Introduction

At the end of the Dales High Way in April 2025 Chris and I agreed we would do another long distance walk in 2026. As the Dales was my choice, it would be Chris's turn to do the planning and organising

He has chosen the South Hams Way, a 100 mile circular route that was officially opened in September 2025. It incorporates elements of other routes: The Dartmoor Way, The Erme Valley Trail, The SW Coast Path, and The Dart Valley Trail. It looks an excellent route, moorland, coastal walking, and bits in between

We plan to walk this over seven days, mainly wild camping but with one bunkhouse and one B&B. Chris has done all of the work here, I must confess that I feel under prepared from a route knowledge perspective: not knowing where my food opportunities will arise, I literally don't know where my next meal will be coming from. But a casual glance tells me there are plenty of pubs and shops en route, I will have to plan as I go

My previous encounter with Dartmoor was 54 years ago. A week's walking and backpacking across the moor with my dad. I remember a ridiculously steep climb onto the high ground, in sweltering heat and bright sunshine. We were then enveloped in mist and rain for six days, before dropping back down into the warmth and bright sunshine at the end

I am very much looking forward to the coastal section, with exciting estuary crossings that must be made when the tidal conditions permit. The beer is also different down there. Quite flat but full of flavour. And I am hoping for great pubs, ice cream, cream teas, and pasties. I will report later

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