Two teams from West Exe School took part in the Abbott’s Way walk on the 1st of October.  The teams were made up of enthusiastic West Exe students and staff, both past and present and 75 teams took part in the challenge in total. 

The Abbott’s Way walk is an annual event where teams of 3 to 8 people walk the Dartmoor route starting at Buckfast Abbey and finishing at Tavistock College – a total of 23 miles or 37km with 914 metres of climb.  The path was originally used by monks to travel between Buckfast Abbey and Tavistock Abbey.  The yearly walk brings together avid walkers of all ages and this year was the event’s 61st anniversary. 

The event kicked off at 7.15 in the morning from Buckfast Abbey and participants were treated to some stunning moorland scenery as they walked the trail through the Dartmoor National Park.  The trail heads through Hockmoor, Lambs Down and Deans Moor before reaching the Avon Dam Reservoir and then the River Avon itself.  There is then a descent past Stinger's Hill and Erme Pits Hill before reaching Plym Ford, it’s then on to South Hessary Tor on the way to Princetown.  Final stops include Merrivale, Whitchurch Common and Moortown before the final destination at Tavistock is reached. 

Julie Fossey, Headteacher at West Exe School said:

“This is the first time West Exe have entered into the walk for a few years and it was great to have a diverse bunch tackle and complete the challenge together.  I am delighted that everyone who took part had such a good day and that they enjoyed the walk, even when it got steep.  I know they were rewarded with some amazing views!”