THE STUNNING locations used on Dartmoor during the filming of War Horse will form the back drop for a charity ride which takes place on April 1.

The ride is part of Active Dartmoor Week which starts on March 31 and celebrates the Olympics by encouraging people to get active in a week of challenging events on across the moor.

Riders will have the chance to saddle up and see many of the places which feature in Steven Spielberg's epic motion picture inspired by Michael Morpurgo's book which tells the story of a Devon farm boy, Albert,  who braves the trenches in search of his horse Joey after he was sent to France during the First World War.

Following filming, Steven Spielbert said: 'I have never before in my long and eclectic career been gifted with such an abundance of natural beauty as I experienced filming War Horse on Dartmoor.'

Riders can see for themselves the landscape he describes on the 12-mile circular route which starts at Burrator Reservoir before heading to the isolated Grade II-listed building, Ditsworthy Warren House, which was used as the Narracott's family's farmhouse.

It is here that Joey returns after having been bought at auction by Ted Narracott, father of Albert who becomes devoted to Joey.

The waymarked circular route will also take in Sheepstor Village before going out onto the open moor towards Princetown where there will be a break for a light lunch before returning to the starting point at Burrator Reservoir.

Riders can set off at their own pace between 9.30am and 11.30am and those wishing to join a guided ride will have a start time emailed before March 30.

For those coming from further afield, B&B can be organised for horse and rider.  

The cost of the ride is £5 per person with all proceeds donated to the Dartmoor Rescue Group. To register visit http://www.thewarhorseride.co.uk">www.thewarhorseride.co.uk