HISTORY OF LETTERBOXING

Letterboxing is a recreational hobby which individuals or families / small groups of
people can participate in. It involves walking across Dartmoor using clues and grid
references taken from a Letterbox Catalogue. Navigational Skills are tested as well as
determination. Letterboxers place the boxes on the moor.

These boxes will contain a rubber stamp and visitor's book. When finding the box an
impression of the rubber stamp is taken using an inkpad and stamped onto either a book
or postcard. The visitor then either signs the visitor's book, or use their own personal
stamp.

The hobby is very enjoyable and presents a challenge in stamina and navigational skills,
but more importantly intensive reading of books on Dartmoor (to help crack some of the
more difficult clues), leads to an in depth knowledge of the Geology, Archaeology and
History of the moor. Children are encouraged to take up walking rather than TV
watching, and learn to respect the moor and to preserve it for future generations.

Letterboxing started on Dartmoor in the nfiddle of the 19' century. In 1854 a Chagford
guide called James Peffott set up the first letterbox at Cranmere Pool on North Dartmoor,
originally it was just a cairn (small pile of rocks,) the idea was for a walker to leave a
message there for the next walker to co
Ilect and so on. Later other boxes were established at Taw Marsh (1894), Ducks Pool
(193 8), Fur Tor (195 1), and Crow Tor (1962). These boxes are deep into the moor and
still represent a challenge.

People from all walks of life go Letterboxing, they spread from Cornwall to Scotland,
and even to the USA, Holland, Germany and New Zealand. Their occupations are varied
and include doctors, the clergy, servicemen, barristers and Dartmoor farmers and
residents.

There is no official committee that organises the hobby, but an informal Letterbox 100

club exists. To be a member and receive the badges and membership card a Letterboxer
has to visit 100 boxes on the moor, and have visual proof of them.

In brief, Letterboxing is a healthy, very enjoyable recreational hobby, while at the same
time it is educational and teaches the walker to appreciate the special, sensitive beauty of
Dartmoor, and to instil the desire to protect it for future generations.

For further details contact us on 01364 73414, or go to our official web site
www.letterboxingondartmoor.co.uk