ON page 11 of the Times (September 29) concern was expressed regarding the withdrawal of the guided walk service by the Dartmoor National Park Authority as part of their financial review.

The Dartmoor National Park Guides also share those concerns and have been involved in discussions with the DNPA to identify a way forward to retain their guided walk services. To that end a small co-operative company has been formed called 'Moorland Guides', comprising existing and qualified guides who, for many years, have been working with the DNPA in providing and leading guided walks and also supporting the educational programme by guiding school groups from both this country and abroad.

Moorland Guides will be providing Guides Walks as in the past through the DNPA as well as many guides offering their services to the DNPA as volunteers to support educational walks for schools.

Rather than look at this in a negative way it actually provides a great opportunity for the guides themselves to look at the guided walk programme and take it forward as a private entity. It gives us, the guides, the chance to really expand the variety of walks available and to listen to our clients and customers and provide a new and innovative programme of walks aimed at all abilities and groups.

So it's really a win-win situation. The Dartmoor National Park Authority reduces its expenditure regarding the guided walks, the public still have the opportunity to enjoy walks, schools retain the opportunity to enjoy the wonderful qualities of Dartmoor and international visiting students are still able to come and visit this special area. Nobody loses out and the guides are delighted that we can still do what we do best in an area of outstanding beauty and interest!

Do please visit http://www.moorlandguides.co.uk">www.moorlandguides.co.uk and take a look at what we are offering, and keep an eye on how things develop as we approach the date, April 1st, for taking on many of the guided walks.

Simon Dell

Dartmoor National Park Guide and director of

'Moorland Guides'