New Moon Stargazer and a Drink 3km (rating 3 medium)

Sunday 18th January is the first new moon of 2026 and, provided the weather is clement, will likely be as good a night as any this winter for a touch of stargazing. Dartmoor is known as the best dark sky site in southern England. We’ll be doing a simple 3km loop which should provide us with a few good opportunities to get a proper look at the milky way.
You’ll need some good boots, warm cloths, waterproofs and something to keep your ears warm. You will also need a small but reliable torch, or maybe two, no head torches or super bright spotlights please, just a small hand torch that you can carry beside your thigh to illuminate your footsteps. You may also choose to bring a pair of binoculars or even a telescope if you like.
Although this is a fairly short, straight forward walk on well used paths we will often be walking over rough ground, it will be wet underfoot at this time of year and navigation will be a lot trickier at night. After an hour or so on the moor we’ll retire to the Warren Inn for a bevy by fire.

Advisory note:
This is a not for profit group intended as a social event for people who share an interest in the natural world. You are responsible for your own safety and welfare so please come appropriately dressed for a rural walk taking account of the prevailing weather conditions. Some walks may involve an additional degree of physical challenge. If so, this will be clearly stated in the description. If you then choose to participate in these activities you do so at your risk.
There is a small fee of £2 for each walk to cover costs of the meetup page which is currently around £300 per year and also to cover some minor expenses incurred when reconnoitering walks, mostly fuel and a pint.