Group Leader: John R
Venue: Meet on site at start of walk
Day: 1st Thursday, 10:15 for 10:30 start
The South West of England is an ancient and compelling landscape, seemingly very natural but in reality much modified by our predecessors. This legacy is everywhere to be seen; from Bronze Age settlements, quarrying of granite & slate, tinning, excavation of peat & clay, farming and all those transportation resources needed.
We walk between 5 and 8 miles to explore various archaeological and industrial sites in our area. Recent visits to Dartmoor have included; the Lee Moor tramway, Wheal Emma leat, Dartmoor Prison Museum, Tor Royal, Haytor quarries & granite tramway and Heatree Roundhouse. We have also been further afield in Devon and Cornwall to Morewellham Quay, Bodmin quarries, St Austell China Clay Museum and King Edward Mine Museum.
We go fully equipped for walking due to the area’s notorious changeable and unpredictable weather. We take a packed lunch and drinks to sustain us. We can be out on remote open moorland, in pretty woodland or in secluded river valleys. The walking is variable, and can a bit steep at times, but it is always amazing whatever the weather.
Please note that this is not primarily a walking group, there are a number of other groups solely for walking available in Plymouth u3a. The MUD walks group caters for those with a passion for learning about the history and environment of this wonderful area.
Everyone in the group is encouraged to research and lead walks, but you don’t have to be an expert to enjoy MUD!
For further information about Dartmoor from the Dartmoor National Park Authority, see Further Resources.
Everyone in the MUD walks group wants to walk in a safe and secure way, so all members of the group are required to understand and comply with the group’s Walking Safely policy.
Walk details are sent out to group members a week or two beforehand.