Walkers and tourists will have the perfect guide to exploring in and around Plymouth thanks to a new book written by Plymouth University students, in collaboration with Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team Plymouth (DSRTP).
Moor to Sea without the Car: Walks from Plymouth using Public Transport goes on sale 21 September and details 11 walks in and around the city, alongside maps, illustrations and travel instructions on how to enjoy the Devon and Cornwall landscapes without having to drive.
The walks take in picturesque locations such as Mount Edgecumbe, Cawsand, Calstock, Plym Valley, Princetown, Looe and Ivybridge, and all accompanying information was researched and completed by Plymouth students from Illustration, 3D Design, English, Marketing and Business Management, along with a technician from the School of Geography. The walks were devised by DSRTP member Ken Ringwood, who called it a ‘lifelong dream’ to see the book published.
As a member of the University’s community partnership scheme, DSRTP approached the institution about producing the A5 book last year, with a team of business management students devising the initial marketing strategy. Now, after months of hard work from the student working group and sponsorship from Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership, the finished publication is ready to go on sale – with all funds raised going towards the DSRTP’s continued rescue operations.
Professor Iain Stewart, Director of Plymouth University’s Sustainable Earth Institute and patron of DSRTP, wrote the book’s foreword and is keen to highlight its rare value.
He said:
“Many of those of us who live, work and play in this corner of the South West are all too aware of what a fantastic natural playground we have on our doorstep. For those devotees, this book is a glorious reminder of the wonderful diversity of landscape and life that lies between our ancient granite high lands and our ever-changing coastal strip. Its engaging text and beautiful images will no doubt lure many more to appreciate just what makes our South West backyard so special, but beyond being a celebration of our remarkable countryside, this is a tour guide that helps us enjoy our natural environment without damaging its magnificence.”
Ken Ringwood from DSRTP said:
“This is our biggest student project yet and their high standard of work has created the ultimate walking guide for fellow students and staff, giving us another unique way to raise funds and continue our rescue work. With the business management students’ expertise we will continue to promote the book, encouraging more students and the public to enjoy Dartmoor.”
Moor to Sea without the Car: Walks from Plymouth using Public Transport goes on sale on 21 September at all Plymouth University on-campus cafés. The £5 sale price goes to DSRTP, which is run solely by volunteers and works to provide a vital all year round search and rescue service throughout South West Devon, East Cornwall and Dartmoor.