Beating the Bounds
Join us for the traditional Beating the Bounds of the Parish of Widecombe-in-the-Moor, a three-day guided walk around the historic parish boundary. You can book to attend one, two or all three dates but if the walks are oversubscribed, priority will be given to those able to complete the full route.
The walks follow the official parish boundary as closely as is practical, taking in a variety of landscapes including open moorland, river valleys, fields and public footpaths. Some sections involve rough, boggy and uneven terrain, streamside walking and steep gradients.
******Day 1 – Saturday 12 September 2026 – Completed*****
Meet at 8.30 for a 9am start expected finish time 3pm
Hemsworthy Gate (White Gate) to Ephraim’s Pinch
Hemsworthy Gate SX 742 761 what3words: spinner.burn.battle
Ephraims Pinch SX 678 786 what3words: crisis.grain.revisits
- Distance: 13.4 km
- Total ascent: 378 m
The first day’s walk is predominantly across open moorland with a mixture of paths and rough ground. The most demanding section is the climb from Natsworthy Gate onto Hameldown. Rather than following the main path to the war memorial, the parish boundary follows the East Webburn upstream, making for a steeper and more challenging ascent over uneven ground.
Day 2 – Saturday 19 September 2026
Meet at 8.30 for a 9am start expected finish time 3.30 – 4pm
Ephraim’s Pinch to Newbridge
Ephraims Pinch SX 678 786 what3words: crisis.grain.revisits
Newbridge SX 712 708 what3words: bicker.ethic.rewarded
- Distance: 13.8 km
- Total ascent: 250 m
This is the most active day of the three walks. The route follows the Wallabrook to the East Dart, continues to Dartmeet, and then heads along the Double Dart to Newbridge.
Parts of the walk are on rough or boggy ground, with uneven riverbanks and a few ladder stiles. You’ll need steady footing and confidence on varied terrain, but the pace will be supportive and the group will move together.
Day 3 – Sunday 27 September 2026
Meet at 8.30 for a 9am start expected finish time 3.30pm
Newbridge to Hemsworthy Gate (White Gate)
Hemsworthy Gate SX 742 761 what3words: spinner.burn.battle
Newbridge SX 712 708 what3words: bicker.ethic.rewarded
- Distance: 9.3 km
- Total ascent: 440 m
The final day is a varied walk across fields, moorland and established paths. The route climbs steadily out of the Webburn Valley towards Pudsham Down before levelling out on the return to Hemsworthy Gate (White Gate). Please note there will be a short section of road walking from Cockingford to Pudsham down.
The final walk will be followed by a cream tea at the Church House at 3.30/4pm which all participants are welcome to attend and if you are unable to make the last walk but can make the cream tea please do join us. We will be planning to present mugs to all and medals to those who complete all three legs.
Filming
Our Beating of the Bounds will be filmed to create a lasting record of this special community event. The film will capture the people, stories, landscape and shared achievement of the three-day walk, helping to preserve this historic tradition and the unique character of Widecombe-in-the-Moor for future generations. It is fabulous that our very own film makers Philip and Sarah Reeve will be capturing this experience.
At the beginning of each walk you will be asked to sign in and also indicate if you are happy to be included in any filming
Travel arrangements
Please meet at the start location at 8:30am so we can depart promptly at 9:00am. Where possible, please arrange to be dropped off at the start point and collected from the finish. If you are driving, please consider car sharing with others taking part.
Where it is not possible to arrange lifts we will have several vehicles positioned at the finish of each walk to return participants to the start (or can drop off if it is enroute), and can make two trips if required.
Fitness and Experience
We’ll keep a steady, comfortable walking pace each day.
Two parts of the route are more demanding:
- Dartmeet to Newbridge
- Buckland Bridge to Lizwell Meet
These stretches involve uneven ground and short, steep sections where ropes may be used to help with climbing or descending safely. They’re best suited to walkers with good fitness and agility.
If you’re unsure about tackling these sections, you can skip them and rejoin the group at a practical meeting point.
What to Bring
Please come prepared for a full day’s walking on Dartmoor.
You should bring:
- Sturdy walking boots with good grip
- Weather-appropriate clothing, including waterproofs
- A packed lunch
- Snacks
- Plenty of drinking water
- Any personal medication you may require
As weather conditions on Dartmoor can change rapidly, participants should be prepared for both warm and wet conditions.
Important Information
- The walk follows the official parish boundary as closely as it is safe and practical to do so.
- Routes may include uneven, boggy or rocky ground and sections without defined paths.
- Participants take part at their own risk and should ensure they are fit enough for the day’s walk.
Dogs: Well-behaved dogs are welcome on the walk, but please consider whether your dog is fit enough to complete the route, which includes some rough and challenging terrain. As parts of the walk cross private land, dogs must be kept on a lead and/or under close control at all times.
We do not recommend bringing dogs on the Dartmeet to Newbridge section. The terrain is particularly uneven and rocky, making it difficult to keep dogs safely on a lead, and a loose dog could present a trip hazard to other participants.
Booking Information
Booking a place helps us plan for the day but if you decide at the last minute that you can attend, you are welcome to simply turn up.
- You can join one, two, or all three of the walks, depending on the time you have available and can just join for part of a walk if that is all you can do.
- Everyone who takes part in any of the walks is invited to the cream tea after the final day’s walk.
To book a place, please email:
claire.partridge@widecombeparishcouncil.gov.uk
Please include:
- Name(s) of all participants
- Which day(s) you wish to attend
- A contact telephone number
If you need any further information about the walks please contact Claire of Geoff Partridge 01364 621468 (evenings/weekends are best)
Widecombe Parish Council would like to thank the Farming in Protected Landscapes scheme for supporting our funding application, enabling this year’s Beating of the Bounds to take place.
We also extend our sincere thanks to all the landowners who have kindly permitted access across sections of private land, allowing us to follow the Parish boundary.
