By: Blonde Two
Short Dartmoor walks
We Blondes prefer to call our short Dartmoor walks Bimbles … here is why! Not everybody wants to go off stomping across Dartmoor for whole days at a time. We are all busy people and even the Two Blondes can’t get out for long walks every day. Over the next few months, we will be helping you to solve this problem by telling you about our collection of Dartmoor short walks.
These are Dartmoor walks that we both love but that can be completed from “start of walk boot lacing” to “end of walk car cuppa” within one to two hours. So no more excuses, keep an eye on this page and get yourself out as soon as you can for a Blonde Bimble. Let us know how you get on.
Undermining. What an appropriate, tragic and seemingly accurate word that is. I was first introduced to Dartmoor through school in 1972, and it has proven to be the experience I remember most fondly about those days. I still go there now, so that first trip gave me an interest that has lasted all these years. The positive results would be too many to list individually but principles overlap into many of the duties and tasks we will all have to perform in living – confidence, self-reliance, teamwork, learning, rising to and overcoming a challenge, fitness and general well-being, a means of escaping the humdrum and tedious, something to pass on to others for their potential benefit, and so on… I regard the teachers involved in my first trip as having provided a gift for life, and it is a wonderful one with enormous benefits that are still increasing. I wonder what later generations will take forwards from their schooldays through the rest of their lives and as time goes by and I see what schooling has become I think it’s sad for the people experiencing modern “education” to see some of the areas that are being neglected. Only those like yourselves and others who see and personally know the long-term and perhaps life-changing benefits that can come to some of the kids who undertake these experiences and challenges, can truly know the incredibly wide range of advantages that may result. Any loss of that is not just a personal tragedy I think, but a national one. I consider it a short-sighted disgrace – buy hey, what do I know, and how does my opinion count eh?
Connection with one of the better “outdoor activity” centres for schools makes me aware that outside activity isn’t for everyone, but it is nevertheless an immensely useful awareness that life exists beyond the PC or mobile phone screen. For others it switches on an interest that shines in them like a light – an enthusiasm for a suddenly recognised experience or capability that should be encouraged, not buried under paperwork, technology and all that is necessary to satisfy Ofsted reports or accountants spreadsheets. I will continue to be the solo bimbler who passes these groups on the moor with a sincere “Well done folks” for all they’re doing (and leaders too!), and the odd looks from the bedraggled wont matter as long as a bit of cheer and warmth from the comment is gained for one or two, or the later question “Did you see that old bloke…” encourages one of two to reflect or to carry on or, who knows, becomes the old bloke or bloke-ess still enjoying the moor themselves in years to come. Keep going ladies, our kids need you, and one day that’ll again get the recognition it deserves. One or two of the once-young may even thank you for it later – by text message or Facebook of course! I’ve known it myself from people I have taught “curious” things like Morse Code that sparked(!) a career, or a visit to the moor that has made people aware of a whole new activity and place to go for enjoyment and even take their spouses/family along to share, and that too is curiously warming on a wet cold day.
BTW I think I’ve seen you with a happy group near Princetown and a couple of times at Fox Tor cafe where at least the owner seemed to treat you properly – I’d have checked the identity or said “well done” personally if I’d been more certain! Like me from what I’d seen, all these people were smiling or joking about. Don’t forget you’re partially responsible for that moment. It matters, and some times it matters more than e=mc squared. That’s Relativity for you. I’ll wink next time, which may or may not get me in trouble if it isn’t you!
BTW I think I heard somewhere that you have started to take other people on bimbles from time to time? I know a females female who would probably appreciate that experience if it’s so – are there details on this site or anywhere else? Whatever the case, keep going!
Thank you Rich, for your beautiful and encouraging comment. You had no way of knowing how much we Blondes needed to hear it at this exact moment. I will confess to tears when I read it. What we do with our DofE and Ten Tors youngsters is currently under very real threat; but we are stubborn and determined and there will be a way …
Thank you so much for your very kind thoughts Rich. As Blonde Two has said there are some very significant and unbelievable changes happening to the outdoor provision that we offer to our deserving youngsters at the moment. I have been deflated, almost defeated and incredibly sad that these changes are occurring. I too had tears in my eyes as I read your words; I so wish that your voice could be heard through the data-encrusted corridors of education, finance and government! Next time you see us please do wink, wave, shout, or anything else. We would love to meet you!
Feeling a little guilty… Gulp. Ladies, ladies, have the gentlemen give a gentle dab with the corner of a fleece and do remember all you have to smile for, and those who have gained huge benefit from your efforts over the years, just the tip of which can be judged from your blog. Tears of frustration with the “powers-that-be” I can understand, tears for the denial of opportunity for your pupils too, but take heart from what some say and know by experience is the simple truth. Outdoors education can transform lives, for life. Failure to recognise that importance, or withdrawal of funding to the point where the opportunity is denied, is a mark of ignorance not education. At least you’re not that daft, so cheer up!
As I said, my teachers of 45 years ago provided what I know is a greater education than books alone can provide. Since then, you and other generous souls have done no less for other people. No Ofsted report ever reflected the lifelong benefits gained from it in my time, and reports so far are too new to take account of the same for todays young people. Yes, my observations of the “activity centre” show how they can provide active experiences and bring awareness and benefit to pupils, but with respect to all it is a brief encounter rarely of the same deeper educational meaning that is gained by the longer and more challenging process of Ten Tors or DofE success. They are different experiences by different means with some inevitably different outcomes, though each touching on a similar common need for those who benefit I would think. It is the Ferrari and Rolls-Royce by comparison – one provides a brief and thrilling experience in a journey from A-B and quickly allows an Ofsted box to be ticked, the other provides the quality and comfort of a slower, wider and deeper learning of skills for life with a team along to share the ride. If Ofsted want to rate that they too will have to broaden their horizons and look far beyond a few brief instants in an academic year.
Dartmoor is a national treasure. It is an enormous asset given the rights to roam and explore and camp there free of charge, and to learn many things by doing so. What school could afford such a huge facility – what education authority could negotiate such rights? If the people in charge of education don’t recognise, know, value or make good use of the highest quality of broad education and longer benefits that can be achieved by use of Dartmoor, it is they who should lower their head and cry in shame, not you.
On the bright side, the moor cannot be sold off like a playing field. It will remain. Perhaps there will be some time when those upon it wonder where everyone else has gone, but as employers commenting on your blog have recently said, there will be people seeking those who have shown commitment in overcoming a challenge. I don’t believe educators can ignore that for ever, achieve the same over a few days in an academic year, nor offer the benefit to the nation from broadly capable individuals without giving them the experience to develop those skills by. Health and mental well-being are also areas of current national interest that would benefit from consideration of the same. These things are not achieved long-term by a few days residential stay and brief thrills. If those in education deny those benefits they are short-sighted, harmful fools.
I don’t say this as an education professional nor with any political viewpoint in mind, but simply as a 45+ year observer of the outdoors and those who have been there, and a parent with that experience. I understand some of the things you say in your blog, because I have known them and seen them. My view on that isn’t marked on any Ofsted report, but that doesn’t mean it’s not applicable or that it’s wrong – it’s just not heard or considered. Except here of course. Given the awards you have won, I doubt I am the only one with such a view. Pass it on!