The adventure
Arrive at Okehampton Rail Station at 0930 on day 1, in good time for a relaxed meet-and-greet with your guide and fellow hikers. There will be the opportunity to get to know the group, run through the trip briefing, and receive your premium kit—including tents, sleeping bag, mat, and camp cooking gear—before setting off.
With everyone equipped and ready, you’ll head out onto the open North Moor, following the route south through sweeping landscapes, crossing rivers and passing ancient walls, before entering the central basin of the Dart. The journey continues towards the South Moor past prehistoric settlements, along pathways walked since the Bronze Age, and surrounded by views that inspired artists like Brian Froud and Alan Lee.
Expect steady walking on a mix of paths, tracks, and stretches of open moorland without trails. Streams may need fording or scrambling across; you’ll learn how to handle these classic Dartmoor challenges. The wild camp spot is chosen for comfort and seclusion, remaining close to a water source. The trek finishes with a gentle descent into Ivybridge and a celebratory end at the rail station.
Trip Itinerary
-
Meet at Okehampton Rail Station at 0930, receive your kit, meet your fellow adventurers and guide, then after a briefing start north to south crossing, wild camping en route.
There will be plenty of stops for snacks and a scheduled lunch break along the way.
You will learn about wild camping best practices and how to choose a good pitch. You will aim to pitch up your camp for the night by 1900 and settle in to your evening meal and a fantastic, if tired, night's sleep under the stars.
-
Complete the crossing to Ivybridge, passing ancient paths and settlements along the way, plenty of opportunities for photographs on Dartmoor's stunning landscape aiming to be at the finish point by 1700 on Day 2
-
The trip starts at Okehampton Rail Station, which is easy to reach by train, car, or even by air.
By train: Okehampton has rail links via Exeter, making it straightforward to arrive from across the UK.
By car: It’s about a 45-minute drive from Exeter Airport, or around two hours by car from Bristol.
By air: You can fly into Bristol or Exeter, pick up a hire car or hop on local transport.
If you can, we recommend arriving the night before to make the morning meet-up stress-free. There’s plenty of accommodation in town, from cosy B&Bs to hotels.
-
Group size: Small groups of no more than five campers, keeping things friendly and personal.
Gear: Top-of-the-line camping kit is provided by us, carefully selected by our members to suit the specific demands of the Dartmoor, the rugged terrain, unpredictable climate, and the nature of this adventure.
Guides: Experienced, trusted guides who know the Dartmoor National Park inside out.
Fitness: Expect two days of moderate hiking on varied terrain. The pace is steady, with plenty of breaks to catch your breath, enjoy the views, and learn from your guide. You don’t need to be an ultra-runner, but you should be in good physical shape and comfortable walking for several hours with a pack on your back. A bit of hill training beforehand won’t go amiss, and will help you enjoy the adventure all the more.
Flexibility: Routes can be adjusted depending on weather and trail conditions, always keeping safety and enjoyment top of mind.
Why Book with the GBAC?
Adventure, Authentically Delivered
Every journey with GBAC is led by passionate outdoor leaders who design their own adventures—trips as unique and inspiring as the guides themselves. Expect one-of-a-kind experiences that dive deeper, excite the senses, and promise memories no ordinary itinerary can match.
The UK’s Most Trusted Guide Network
Join the adventure community built by outdoor lovers, for outdoor lovers. With one of the largest guide networks in the UK, there’s always support, if a guide is unwell, your trip goes ahead with someone just as qualified and enthusiastic.
Create Unforgettable Memories
Our trips are crafted to leave a lasting mark—whether it’s summiting a new peak, discovering hidden wild places, or simply sharing laughter around the campfire. With GBAC, every adventure becomes a story worth telling, and the moments you share become lifelong memories.
Safety and Peace of Mind
Our guides are handpicked, fully insured, and qualified. Every one of them holds an enhanced DBS check and meets strict GBAC standards, so you can relax knowing your adventure is in safe, expert hands.
Feel-Good Booking, Fair Pay, Real Impact
GBAC guides and outdoor leaders are valued and fairly rewarded. We pay better by taking only a commission—helping expert guides earn more and focus on the experience, not just the job. Every adventure booked helps sustain a thriving, passionate community of outdoor leaders.
Small Groups, Big Adventures
Our trips aren’t crowded. Smaller groups mean a friendlier, more personal atmosphere—letting journeys unfold naturally, stories get shared, and every moment feel memorable.
Ready to create unforgettable memories in the wild? Choose GBAC—where every booking powers a more passionate outdoors, one unique journey at a time
Kit List
-
To make sure your trip is as comfortable, safe and memorable as possible, we’ve hand-picked a shortlist of tents, sleeping bags and pads that stand up to the unique demands of Dartmoor — from the tough terrain to the famously unpredictable weather.
All our selections are based on countless hours of testing and the expert opinions of our members.
Here’s what we provide for your trip:
A premium, specialist one-person tent, lightweight yet tough, chosen specifically for wild camping in these conditions. If you want to share a tent with another participant, please let us know in advance.
A sleeping bag rated for the expected temperatures. If you know you sleep particularly cold, just let us know — we’ll make sure you have an even warmer option.
A sleeping bag liner. All participants are required to use a liner to keep our bags fresh and clean.
A warm, high-quality inflatable sleeping mat, designed to give you the best night’s sleep possible on the hill.
A pillow and pillow case, because even under the stars, a bit of comfort goes a long way.
It’s gear we’d happily trust on our own adventures — so you can focus on soaking up the mountains.
-
Clothing & footwear
Walking boots (broken in — not fresh out of the box)
Walking poles with snow baskets (recommended, but optional)
3 pairs of socks (2 for walking, 1 spare)
Sufficient underwear
Waterproof jacket & trousers
Gaiters (optional but useful)
Warm layers for the evening — it gets chilly once you stop moving
Appropriate clothing for a day and a half in the hills
Hat & gloves (even in summer)
Sunglasses & sunhat
Backpack & kit
60L+ backpack, suitable for hillwalking, with a waterproof cover
Sitting pad (optional, but keeps your bum dry)
1.5L of water
Water filter
Stove & gas (we recommend a small 100g gas canister, easily bought at the start point)
Cooking pot, mug & cutlery
Small washing-up sponge & biodegradable soap
Food waste bag (to carry out all rubbish, including scraps)
Lighter/matches
Food & drink
Sufficient food for two full days, including:
1 evening meal
2 lunches
1 breakfast
Snacks
Tea, coffee, or hot chocolate
Toileting
Trowel
Toilet paper / wet wipes
Hand gel
Plastic bags to carry used paper/wipes
Safety & essentials
Personal first aid kit (your guide will carry a kit, but bring your own for blisters & small scrapes)
Foil survival blanket (tiny and light)
Whistle
Head torch
Personal medication (your guide will ask you for any relevent medical information prior to your departure)
Miscellaneous
Mobile phone
Debit/credit card
A bit of cash (just in case)
Insect repellent
Don’t worry, we’ll email you the above in advance of your trip, including links to recommended products, so you can get set up as easily (and cheaply!) as possible.
-
You’ll need to be fit enough to manage an 25km hike carrying around 18kg over undulating terrain. The pace and intensity can vary depending on the group, and we’ll always do our best to accommodate everyone — but a good level of fitness is essential for this adventure.
We’ve got several stunning routes to choose from, and on the day your Leader will pick the best option based on the weather (some spots are better in certain wind directions or conditions).
About your Guide
Keith – Qualified Mountain Leader
Keith has called Dartmoor home for nearly 35 years, and few people know its wild corners better. A qualified Mountain Leader and active member of Dartmoor Search and Rescue since 1993, he brings both deep technical expertise and an unrivalled connection to the landscape.
For the past 12 years he’s been guiding others across the moor and beyond, helping walkers discover not just the terrain, but also the stories woven into it — from ancient legends to traces of Dartmoor’s human past. With Keith, every walk is more than a route; it’s an invitation to experience the spirit of the uplands through the eyes of someone who has spent a lifetime exploring them.
Got Questions?
Feel free to contact us with any and all questions. We always aim to reply within 24 hours.
