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Hosts: Andrew & Lorraine Pope |
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Whatever your hobbies or interests we believe there really is something for everyone here on Dartmoor. Scenery, walking, cycling, riding, climbing, kayaking, photography, letterboxing, attractions, places to see, things to learn - the list is possibly endless! Being in the centre means it's not far to anywhere or anything in and around Dartmoor National Park and along with the park information centres we are more than pleased to help you find things and organise your short break or holiday.
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| Walking- long or short, challenging or easy |
Possibly the most common activity on Dartmoor, walking can certainly be challenging , often wet , and cold sometimes but it is always a pleasure - at least it should be! I will go to great lengths to ensure that our guests are well prepared for the walks they intend to do as we rather like them to come back unbroken and happy. There are many books and pamphlets of walks and I'm not about to start writing my own just yet, however I do have favourites which can be started and finished here at Beechwood. Take a look at some of the external web links for details of walks on Dartmooor including the diary of guided walks organised by the DNPA and those which are free for Beechwood guests organised the the Dartmoor Preservation Association.
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| Letterboxing- a curiously addictive Dartmoor supplement! |
Letterboxing is an outdoor pursuit with similarities to orienteering. A small pot (the letterbox) containing a stamp and visitors' book is hidden on the moor, and a clue is written to lead others to its position. Clues may be as simple as a map reference and list of compass bearings, or may be more cryptic. When a letterbox is found, the letterboxer takes a copy of the stamp, as well as leaving their own personal print in the visitors' book. Letterboxing began on Dartmoor but is now popular in areas all over the world.
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| Cycling - many on road routes and off road tracks |
Whether you’re a passionate pedaller or just a casual cyclist Dartmoor has everything you could wish for - safe, traffic-free trails and quiet forest tracks, steep rugged off-road routes for keen mountain bikers, and historic rural lanes to enjoy at your own pace. You’ll find pre-planned routes in the many leaflets and guides available, ranging from the marathon 90-mile circular Dartmoor Way to family rides suitable for all ages. If you want to get away from the beaten track, the Off Road Cycling Map is invaluable, with all routes graded. We have plenty of safe, dry storage for cycles and gear and we operate a small cycle hire business from Beechwood, "High Dartmoor Cycle Hire".
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| Horse Riding - for novices and the experienced |
Almost all who ride horses and ponies, and we cannot include ourselves I'm afraid, would agree that riding across Dartmoor is hard to beat. You can ride out on the open moor, provided that it’s common land, trot along woodland trails and bridleways, or even follow in the hoofprints of ancient medieval traders along historic byways linking towns and villages. For the open moors however, it is most important that you know what you are doing. If you don’t have your own horse, or you're a novice in the saddle, there are first-class stables around the moor offering you a good horse, tuition and an experienced guide.
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| Photography - everywhere you look there's a picture |
There are some pretty fantastic places around the country for keen photographers, Dartmoor is just one of them but, oh what a place! The landscape, the wildlife, the antiquities, the "chocolate box" buildings and villages around - everything you want all in one place. There are quite a few people who make their living from photography and even more perhaps who more than enthusiastic amateurs. Do take a look at our small gallery of Dartmoor pictures, some efforts by me, Andrew Pope and some from more notable photographers such as Ross Hoddinott, Chris Chapman and John Curgenven and follow the links to those who have their own web sites. There are also some handpicked photo's taken by Beechwood guests.
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| Tourist Attractions - history, family, arts & crafts |
Dartmoor, like most other top holiday destinations has many exciting attractions for its visitors, from Postbridge all are within an easy car journey. Historical sites and properties, arts & crafts centres, and Dartmoor museums along with attractions designed for families are open through the season (March to October) and many are open all year round. The National Trust has four properties on the edges of Dartmoor and the monks of Buckfast Abbey welcome visitors to join services and enjoy the tranquility of their monastery. The Garden House at Yelverton and Stone Lane Mythic Gardens near Chagford are a both musts for garden lovers and Edwin Tucker & sons (nationally renowned seed suppliers) are at Ashburton.
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| Climbing - climbing |
Dartmoor offers plenty of opportunities for climbing and granite bouldering. Popular sites are The Dewerstone, Haytor, Hound Tor, Leigh Tor and Foggintor Quarry. Whether as an individual or as a group you should be aware of where you are allowed to climb and what special care you may have to take in the National Park. Spirit of Adventure at Powdermills offer courses on climbing for novices and more experienced and also do training and assessment for Mountain Leader. They also offer Rock Climbing Adventure days where individuals, friends or familes can simply "have a go" to see if they like it or not.
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| Kyaking and Canoeing - white water of the River Dart |
The River Dart is the most popular kayaking and canoeing destination in the National Parka nd many consdier the white water to be amongst the best mid grade runs in the west.
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"Every now and then I get an urge to go stomping around the Moors in inappropriate footwear, so i have to get on a plane and fly all the way to Postbridge - of course i will only stay at Andrew & Lorraine's!
We love you guys and we will see you both again soon. Thanks for another wonderful stay! "
- P & K and W, Washington State
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Free walks, talks and other activities with the Dartmoor Preservation Association
Dartmoor-npa.gov.uk |
An excellent web site with good clear descriptions of the walks on Dartmoor. Very useful for finding out about specific areas too.
richard kinghts walks |
THE letterboxing web site
dartmoor letterboxing |
Mountain bike holidays and guided tours in the heart of Dartmoor
www.bike-dartmoor.co.uk |
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Cholwell Riding Stable for novice & experienced riders. Qualified tuition available. All rides are escorted. Recommended by Beechwood guests cholwell stables
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Skaigh stables near Belstone. Ride where there are no metalled roads. For intrepid and adventurous riders
skaigh stables.co.uk
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A superb web site to help you develop your own skills produced by a friend of many years, John Curgenven FRPS
better-photographs.com
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A Postbridge photographer Sue Murphy who can often be found selling her images at the local Postbridge market
dartmoorphotographs
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The National Trustin Devon has details of their properties along with opening times on the web site
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
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Rock climbing taster days, courses and training at Spirit of Adventure. Canoing and kyaking courses and family days
spirit of adventure
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