In this episode we’re off to Dartmoor - a magical, mercurial, 368-square mile wilderness in south west England. Here undulating moorland is dotted with prehistoric sites, rocky outcrops and ancient woods crowded with moss-smothered trees. We’ll explore Dartmoor’s icy rivers with swimmer and writer Sophie Pierce, its hiking routes with travel publisher Hilary Bradt, and the moor’s adventure potential with guidebook author Daniel Start.

01.33 - A Love Letter to Dartmoor from writer & outdoor swimmer Sophie Pierce

07.58 - Insider insights into exploring Dartmoor from travel writer & publisher Hillary Bradt

16.09 - Tips on experiencing Dartmoor yourself, from Wild Things author Daniel Start

Resources & Links

Sophie Pierce Wild Swimming Walks Dartmoor & South Devon;

The Green Hill: Letters to a Son, about the loss of Sophie's son Felix and the role of the natural world in her mourning, will be published by Unbound in Spring 2023.

Hillary Bradt South Devon & Dartmoor - Slow Travel

Bradt Guides are offering listeners to This Place, This Story a 25% discount on Hilary Bradt and Janice Booth’s Slow Travel: South Devon & Dartmoor. To claim your discount, visit bradtguides.com and enter the code THISPLACE25 at checkout. The offer ends 30th June 2022 and can’t be used in conjunction with any other offers.

Daniel Start Wild Swimming Walks, Dartmoor & South Devon; The Wild Guide to the South West

Episode producer Belinda Dixon

Presenters Belinda Dixon & Simon Richmond

Sound editing Belinda Dixon
Thanks also to Doug Murray & Kate Armstrong

Theme Music: Instant by Nettson