The “Race for Nature” Shows the Beauty of the Bovey Valley

The growing reputation of the Bovey Beauty gained momentum this year with another successful 10-mile fell run through the breath taking landscapes of Dartmoor. On a sunny but blustery September morning 38 entrants from around the Southwest waited under starter’s orders in Pullabrook Woods, deep in the Bovey Valley, preparing to tackle the spectacular grade B route. Forest tracks in the river valley led to climbs through ancient woodland before emerging onto wide open moorland at the top of Lustleigh Cleave. After passing a small herd of Dartmoor ponies the trial continued with a weaving descent through farmland and back into the western oak woods with mossy boulders of granite scattered between the ancient lichen clad trees.

The Woodland Trust and Natural England jointly organise the race and in previous years have featured rare and interesting wild species including the oil beetle, red wood ants, the barbastelle bat and the pearl bordered fritillary.

Running clubs from around Dartmoor were represented including Okehampton Running Club, Teignbridge Trotters, Erme Valley Harriers, Haldon Trail Runners and many more. We also look forward to the return of the Dorset Doddlers in next year’s race. If you are interested in joining the Bovey Beauty please contact Dave Rickwood on

davidrickwood@woodlandtrust.org

by Matt Parkins

photos: Dave Rickwood, Richard Brown and Matt Parkins