Group Leaders: John R
Venue: Meet on site at start of walk
Day: 1st Thursday, 10:15 for 10:30 start
The Dartmoor area is an ancient and compelling landscape, seemingly very natural but in reality much modified by our predecessors. The MUD walks group caters for those with a passion for learning about the history and environment of this truly wonderful area.
The legacy of Dartmoor’s use is everywhere to be seen; from Bronze Age settlements, the quarrying of granite & slate, tinning, excavation of peat & clay, farming and the resources needed such as canals, leats & tramways. And it’s not just Dartmoor that we look at as we also go to similar areas of activity in both Devon & Cornwall.
We walk between 5 and 8 miles to explore various archaeological and industrial sites in the area. Recent visits have included the following Dartmoor locations; Lee Moor tramway, Wheal Emma leat, Ditsworthy Warren House (War Horse), Wheals Jewel & Betsy, Haytor quarries & tramway and the Heatree Roundhouse. We have also been further afield to Morewellham Quay, Bodmin quarries, the St Austell China Clay Museum and the Calborne King Edward Mine Museum.
We go fully equipped for walking on Dartmoor and district (notorious for it’s changeable and unpredictable weather); we take a packed lunch and drinks to sustain us. We can be on the remote open moorland, in woodland or secluded river valleys. The walking is easy or moderate but occasionally strenuous, but is always amazing whatever the weather.
Please note that this is not primarily a walking group as there are other such groups within Plymouth U3A. Everyone in the group is encouraged to research and lead walks, but you don’t have to be an expert to enjoy MUD!
Walk details are sent out to members of the group a couple of weeks in advance by e-mail.
Upcoming MUD walks:-
March: Follow the Leat 5: the Devonport Leat Below Princetown (John R)
April: Burrator’s Lost Farms (Sarah N)
May: No walk due to U3A long walking holiday
June: Ditsworthy Warren, Drizzlecombe Antiquities & Eylesbarrow Tin Mine (John R)