From prison gates to Exeter
The Great Escape Begins!
At exactly 12 noon, the Dartmoor Prison Break 2023 was underway! Alongside two friends, I set off from the imposing gates of Dartmoor Prison in Princetown, ready for another adventure across Devon. Our mission was simple: get as far away from the prison as possible before time, tiredness or aching feet brought our escape to an end.
The weather was certainly on our side. Warm sunshine, dry conditions and clear skies provided a perfect start. What could possibly go wrong? As it turned out, our feet would eventually have a few complaints!
Across the Moor to Warren House Inn
Leaving Princetown behind, we followed the road past Two Bridges, enjoying the magnificent open scenery of Dartmoor. Our first planned stop was the Warren House Inn.
After a welcome ten-minute break, it was time to get moving again. There was still a considerable distance ahead, and we certainly weren’t going to reach Exeter by sitting in a pub!
The Long Road to Moretonhampstead
Continuing towards Moretonhampstead, the landscape gradually changed. The exposed moorland roads gave way to narrow, winding country lanes bordered by tall hedgerows.
Although the scenery was lovely, the terrain presented an increasingly uncomfortable challenge. Tarmac, tarmac and yet more tarmac! Unlike a typical Dartmoor hike, where the terrain changes constantly, this route offered mile after mile of hard road surfaces. At first, we barely noticed. Later, we would discover just how unforgiving those roads could be.
Eventually, we arrived in Moretonhampstead, where the White Hart provided a very welcome opportunity to rest. We stopped for approximately 30 minutes, enjoying something to eat and drink while giving our legs a much-needed break. Unfortunately, our feet were already beginning to realise they hadn’t signed up for a leisurely afternoon stroll!
Blisters, Darkness and Determination
With time marching on, we needed to do the same. Leaving Moretonhampstead, we continued along seemingly endless stretches of tarmac, determined to push towards Exeter. By now, the miles were taking their toll. Blisters were developing, feet were aching, and every step was becoming increasingly uncomfortable.
As daylight faded, we stopped to carry out some emergency foot maintenance. Fresh socks? Check. Compeed blister plasters? Check. A miraculous recovery? Absolutely not! Despite our best efforts, the discomfort continued.
With headtorches switched on, we pressed forward into the darkness. The pleasant sunny afternoon had become a demanding nighttime endurance challenge. The conversation became noticeably quieter, probably because most of us were concentrating on putting one very painful foot in front of the other!
Exeter at Last – Almost!
The final stretch towards Exeter was undoubtedly the toughest part of the entire adventure. We were tired, sore and increasingly aware that our feet had reached their limit. Nevertheless, determination kept us moving.
At approximately 10pm, after ten hours on the road, we finally reached the outskirts of Exeter. We had made it an impressive distance from Dartmoor Prison, but there was no escaping the fact that our feet had officially gone on strike!
After a quick discussion, we agreed that enough was enough. It was time to contact Prison Break Control and announce that our escape was over. No dramatic recapture, no police chase, just three exhausted walkers defeated by Devon’s unforgiving tarmac!
