Explore Nature!

At Eversfield Organic, we’re looking at the second national lockdown as an opportunity. An opportunity to try new things. Whether you’d rather stay in and try a new winter warmer recipe or put on your hat, gloves and scarf and battle the elements exploring nature, we’ve got something for you to try during the COVID lockdown.

This four-part blog series details ways to keep yourself (and your family) busy with the new lockdown rules in mind. The third instalment is a little different, suggesting a step away from the kitchen and out into the wild…

There’s nothing like a long, picturesque walk across the moors to boost your appetite (especially if you’ve got something in the slow cooker at home!)

Cooking new and challenging recipes can provide hours of fun, but now is also a great time to get out and explore nature (weather permitting, of course). If you’re lucky enough to live locally, the beautiful Dartmoor National Park provides endless walks and adventures to be enjoyed safely, even during lockdown.

Our friends at Dartmoor Explore, who provide a selection of outdoor adventures on the moor and beyond, have kindly supplied us with some great places to start. Not only is the Eversfield Organic farm located on the North West edge of Dartmoor, but we also have a base right at the heart of the moor – the Dartmoor Inn. Whilst the Bar & Grill is currently shut due to lockdown restrictions, keep an eye out for our Feast & Moor events, plus our charming individual chalets, hopefully launching in early December. If you’re out and about on Dartmoor, feel free to have a stroll past the Dartmoor Inn to see what we’re up to.

In the meantime, check out these wonderful walks as suggested by Dartmoor Explore…

1. Belstone Tor Loop

This is a great walk for beginners, with stunning views of the North Moor. Roughly 6-7km, this walk is likely to take an hour or two and begins in Belstone, a beautiful moorland village. Parking is available on the outskirts of the village, with the walk taking you alongside rivers, across tors and around fords – the full Dartmoor experience! Although a relatively easy path underfoot, some uphill sections and bad weather means footwear with ankle protection is recommended.

To make this walk even more accessible, download the OS Maps app. This simple to use app will allow you to track your walk to ensure you don’t get lost!

2. The Military Ringroad

One for the more seasoned adventurers, this 10km path is great for a deeper moor feeling without veering from a defined path. If you’re familiar with the Ten Tors challenge, undertaken by thousands of young people each year, then this route may be familiar. Starting at Rowtor car park near the Okehampton Military Camp, this track is made much easier if you’re prepped beforehand (again, the OS Maps app comes in useful here) as there are a few wrong turns that can lead to dead ends. Try to stick to the track as surrounding terrain may be boggy and susceptible to rain.

3. Granite Way

A family-friendly, easy stroll with stunning views of the old Quarry along the river, plus the recent Quarry works at Meldon and the Viaduct itself displaying some great views too. The track begins in Okehampton, with parking available at the old train station, and can be as short or as long as you like. A little tip from Dartmoor Explore is to leave a second vehicle at Prewley Moor car park for a simple 5km walk, suitable for pushchairs and children on scooters. However, if you’re feeling up to it you can always spin around and head back towards Okehampton for a longer 10km route.