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HotSW LEP supports rural economy with £5,000 for new Dartmoor walking routes

A series of ‘Welcome to Dartmoor’ walking routes have been launched by DNPA to introduce people to Dartmoor’s history, heritage and habitats.

The routes have been developed to encourage less confident walkers explore the National Park and understand the landscape they’re seeing.

The project has been funded with £5,000 from the Heart of the West Local Enterprise Partnership (HotSW LEP) to support the rural economy and tourism.

Welcome to Dartmoor walking routes also support National Park businesses; each walk provides opportunities for people to eat and drink locally and to make it part of their Dartmoor experience.

Routes vary in distance, from 3km to a more energetic 10km, and can be downloaded for free from Dartmoor National Park’s  website.

There are six routes to choose from:

  • Princetown (3km) – An easy access route that takes you on top of the moors to South Hessary Tor where people can soak in the wide expanse of the moors and far reaching views.
  • Ilsington (5km) – A wander through a timeless village and stunning green lanes with views of Haytor Rocks in the distance.
  • Hexworthy (5km) – A walk with one steep climb, taking in historic farmsteads, medieval packhorse routes and a landscape steeped in tin mining history.
  • Dartmeet (5.5km) – An exploration of the river valley of the East Dart with ancient river crossings and opportunities to learn more about Dartmoor’s mining past.
  • Buckfastleigh (5.8km) – Meander through Buckfastleigh and the Abbey village of Buckfast, discovering interesting features such as weavers’ cottages and church ruins.
  • Four Villages, near Okehampton (10km) – a longer circular walk through South Tawton, South Zeal, Sticklepath and Belstone with plenty of options for a pub pit-stop along the way.

“Lots of people are discovering and rediscovering the joys of walking, both for mental and physical good health. These routes are a perfect way for people to discover a little more about these places and enjoy food or drink in one of the local businesses too.”

 Karl Tucker, Chair of the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership said:

“Preserving and enhancing our natural capital is integral to the LEP’s work to develop the rural economy and tourism.

“We’re keen to support our partners at Dartmoor National Park Authority in bringing increased enjoyment and understanding of the landscape and its heritage to local residents and visitors; as well as promoting our local food and drink businesses.

“Having grown up walking on Dartmoor I welcome any initiative that encourages people to explore the moor and enjoy the fantastic countryside, views and wildlife it offers. It is a truly special place, and one of the HotSW area’s world-class natural assets.”

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      David Ralph

      Chief Executive

      David Ralph started as Chief Executive of Heart of South West LEP at the beginning of June 2018. Previously, he had spent 5 years as CEO of the Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire (D2N2) LEP from 2013 where he oversaw the development of the D2N2 Strategic Economic Plan and sector strategies, 3 Growth Deals with HM Government to deliver a £1billion capital investment programme, securing and implementing £200m ESIF programme, the Derby and Nottingham Enterprise Zone, the D2N2 Skills Deal and Time for Innovation programme, community fund and led the executive team to develop the HS2 East Midlands hub. He was also closely involved in the proposed North Midlands Devolution Deal and one of the key architects in establishing the Midlands Engine, chairing the officer steering group. Whilst in this role David was a NED of the Nottingham Enterprise Zone, and Marketing NG, the Outer Estates Foundation and a Governor of Nottingham College and on the advisory Board of Nottingham Business School.

      Before the East Midlands, David was CEO of the Have Gateway Partnership working closely with local stakeholders including the ports of Felixstowe, Harwich and Ipswich and BT Adadastral Park across Suffolk and Essex and prior to that was Chief Exec of the Barton Hill New Deal for Communities programme in Bristol and the Nelm Development Trust in Norwich.

      David is a keen sailor, walker and trail runner.