DofE Gold Expedition Dartmoor 75km

[IBrown]

Hi, its been a while since I have been on the forum, I hope all the usual great advice helpers are still here and Martin lol..

My future son-in Law, (yes one of my girls will be getting married at the begining of April) is to become a Royal Marine Commando and he wants to get some training in. I offered to help and found a trail that I think will suit us, its the DofE Dartmoor practice Expedition a 75km or 45 mile 3-4 day wild camp around Dartmoor.

I will be using a 60ltr rucksack. I have plenty of gear for any conditions. We will be starting on Monday 22nd April.

I would like some advice on kit selection for such a trail. I know Martin has done the Ten Tors Challenge if my memory serves me correctly, and a lot of you lads live and breath Dartmoor.

http://www.trailzilla.com/index.php?4870221890#

I dont know if this will work but the link is above to the trail. If it doesnt work i can send a GPX file to you.

Many thanks for any help you can give.

[Silverback]

My only experience of Dartmoor is escorting Ten Tors competitors off it in torrential rain.......be careful when crossing the water courses...otherwise...enjoy

[Ehecatl]

Two pairs of socks to avoid blisters. Congratulations and good luck.

M@

[Raven]

i did the two moors way in April, weather on dartmoor at that time of the year will vary, rapidly going from extreme's so prep for the worst down poor to baking sun, i kid you not! i had all sorts,make sure your boot are broken in and good ankle support is a must as the ground can be all over the shop! a good lightweight tent is also a good idea as not loads of trees to put up a tarp and hammock, although it does depend on where you go, good luck mate.

paul

[Silverback]

tell you what though I have a ten tors map, both North and South moors on one sheet if you can use it....

[IBrown]

i did the two moors way in April, weather on dartmoor at that time of the year will vary, rapidly going from extreme's so prep for the worst down poor to baking sun, i kid you not! i had all sorts,make sure your boot are broken in and good ankle support is a must as the ground can be all over the shop! a good lightweight tent is also a good idea as not loads of trees to put up a tarp and hammock, although it does depend on where you go, good luck mate.

paul

I am breaking in a new pair of boots now. I have been wearing them about the house for the last few days and they are quite comfortable but I have been trying different lacing techniques to see which make the boot more secure around the ankle area. I have a Vango Spectre 200 which I use for fishing trips to the welsh mountains and it is a good little tent about 2kg.
Many thanks for your advice.
Regards
Ian

[IBrown]

tell you what though I have a ten tors map, both North and South moors on one sheet if you can use it....


many thanks for your offer. Do you have it in PDF format or paper version? I am happy to send a stamped address envelope if its the latter.

Regards
Ian

[Silverback]

many thanks for your offer. Do you have it in PDF format or paper version? I am happy to send a stamped address envelope if its the latter.

Regards
Ian

Laminated paper version, with 'appropriate' overlay info

[IBrown]

No problem. PM me your address and size of envelope you require and i will send you a SAE.
Many thanks
Ian

[Martin]

My advice would be only to take as little as possible. Shelter, sleeping gear, warm dry clothes, food and cooking equipment are all you should need. Of course, not forgetting a map each and a compass. Don't rely on your rucksack to be waterproof; it isn't! Water on Dartmoor is pretty safe to drink but I must admit that I tend to use Steritabs these days because I'm getting old and sensible. I've never had any sort of stomach upset in 30 years of drinking from Dartmoor streams.

Finally, read the map carefully and when you see the symbol for a marsh or mire, believe it!!!

Martin