WHILST moorland and other countryside guided walks on Dartmoor cannot take place because of foot and mouth public access restrictions, Dartmoor National Park Authority has organised a programme of town walks throughout April and May including ones in Tavistock and Okehampton.
The Western gate to Dartmoor and the old stannary town of Tavistock was once the centre of the world's major copper producing area. Walkers can discover Tavistock Abbey and find out about the Dartmoor tin industry and Sir Francis Drake on a two hour tour around the town.
A three hour walk around the Saxon town of Okehampton will take in the oldest and largest castle in Devon, built in the valley of the West Ockment River and people can learn about the 19th Century Town Mill, the woollen industry and mining.
Walks are also taking place in Ashburton, Bovey Tracey, Buckfastleigh, Ivybridge, Moretonhampstead and South Brent.
For more information about the walks, including dates, times and starting points contact the High Moorland Centre at Princetown on 01822 890414 or view the programme on the Dartmoor National Park Authority website: http://www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk">www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk.