Getting Out Moor: Not just about racing!

Sharp Tor, above Dartmeet, Dartmoor.

Getting Out Moor is more than just competing and racing in various events [although I do enjoy that!]; it is also about, well, just getting out more! Get out and enjoy the local environment; Walk, cycle or run; on road, off road; amble, jog, go slow, go fast; go alone, go with a partner, go with the dog, go with friends, join a running/cycling/rambling club; go for a few hours, go all day, camp all week end; JUST GO!

Denham Woods, Tavy Valley

I am exceptionally lucky in that I live in the Bere Peninsula, sandwiched between the rivers Tavy and Tamar and only 7 miles from Dartmoor National Park. Countryside is on my door step. Maybe you have to go a short distance to get into the countryside- after all, one of the aims of the national parks was to provide access to the countryside for all. May be you can walk or cycle into the countryside. Bus, train or even car. Even in towns and cities there are parks,  nature trails, cycle tracks, often a river, occasionally a wood or forest nearby, sometimes a coast and the country is criss-crossed with footpaths. Fresh air lifts the soul and being outside is fun. It helps keep me relatively sane anyway.

There doesn't need to be a purpose, a plan or a route- although there is nothing wrong with planing a route. (anyone who has seen 127 Hours will know the importance of letting someone know where you are going!). Explore the streets, highways, byways, bridle-paths, cycle paths and footpaths of your local area. Buy a map or a city A-Z and off you go. Travel as light or heavy as you see fit. Take a packed lunch or money for lunch in a pub or cafe. Or take nothing at all! (in very remote places this policy isn't advisable-nature is beautiful but can be very unforgiving). Go on a round trip from home. Stay in a B&B. Go camping. We (wife, dog & I) recently took advantage of the lovely weather and stayed at this lovely campsite on south Cornish coast. Ideal. Never been there before, just packed up the car and went. Lovely week -end.

Highertown Farm Campsite

Stone Circle
Nr Hound Tor, Dartmoor

Whether your thing is nature, archaeology, history, geography, ancient buildings, sports, being active or just different and interesting  pubs- get out and explore! Find out what is out and about. You may be surprised at what you find about your local area.

Admittedly, we are spoilt for choice here in Devon as we pretty much have the lot. We have two coastlines and two moors: Exmoor & Dartmoor. On Dartmoor alone [apart from the natural beauty] there is ancient and industrial archaeology and history galore [worth a blog in it's right, coming soon!], trails for running, walking and cycling and excellent white water paddling.

Not only is there breathtaking and beautiful countryside in the UK- but there are also some rather splendid public houses to refresh oneself after an exhausting day. Locally, we are not just blessed with fine countryside, but there are many fine hostelries to choose from. Some of my favourites include   The Olde Plough , Peter Tavy Inn, Castle Inn , Royal Oak , Plume of Feathers , Who'd Have Thought It , and the Warren House Inn . Obviously, this not an exhaustive list of local pubs, just a few that have been visited over the past  years. They all serve good food and good beer- and all welcome well behaved dogs.

BATs at Olde Plough, post run

So, wherever you go, whatever you do, have fun, be safe and drink responsibly!