From prison gates to Cornwall
Over 100 “prisoners” set out to cover the greatest possible straight-line distance within the allotted time.
Setting off towards Tavistock
At exactly noon, the air outside Dartmoor Prison filled with bells, whistles and sirens. More than 100 prisoners, myself included, surged forward. The goal was simple: travel as far as possible from the prison gates within the set time while navigating the varied terrain of Devon and Cornwall.
I turned right towards Tavistock, crossing open moorland and passing the silent, abandoned Merrivale Quarry. Rough ground and road eventually gave way to enclosed country lanes, which led downhill into Tavistock. I arrived at around 1:45pm and paused briefly for a bite to eat and a coffee.
Crossing into Cornwall at Gunnislake
Leaving Tavistock, I continued to Gunnislake. At 3:40pm I crossed the River Tamar and entered Cornwall—without needing a passport. The landscape shifted to rolling hills and narrow, hedge-lined roads. Much of the route was on tarmac, but the lack of pavements meant staying alert for passing traffic.
Callington and a well-earned break
By 5:20pm I had reached Callington. Hunger had set in, so sausage and chips with a latte provided a very welcome meal. After a 30-minute rest, I set off towards Liskeard as the sun began to lower over the countryside.
The nerve-wracking road to Liskeard
The stretch beyond Callington proved the most challenging. The main road was narrow, with sharp bends, no pavement and heavy goods vehicles passing uncomfortably close. I chose the safer back roads through Merrymeet, but the detour added around five miles. The winding route continued through Menheniot and several small villages, with every hill adding to the fatigue as daylight faded.
Final stretch to Liskeard
As dusk settled, Liskeard finally appeared in the distance. The last section crossed fields and followed country paths, with several gates to climb. At 9:25pm I reached Morrisons supermarket, tired but satisfied after 30 miles.
Reflections on the journey
This escape was more than a physical challenge. From the open moor near Merrivale to the testing roads beyond Callington, every section demanded endurance, navigation and caution. It was an absorbing journey through two counties and a memorable test of determination.
