limited, particularly on Sundays. Participants should check the latest timetable before travelling

What to Bring

We’ll cover a range of terrains, so please ensure you are well-prepared with appropriate gear

Footwear: Sturdy, water-resistant walking boots or shoes with good grip. Tracks can be wet, muddy and uneven.

Clothing: Dress in layers and bring full waterproofs. Dartmoor weather can change quickly; bring a warm layer, hat and gloves.

Food and Drink: Bring enough food and water for a full day’s walk; there will be no places to purchase refreshments en route

Other Essentials: Any personal medication, sun cream and a small torch or head torch for emergencies. Walking poles are optional.

Who Can Attend

Anyone, under 18's must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Well behaved dogs are welcome but must be always kept under close control, please indicate on your booking if you will be bringing a dog

Health Precautions: If you have any health conditions that might impact your participation, please inform us in advance. Carry any required medications, and let the walk leader know if assistance may be needed in accessing them

If you are unsure of your ability or would like advice regarding kit and suitability for this walk, please email the leader in advance

This walk incurs a £2 donation fee towards the Access & Conservation Trust. If you are unable to pay this fee, please contact us in advance, and we will anonymously include you for free

This route enters a former quarry with uneven rubble, ruins, steep drops and deep water. Participants must follow the leader's instructions, remain on the agreed route and keep well back from quarry edges and water

BMC Participation Statement

The BMC recognises that climbing, hill walking and mountaineering are activities with a danger of personal injury or death. Participants in these activities should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions and involvement

Photographs may be taken by the leader for future communications about the programme. If you do not wish for your photograph to be taken please let the leader know in advance or at the start of the walk

By participating in this walk you agree to act in a kind and inclusive manner. Bullying, discrimination or the use of foul language will not be tolerated.

Questions

Feel free to contact BMC Hill Walking Rep, Julie: swhillwalking@gmail.com