Myths of the Moor – a Dartmoor story walk

Have you ever danced with the Devil ? Been mazed by the little folk? Seen the giants sleeping in the stones? Dartmoor is rich in legends and folk tales and these stories connect us to our unique landscape through memory and imagination.

Dartmoor based storytellers Lisa Schneidau and Sara Hurley have spent the last two years seeking out the places where giants roamed, pixies led farmers astray and Dewer rode with the Wild Hunt. They have worked with communities, elders, schools and visitors through the Chasing Crockern project to reimagine what these stories mean to us today.

This Story Walk is a wonderful opportunity to experience live storytelling of traditional Dartmoor stories in the places where they come from. The walk will be led by Gillian Healey from Dartmoor Walking Tours alongside storytellers Sara and Lisa.

We will met at Hound Tor car park, Manaton, setting off at 9.30 promptly and returning to the same car park by 12.30.

What you need to know

This is a 3 hour walk of around 4 miles, suitable for people with reasonable fitness and mobility levels who are over the age of 10 years old. Stout footwear will be required, plus waterproofs / sunscreen.

We will be guided by Gillian Healey from Dartmoor Walking Tours in the company of storytellers Lisa Schneidau and Sara Hurley.

More joining details will be sent to ticket holders on booking.

Getting there

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There is free parking at Hound Tor car park.

The closest local cafes and facilities are in Widecombe-in-the-moor.

No dogs. Please let us know in advance if you need to bring a support dog.

The walk will go ahead unless there’s a yellow weather warning.

This event is part of the The Dartmoor Tors Festival, 23-25 May 2025
This new gathering, where everyone is welcome, is all about celebrating the culture of Dartmoor and exploring our emotional connection with wild, ancient places. Artists, musicians, writers, archaeologists, campaigners and historians will be sharing their perspectives in a range of events including talks, walks, concerts and performances.

The festival will kick off with a Dartmoor Feast on Thursday 22nd May, which will take place in historic St Lawrence’s Chapel in Ashburton, catered by the team at Gather Events and Rafikis. On Saturday 24th May, there will be talks and conversations at the main venue, Ashburton Arts Centre, and at the Field System Gallery. On Sunday 25th May there will be different walks on offer all over the Moor, and then, late afternoon, back in Ashburton, there will be a conversation with, and performance by, the thrilling Beltane Border Morris.

During the following week there are more, associated events, and then the following weekend sees the Ashburton Artists and Artisans Trail, where local artists will be opening up their studios to the public.

https://dartmoortorsfestival.co.uk