NEW: Walking on Dartmoor

On Foot Holidays’ new trip explores the wild, untamed beauty of Dartmoor, Devon

Walking holiday specialist On Foot Holidays – which offers self-guided walking trips in unusual corners, or unusual takes on classic routes – has created a brand-new walking on Dartmoor trip in Devon for 2017: Devon, a Tale of Two Rivers.

Following the success of its walk in Dorset (In the footsteps of Thomas Hardy), On Foot Holidays has continued its literary theme and introduced another self-guided experience in the South-West. It takes in the vast magnificence of Dartmoor, a region which has captivated the imagination of many a writer – perhaps most notably, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

The eight-day trip meanders through some of the most beautiful and varied countryside in the British Isles – from Dunsford, on the edge of Dartmoor, to the coast at Dartmouth.

The walk starts in the medieval city of Exeter, where walkers can explore secret underground passageways before visiting the magnificent cathedral and its incredible vaulted ceiling.

Travellers then journey on foot to legendary Dartmoor: windswept downs of extraordinary beauty, and the backdrop to much literature, both romantic and mystical. The route follows meandering rivers, passes through peaceful woodland, winds past Buckfast Abbey and Dartington Hall and then through Sharpham vineyard, for wine and cheese tasting.

The walk takes in Dittisham too, where you can summon a boatman to take you across to Greenways, Agatha Christie’s summer home, followed by an exploration of the grounds of her former residence.

The final leg of the journey is to the historic maritime town of Dartmouth, where travellers will have time to admire the charming multi-coloured houses, rising one above another on the valley-side, as the boatman ferries everyone across the river.

On Foot Holidays transports all luggage, while guests walk from location to location, staying at characterful accommodation en route; for example, one of the overnights is at Higher Venton Farmhouse, a 16th century thatched longhouse and working farm, while another is at Dartington Hall, the largest medieval house in the West of England and a great cultural hub, with a cinema and packed festival programme.

What’s more, the itinerary is incredibly flexible; there are great ways to shorten the route that include ferries down the Dart, steam trains and vintage buses, if walkers decide to take it slightly easier one day.

The seven-night, self-guided Devon trip costs from £745 pp (two sharing), including B&B accommodation, two packed lunches, all route information and all luggage transfers between overnight stays.

Local back-up assistance is available when required on all of On Foot Holidays’ walks. N.B. travel arrangements to the start of walks are not included.

For further information, for expert advice from someone who’s walked the route, and to book, call On Foot Holidays on 01722 322 652 (www.onfootholidays.co.uk).