Beating of the Bounds

Widecombe-in-the-Moor Beating the Bounds 2026

Booking Information

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. Participants are welcome to attend one, two or all three days, although 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

Hemsworthy Gate (White Gate) to Ephraim’s Pinch

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

Ephraim’s Pinch to Newbridge

Distance: 13.8 km
Total ascent: 250 m

This is the most physically demanding day of the three. The route follows the Wallabrook to its confluence with the East Dart before continuing alongside the East Dart to Dartmeet. From there we follow the Double Dart to Newbridge.

Expect prolonged sections of rough ground with limited paths, boggy areas, uneven riverbank terrain and several ladder stiles where the boundary crosses into and out of private land. Good balance, agility and confidence on uneven terrain are essential.

Day 3 – Sunday 27 September 2026

Newbridge to Hemsworthy Gate

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).

Fitness and Experience

A steady walking pace will be maintained throughout each day. Before booking, please consider whether you have the fitness, mobility and experience needed to complete the route safely.

Two sections are particularly challenging:

Dartmeet to Newbridge
Buckland Bridge to Lizwell Meet

These sections require a good level of fitness and agility. In places, ropes may be used to assist with short climbs or descents over difficult terrain. Anyone unsure of their ability to complete these sections will be able to miss them and rejoin the group at a suitable point where practical.

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.
Further details, including meeting points, start times and transport arrangements, will be provided nearer the event.

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

Bookings open on Saturday 1 August 2026.

Priority will be given to:

Parishioners of Widecombe-in-the-Moor.
Those with close ties to the parish and community.
Participants who are able to take part in all three stages of the walk.

To book your 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

Places are limited, so early booking is recommended.

If you need any further information about the walks please contact Claire of Geoff Partridge 01364 621468 (evenings/weekends are best)