Essential Safety & Preparation Guide

Dartmoor is beautiful, but it is also a wild, remote, and rapidly changing environment. The East Dartmoor Round is a completely self-supported, self-navigated challenge. There are no marshals, no trail markers, and no water stations.

By attempting this route, you accept full responsibility for your own safety. Before you head out from Cold East Cross, ensure you have read, understood, and prepared for the unique challenges of the moors.

1. Navigation & Tech

Do not rely solely on a single device. Dartmoor’s deep valleys and open moors can occasionally interfere with GPS signals, and cold or wet weather will drain phone batteries rapidly.

• Primary Navigation: Download our verified GPX file onto a dedicated running watch or handheld GPS unit.
• Backup Navigation: Keep a phone with the route saved for offline use (e.g., via the Strava or OS Maps app). Carry a fully charged lightweight power bank.
• The Traditional Backup: We strongly recommend carrying a physical OS Map (OL28 Dartmoor) and a magnetic compass—and knowing how to use them if visibility drops to zero.

2. Weather & Visibility

Moorland weather is notoriously volatile. You can start in bright sunshine in East Dartmoor and find yourself in a freezing, torrential downpour with zero visibility on the high tors less than an hour later.

• Check the Mountain Forecast: Do not just check the standard weather app. Use the Met Office Mountain Forecast for Dartmoor before setting off.
• The "Dartmoor Mist": Thick fog can descend in minutes. If you lose visibility and cannot see the next landmark, rely strictly on your GPX track or compass—do not attempt to guess the trail.

3. Kit List (The Non-Negotiables)

Even in summer, your pack should contain survival essentials. If you twist an ankle on a remote section of the track, you will cool down rapidly while waiting for assistance.

• Waterproof jacket with taped seams (essential for wind and rain protection).
• An extra warm layer (thermal top or lightweight fleece).
• Minimum 1.5L of water (plus hydration tabs) and plenty of high-calorie fuel.
• A basic first aid kit (blister plasters, bandage, foil survival blanket).
• A whistle to signal for help (6 blasts, pause for one minute, repeat).
• TrailSkin Anti-Chafe & Muscle Balm (to protect skin and manage early muscle cramping on the heavy climbs).

4. Terrain, Livestock & Environment

• Underfoot Hazards: The route features technical single-track, slick granite, hidden mires (bogs), and uneven heather. Wear trail shoes with deep lugs (5mm+) for adequate grip.
• Moorland Animals: You will encounter free-roaming Dartmoor ponies, cattle, and sheep. Give them a wide berth, especially if they have calves or foals.
• Leave No Trace: East Dartmoor is a highly protected ecosystem. Pack out all your trash, including gel wrappers and fruit peels.

5. The Golden Rule: Tell Someone

Because this is a self-logged challenge, always let a trusted emergency contact know your exact plans.

Before you step onto the trail, text them:

1. Your start time from East Dartmoor
2. Your estimated completion time.
3. A link to the route page.
4. A strict "call for help" time if they haven't heard from you.

Emergency Protocol

In the event of a serious injury or emergency where you cannot safely walk back to a road node:

• Dial 999 (or 112 if signal is poor).
• Ask for the Police, and then explicitly ask for Mountain Rescue.
• Use the What3Words app or your GPS watch to give them your exact coordinate format.

⚠️ Runner Declaration: By downloading the GPX file and attempting the East Dartmoor Round, you acknowledge that trail running is an inherently risky activity and that you are solely responsible for your own safety, navigation, and physical preparation. Stay safe, respect the moors, and enjoy the adventure!