While you’re dashing through the shops this Christmas wondering where the festive spirit has gone you might consider setting aside some time for a visit

There’s so much to do and enjoy on Dartmoor all throughout the winter months, when that nip in the air and chance of snow covering the tors and slopes on the open moorland, makes heading out for a family walk just that bit more exhilarating.

I always get a lovely feeling of excitement when heading up onto Okehampton moor with Maisie, the wide open space is vast and the opportunities endless.

Today I’m out biking early. Cycling through the morning’s crisp autumnal air, dipping into valleys of low-lying clouds and climbing up as the clearing mist reveals yet another breath-taking view over Dartmoor.

We started our walk in the free car park next door to Okehampton Castle, where you can either climb a wooden stile onto the wooden footbridge across the West Okement River or take the easy route through a gate next door to the car park.

As the days get shorter, the air gets colder and winter approaches, we know that Christmas is just around the corner

You never know what the weather will do at the end of October, it could be lovely enough to enjoy some wonderful family walks and bike rides, or it might send us running for cover!

The Finalists have been announced for this year’s Devon Tourism Awards which will be presented at The Riviera International Conference Centre in Torquay on 28 November.

Half Term is nearly upon us, so we’ve had a look at some of the fun events that you can enjoy on and around Dartmoor, and listed five of them below.

A few weeks ago I had promised to deliver some of our Discover Dartmoor magazines to Tavistock Visitor Centre, and thought it would be fun for Maisie to have her first visit to Sourton Tors on our way.

This lovely spot has long been a favourite of mine, I used to bring Daisy and Skye here on a regular basis so introducing Maisie to the river and stunning views was an absolute pleasure.

Devon is breathtakingly beautiful at this time of year, so we’ve put together some ideas for you to try during the break.