Walks

I've been asked about some of the walks featured in the tvdetective books.

I suppose if I was a true modern writer, I'd now have to go into a long legal waffle about being in no way liable for any injury anyone whatsoever may sustain if taking on - entirely at their own risk, naturally - any of the treks I mention in the books, which is no way implies authorisation or promotion on the part of the author etc etc.

But as I can't abide all that stuff, I'll say this instead.  The walks are all described from personal experience and I'd throroughly recommend any of them.

My questioner goes on to ask why Dan and Rutherford favour Dartmoor when there are so many other great walks to try in Devon and Cornwall.  

The reason is, simply, that Dan finds the moor in keeping with his outlook on life.  It's true, there are plenty of wonderful walks in the south west, the coastal path being chief amongst them.  But it can be a tad too cheery for Dan.  He likes the bleakness and solitude of Dartmoor. And Rutherford just loves the rivers and streams for a dip!

If you want a particular recommendation for a walk, try the Ted Hughes memorial, as featured in The TV Detective.  It's close to my heart, partly as I discovered it (after many years searching), but mostly because the scenery is fantastic.  It's all of Dartmoor in one jaunt, with the added bonus of a pub when you get back to Belstone.  If you're interested in the book, it's featured on the Books page www.thetvdetective.com/books.html

Finally for this post, I'm off to the Dartmoor Folk Festival later.  If you're looking for something to do today or tomorrow, I'd highly recommend it.  Great music, dancing, traditional arts and crafts, a fine day out for a whole family.  I've been honoured to be asked to open it, but don't worry - I'll keep that bit very short, no more than 5 mins, so you won't have anything to get in the way of the entertainment!