Experience the Two Moors Festival in Exeter as more than a cultural event—it’s a chance to explore Dartmoor and Exmoor’s rugged landscapes through well-planned hikes and walks. This guide offers practical insights and vivid descriptions to prepare you for a memorable outdoor adventure.
Wear Sturdy Hiking Boots
The trails feature uneven terrain and muddy patches, especially in forested and exposed moor areas. Good ankle support and grip help reduce injury risk.
Carry Adequate Water
Water sources are limited and streams can be quick and cold. Bring at least two liters and a water filter for longer hikes.
Prepare for Weather Variability
Autumn days bring changing conditions; pack layers and waterproofs to adapt to both wind and rain on exposed moorlands.
Plan Your Route by Daylight
Shorter fall days mean less daylight for hiking. Start early and map your routes to avoid being caught out after dark.
Exploring the Two Moors Festival: A Unique Outdoor Challenge in Exeter
The Two Moors Festival in Exeter offers more than music and culture—it invites outdoor enthusiasts into a rugged landscape where Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks meet. Stretching across these iconic moorlands, the festival’s hiking and walking events provide practical yet thrilling ways to engage with English countryside that feels fiercely alive.
Trails vary in length and challenge, typically ranging from short forest circuits to extended hikes covering 20+ miles with elevation gains up to 1,000 feet. Paths lead through dense woodlands where towering oaks and whispering pines keep pace with your footsteps. Rivers alongside the routes seem to dare you onward, while open moor tops reveal sweeping panoramas that reward every ascended ridge.
Planning your trip within the festival framework means balancing cultural engagement with physical readiness. Trail conditions can shift quickly—from muddy, uneven ground in shaded forest patches to exposed, wind-whipped moorland tracks. Good hiking boots with grip and ankle support are essential, alongside layered clothing suitable for sudden weather shifts common in this part of Devon.
Hydration is critical; water sources emerge sporadically, often fed by streams that push rapidly over rocky beds. Carry at least two liters per person, and consider a lightweight filtration system for longer treks.
The festival’s timing typically falls in October, coinciding with autumn’s arrival. This season deepens the landscape’s colors—aching reds, golds, and ochres sweep across the moors—yet early fall also means shorter daylight hours and unpredictable weather fronts that demand preparedness.
While the Two Moors Festival showcases events focused on music and cultural activities, the hiking and walking routes embedded within leverage the area’s natural edge, offering practical adventure with breath-catching views. Whether you’re a casual walker or a seasoned trekker, the festival’s outdoor challenges engage with the land in a way that demands respect and careful planning.
For those who appreciate a challenge that’s thoughtfully paced and steeped in natural charm, the Two Moors Festival delivers an invigorating way to explore Southwest England’s wild heart, making each step a dialogue with a landscape loudly present and thoroughly real.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What routes are included in the Two Moors Festival hikes?
The festival features various trails that cross both Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks, ranging from short guided walks to longer, self-paced hikes touching key moorland sections and forest paths.
How physically demanding are the hiking sections?
Routes generally have moderate difficulty with elevation gains up to 1,000 feet and require steady pace walking for several hours, making them accessible to hikers with reasonable fitness.
Are there marked trails for the festival hikes?
Some trails are marked and supported by event signage, but others require navigation skills using maps or GPS due to less defined paths on the open moors.
What wildlife might I see on the Two Moors Festival routes?
Common sightings include red deer, buzzards circling overhead, and native butterflies; the festival timing also aligns with migration periods for certain birds.
Is public transport available to trailheads during the festival?
Exeter is well-connected, with buses to some moorland points; however, private transport or pre-arranged shuttles are recommended for direct access to many trails.
What cultural events are accessible alongside the hiking experience?
The festival hosts concerts, workshops, and local storytelling sessions in Exeter, providing a rich cultural layer to your outdoor adventure.
Recommended Gear
Waterproof Hiking Boots
Protect feet from wet terrain and provide necessary support on uneven moorland paths.
Layered Clothing
Allows adjustment to variable weather, particularly wind and rain common in autumn.
Water Bottle with Filter
Ensures reliable hydration when natural water sources are scarce or uncertain.
Compact Map and Compass
Vital for navigation as mobile signals can be unreliable in remote moorland areas.
Local Insights
Hidden Gems
- "Heseltine Forest viewpoint, offering quiet, less-known panorama of rolling hills."
- "The Meldon Viaduct on Dartmoor, a historic railway site with dramatic views."
- "Quiet sections of Exmoor’s streams with ideal spots to pause and listen to rushing waters."
Wildlife
- "Red deer often emerge at dawn and dusk along moor edges."
- "Buzzards and kestrels soar over exposed ridge lines hunting small mammals."
- "Rare silver-studded blue butterflies can be spotted on heathlands in summer."
History
"The Two Moors Festival combines Devon's rich mining heritage and agricultural ties with celebrations through music and outdoor exploration, highlighting historic moorland paths used for centuries."