Sunday, August 2nd, 2009
Dartmoor is a stunningly beautiful area of moorland accented with wooded valleys and wind swept Tors (the old celtic
word for “tower”). A wide-open expanse covering 369 square miles (953 sq. km.), the area features some of the wildest and bleakest country in England. The setting for the Sherlock Holmes’ novel ‘The Hound of the Baskervilles,’ based upon a local legend, this isolated landscape with weather conditions (mist, rain and snow) that can change in minutes, creates a truly natural spectacle - ‘nature’ at its best.
Prehistoric remains are found all over the moor, though exact dates of many of them are often in dispute. Any walk across the moor is likely to lead you to the remains of old stone buildings from Dartmoor’s industrial past. Ancient clapper bridges - crossing streams and rivers, stone crosses; barrows, standing stones, circles, tumuli and cairns all contribute to the wealth features to be enjoyed on Dartmoor.
Dartmoor is a haunted and enchanting place, and can become very busy on the most popular routes during the summer months. The vagaries of the local weather, particularly the mist which can descend without warning mean that whenever you venture away from the roads that traverse the moor it is essential that you have a good map, appropriate clothing, compass and whistle.
Dartmoor was designated as one of the National Parks of England and Wales in 1951. The National Park is named after the River Dart, whose source rises on the moor, with the West and East Dart rivers merging to form the River Dart at Dartmeet.
Though the majority of the Dartmoor National Park lies over a granite plateau - 600m above sea level, rising to a height of 621m, the park also includes the some of the beautiful surrounding Devon countryside. Rich fertile lands to the north and south of the moor, known as the “Hams”, have been formed over older marine sediments and volcanic rocks from the Devonian and Carboniferous age; contrasting sharply with stark landscape of the upland granites.
There are many attractions to visit in the Park. English Heritage and the National Trust have many properties throughout the area, including the Finch Foundry, Castle Drogo and the dramatic Lydford Gorge. 
At Princetown, in the very centre of the moor, you will find Dartmoor’s most famous (infamous) building - the grim edifice of Dartmoor Prison. Princetown is also the home of the Dartmoor National Park High Moorland Visitor Centre. The Centre has a wealth of information.
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Sunday, August 2nd, 2009
The South West Way coastal footpath follows the entire coastline of Cornwall. It can be joined at points all around West Cornwall. The coastline between St Ives and Pendeen is particularly spectacular if you fancy a walk. For a spectacular introduction to the scenery of West Cornwall, try the following walks. They really are ‘off the beaten track’ and you’ll definitely avoid the crowds;
Meanabilly (41/2 miles)
Embarking from Fowey through Daphne DuMaurier country, this walk passes the light house at Gribben Head and follows the coast to Polkerris Cove, where you might enjoy a light repast at the Rashleigh Pub. If you time it right, you may even witness a pair of salt water swans take flight over the open ocean!
Hall Walk (4 miles)
Launching from Polruan by Fowey,to Boddinick you’ll follow the River Fowey a short way to Pont Creek, follow the creek through some remarkable and enchanting countryside, crossing over Pont Bridge on your way! You may even be accompanied by a cat or two making sure you don’t stray from the path!
Gurnard’s Head (2 miles)
Park at the Gurnard’s Head Hotel on the ‘main’ St Ives to St Just road (B3306) and follow the lane beside the pub into the small village of Treen. Take the path on the left next to the Coastguard house and follow it across several fields towards the sea. After 1/2 mile you will see the rugged promontory which is ‘Gurnard’s Head’. To the trained eye, the remains of a 2000 year old Iron age cliff castle can be discerned on the headland itself. The views along the coast from the headland are breathtaking. Great place to relax and have a secluded picnic.
Chun Castle (2 1/2 miles)
Short walk providing magnificent rural views over West Cornwall, a ruined Iron age hillfort and a bronze age burial chamber (c. 5000 years old). From Penzance bypass, take Heamoor road and follow road through Madron and on towards Morvah. 1/2 mile past Lanyon Farm take second road on left (signposted ‘Great Bosullow’). Follow road for a mile (ignoring the left turn which leads to Great Bosullow) and park at Bosullow Farm. Follow path (marked by white stones) up hill to hillfort. The inner part of the fort is a great place to relax in the sun and have a picnic. See if you can find the iron age well. After visiting the fort walk along the crest of the hill to the west until you reach the well-preserved Chun Quoit ancient burial chamber. Follow the same path back towards the car.
Porthgwarra - Land’s End (7 miles return)
Excellent coastal walk, with rugged cliffs, opportunities to see seals and sea-birds, a sheltered cove and the attractions of Land’s End. Take B3315 from Newlyn to St Levan. Take next left after Porthcurno turning signposted ‘Porthgwarra’. Park at Porthgwarra car park and walk up the hill towards the coastguard station. Follow coastal footpath from here to the west and keep on path until you reach Land’s End - you will be able to see the Land’s End Hotel in the distance. On the way you pass the huge cliffs of Gwennap Head, Cam Les Boel Iron age cliff castle, Nanjizal beach (see ‘Beaches’), the Armed Knight (arched rock in the sea) and Land’s End itself. The scenery is so good and peaceful that Land’s End almost seems an anticlimax. Note: This is a remote, unspoiled part of Cornwall with no amenities or shops until you reach Land’s End - please take drinks & food with you. The tiny shop at Porthgwarra sells soft drinks and good pasties.
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