Join us on Sunday 20 October 2024, at 10 am, for the last third of this ancient Custom, Beating the Bounds

Meet at our roadside Boundary stone at the Eastern edge of Riland Plantation, Plasterdown Grid Reference SX 516714. This is just a short walk from the car park at Grid Reference SX517719. We’ll complete our Boundary navigation, where we started, at our Stone near the river bridge, below the Dartmoor Inn, Merrivale. Afterwards, we’ll celebrate this completion of Beating our Bounds at the Inn, with our usual Celebration cake! There will be liquid refreshments and food, available to purchase.

This Centuries-old Tradition was used to remind local communities of their Boundaries. Children were encouraged to join in as they would have the longest memories of them! As it began as an annual religious event, around Pentecost, a member of the Clergy started the proceedings, and everyone would then visit each Boundary stone, beating them with birch and willow twigs. Simultaneously, young children were held upside down against each stone, to make sure that they didn’t forget it’s position. Rest assured that we won’t be carrying out that Tradition, but might try our Chairman instead!

• Distance approximately 6 miles
• Wear stout footwear and bring waterproofs
• Children very welcome but must be with an adult
• Bring picnic Lunch and a drink
• Walkers do so entirely at their own risk
• Sorry, NO DOGS, at the request of farmers

Enquiries to Janet Sturmer on 01822 614752 or janetcbsturmer@aol.com

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