An intrepid group of walkers joined DPA Chairman, John Howell, for a Winter Solstice walk on Sunday the 21st of December. The Winter Solstice marks the longest night and the shortest day of the year for the northern hemisphere, which includes the British Isles. During the Winter Solstice the earth’s axis is tilted at its furthest point away from the sun, meaning that the sun is at it’s lowest point in the sky over Dartmoor. Many Bronze Age stone rows and circles are thought to interact with the rising or setting sun on the solstices and uncovering the possible meanings of these monuments has been the life work of many archeologists.
Walk leader John Howell said: ‘The walk was enjoyed by 22 brave souls, from Exeter & District Ramblers, DPA members and people who had found the walk on social media. The walk began at Four Winds car park, visiting Foggin Tor Quarries, King Tor, Ingra Tor and Hucken Tor. At the end of the walk we visited the Merrivale Bronze Age ceremonial landscape, with it’s standing stone, stone circle, kists and impressive stone rows, but sadly we were unable to enjoy the sunset, due to cloud and rain.’
It was excellent to have such a varied group join us, including some new faces who have not previously attended any of our walks. Winter transforms the moor into an even more watery landscape, with the ground often being boggy and hard going in places. However, a knowledgeable guide and appropriate wet weather gear can overcome most challenges, offering the well-prepared walker the chance to see Dartmoor in all it’s dynamic, flowing and misty glory.
The ceremonial landscape at Merrivale has attracted numerous theories and explanations over time, but part of the enduring appeal of the site is that the exact use of it is still open to interpretation. Walking the Dartmoor landscape, especially on historically and culturally important dates such as the solstices, offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with the remaining rich archaeology and consider how our ancestors may have used sites we still visit today.
Perhaps less well known than Foggin Tor and Kings Tor, Hucken Tor also makes for a memorable visit, with outcrops of granite emerging both from open moorland and within mossy woodland. The ancient oaks are vibrant green in summer, but still atmospheric in their bare twigged winter form. Ingra Tor once gave its name to the remote Ingra Tor Halt on the Princetown Railway line, the disused track of which still loops on the north, west and south sides of the tor.
The DPA run free walks and workdays throughout the year and new faces are wall very much welcomed. Find out more about upcoming opportunities by viewing our online diary.
Images: John Howell