Wild Wanders

Please join us on this walk through Fernworthy Forest, site of one of the largest collection of Neolithic settlements on Dartmoor. We will see numerous remains of settlements, worship and burial sites and other remains.

We will be starting from the Warren House Inn, the third highest pub in England, and with a fire that has allegedly been burning continuously since 1856.

Fernworthy Reservoir is a nature reserve and we should see some interesting bird life.

This is a leisurely walk and as we will be in the forest, we should be well protected from the worst of the elements if, as appears to be the case with all of my walks, the weather turns against us. We will finish at the Warren House Inn for light refreshments and an opportunity to throw a log on the fire.

Please join us for this short 5 mile jaunt along the South West Coast path to enjoy the wonderful views and take in the bracing sea air of Labrador Bay. Starting in Stokeinteignhead village we will head towards the coast and join the King Charles III England Coast Path (who knew?). Along this stretch we will pass through the very scenic Labrador Bay Nature Reserve where we hope to view the winter wildlife and maybe catch sight of the dolphins. Continuing on towards Sheldon, we will stop for a light lunch/snack after which we will drift back towards Stokeinteignhead where we will regroup and compare notes over a beer and crisps at the Church House Inn.

The walk is about 5 miles long, part of which is through the bustling streets of Sheldon. Guests and dogs are welcome.

Admin Notes
There is a small fee of £2 per person for each walk (paid in cash on the day) to cover costs of running the group site on Meetup (£200 pa) and some minor expenses incurred when reconnoitring walks, mostly fuel and a pint.

This is a not for profit group intended as a social event for people who share an interest in the natural world. You are responsible for your own safety and welfare so please come appropriately dressed for a long rural walk taking account of the prevailing weather conditions. Should you participate in any foraging events, it is your own responsibility to identify, to your own satisfaction, anything you plan to eat. Some walks may involve an additional degree of physical challenge. If so, this will be clearly stated in the description. If you then choose to participate in these activities you do so at your risk.

The event we have all been waiting for – The Wild Wanderers Christmas Lunch. We will meet at the Forest Inn at Hexworthy in the heart of Dartmoor and do a short circular walk (3-4 miles) and be back in time for our lunch. The lunch options are Turkey/Beef/Vegetarian/Vegan and the option of one, two or three courses (further details on starters and dessert to follow). Pricing is as follows: main course £15.00, two courses £20.00 and three courses £25.00 (payment details to follow).

At the moment we have limited the places to 20, however if there is a greater demand we can increase the number of places.

Please join us to celebrate the end of another fantastic year for the group and share all the wonderful stories and memories.

Walk 16km
Rating 4 (medium to hard) Please read in full.
This is a fairly long walk and quite challenging . There is a significant stretch of off piste moor walking included within this walk 2km approx. You will need to be in good health and comfortable walking over rough ground.
If you are ok with the above then this walk is well worth the extra effort. I think it is one of the prettiest and most varied rambles that I have put together yet.
The walk kicks off on Heathfield Down outside of Cornwood where there is plenty of free roadside parking. From here we will cross some chequer-board farmland to meet the Yealm at Dendles wood nature reserve. This picturesque stretch of the river boasts some fine plunge pools and tumbles over several small cataracts surrounded by mature oak and beech woodland which is home to a number of rare species. We’ll follow the river to its upper reaches and then cut across Stall moor to the neighbouring watershed of the Erme. Here we’ll pick up the track that accompanies the river down to Piles Copse, One of only two sizeable stands of the ancient oak forest that once covered the high moor, the other being the better known, but no finer, Wistmans Wood. Depending on the state of the river we may ford the Erme here and take a closer look, together with a well deserved rest. There is no bridge so this means wading or finding some stepping stones. You may like to bring some alternative footwear that you don’t mind getting wet. After this its a straightforward 5k stroll down to the Cornwood Inn for a drink before hobbling the last half km to our cars.
Advisory note:
This is a not for profit group intended as a social event for people who share an interest in the natural world. You are responsible for your own safety and welfare so please come appropriately dressed for a long rural walk taking account of the prevailing weather conditions. Should you participate in any foraging events, it is your own responsibility to identify to your own satisfaction anything you plan to eat. Some walks may involve an additional degree of physical challenge. If so, this will be clearly stated in the description. If you then choose to participate in these activities you do so at your risk.
There is a small fee of £2 for each walk to cover costs of the meetup page which is currently £200 per year and also to cover some minor expenses incurred when reconnoitering walks, mostly fuel and a pint.