Getting started

Hi Everyone

Just wondering if anyone can help me I am go to Dartmoor in a weeks time and want to have a day letterboxing but I cant find on this website or the Dartmoor National Park website the first clue to get me on my way?

Any help would be greatly appreciated?

Look forward to hearing from you soon?

Kimbob

Hi Kimbob

If you have a look through some of the threads there are lots of suggestions for where to start, eg, Staple Tors/Roos Tor area and also how to keep safe.

Enjoy.

Hi Fulchet

So you don't have a clue to find the first one you just go to a specific area and see if you can find one is that correct?

It's just it says in my Runners World magazine that the first clue is on the website to get you started?

Many thanks

Kimbob

Hi Kimbob

I'm not sure which website your magazine might be talking about, unless it means the boxes that are well known and sited at Cranmere Pool, Ducks Pool or Fur Tor. However, I would definitely not venture out to get these on a first trip.

Hunting around the more popular areas mentioned will definitely prove dividends. You could also send off for a couple of charity walks, which are usually pretty good for families to get started as well, whilst at the same time raising valuable funds for worthwhile charities.

Good luck and enjoy.

Hi Kimbob,
Welcome to the site... I hope you will find it full of useful (and useless information but info that can be used later).
There are basically two schools of thought here for letterboxing - The 100 club. Why is is called the 100 club? Well in days of old it was decided that people should find their first 100 boxes without the use of the catalogue. The idea being it should prove to the "new" letterboxer that they are going to take this hobby seriously, then armed with their 100 stamp impressions they go to the meet and buy their membership badge and join the 100 club.
This also meant you were entitled to buy the clue catalogue.
The other non-traditional way means you can turn upto the meet (which incidently is when the clocks change) and purchase a catalogue without 100 stamps under your belt....

I agree with the comment about not venturing out to get the "on the map boxes" until you are a bit more experienced - remember the moor is a wild place and that must be treated with respect.

Perhaps, somewhere like Parking up on the Tavistock / Two Bridges Road and walking upto Roos Tor Flagpole and looking around the rocks as you go would give you an idea what it will be like. Even if you dont find anything that really doesn't matter as it is wonderful countryside anyway. And on top of that there is so much history around you won't be able to go anywhere with seeing something.

What you will need is a compass map water good shoes/boots and woolen socks not man made fibre as thet will give you blisters. Also make sure your boots are broken in before you venture out on the moor

Definitely good advice about the boots Nic. I remember trying to walk for over 8 hours in new boots - I paid for that with bandaged feet for about 3-4 weeks afterwards. Fantastic boots now though and I hope they will last for many more years!

Hi Kimbob,

Good advice there, although I think the footwear requirements are a bit over the top.

each to their own though........