IN 2006, Ben Pering was challenged by a childhood friend to walk the Two Moors Way from South Devon to the North Devon coast.

Ben and his friend, Sam, imagined they would complete the 100-mile trail in less than a week. Instead, it was the beginning of a fifteen-year journey through Dartmoor and Exmoor which would bring him face to face with mishaps, nature and self-discovery. 

“Growing up within sight of Dartmoor, we spent a lot of time on the moors at weekends and during school holidays,” Ben said.

“I was always fascinated by the wildness of nature, and particularly with moorland creatures – everything from newts to ponies. My dad was born and raised here and has always had a great love of all things Dartmoor. He was keen to instil that in me and my brother. 

“As I got older, moved away, and travelled the world, I realised that there are incredibly beautiful places to be found everywhere. I wasn’t really aware at the time how important Dartmoor or Exmoor were to me.”

Ben has written a book about his challenge to complete the trail. ‘One Moor Time’ is published by Crumps Barn Studio and contains illustrations by printmaker Molly Brown.

Ben Pering speaking about his attempts to walk across Dartmoor at the launch of his book One Moor Time
Ben Pering speaking about his attempts to walk across Dartmoor at the launch of his book One Moor Time (Photo: Ben Pering)

“It is a tale of four enthusiastic and yet misguided attempts to walk the Two Moors Way. And it’s also a story about hope and determination. The first attempt to walk the trail was a disaster. I was forced to abandon the walk before we’d even reached halfway. I was incredibly disappointed.

“Looking back, part of the problem was my lack of planning. When I was younger, I’d just decide to do something, and I figured that because lots of people do whatever it was, then clearly so could I, no planning required. 

“But unlike most man-made experiences, nature doesn’t change to suit you; doesn’t get easier if you’re not fit enough, doesn’t provide you with good weather or good fortune when you need it to. 

“Each attempt brought new unexpected experiences, from various run-ins with cows, to the kindness of strangers, such as the man with a Land Rover who picked me up when I was struggling across open moorland in terrible weather and fading light.”

Reflecting on the experience of walking the Two Moors Way, Ben thinks that reclaiming a relationship with the landscape of his youth has been a journey which has unexpectedly brought other changes as well.

“I’ve become someone who actually plans ahead, considers the route, gets decent walking boots, is aware that things going wrong in isolated places can actually be really dangerous. That kind of mindset instils a respect for nature that isn’t easily gained living in city centres, or from watching it on TV.

“Walking the Two Moors Way was a journey which led me deep into the wild spaces of Devon. But I also found a new pace of life and a renewed sense of self.”

One Moor Time is available in bookshops and online retailers from November 14. More information at https://www.crumpsbarnstudio.co.uk