Introducing our partner: Adventure Therapy

At Dartmoor Partner, we believe that time outside can be powerful. That it can calm minds, build confidence, and bring people together in ways that screens and four walls never could. But we also know that not everyone finds Dartmoor easy to access. That’s why we partner with organisations who are working to make the outdoors more inclusive, more supportive, and more possible for everyone.

Adventure Therapy is one of those organisations. And we’re really proud to be working with them.

Supporting people through outdoor adventure therapy

Adventure Therapy is a Devon-based charity that exists to improve the emotional and physical wellbeing of children, young people and adults with unique health conditions, impairments or limitations. Their work is built around one key belief: that everyone deserves a chance to explore, discover and grow, no matter their background, diagnosis or ability.

They support people living with a wide range of challenges, from mental health difficulties and neurodevelopmental disorders, to life-limiting conditions, physical disabilities, and experiences of trauma or isolation. Whether it’s a young person managing anxiety, an adult navigating life after illness, or a family coming to terms with a difficult diagnosis, Adventure Therapy creates space for people to reconnect with nature and themselves.

Their activity sessions span over 20 outdoor disciplines including hiking, kayaking, horse-riding, paddleboarding, archery, surfing, climbing and bushcraft. But it’s not really about the activity itself. Each session is carefully designed to build confidence, increase vitality, develop communication skills, encourage social connection, and provide space for emotional growth.

Led by a small and deeply committed team, including project coordinator Amy Weekes, the charity operates across Devon and Somerset, often working in partnership with the NHS, Social Services, schools, and other charities. Their team includes qualified activity instructors, occupational therapists, psychotherapists, and trained volunteers, all of whom bring compassion and care to every interaction.

Sessions take place throughout the year, embracing the changing seasons and working flexibly around each person’s needs. From the coast to the woods, from Dartmoor tors to peaceful riverbanks, Adventure Therapy helps people experience the outdoors in a way that feels both safe and freeing.

Their work is a reminder that outdoor adventure isn’t just about physical activity. You can read more about how we see this reflected in our blog on the slow magic of walking with our children, where connection and discovery take centre stage. It’s about restoring a sense of joy, possibility and belonging, one step, paddle or breath of fresh air at a time.

Why we’re partnering

At Dartmoor Partner, one of our key goals is to make Dartmoor easier for families and new walkers to access. That means more than just writing walking guides. It means forming long-term partnerships with organisations who believe, like we do, that access to nature shouldn't depend on ability, background or circumstance.

That’s exactly why we’re partnering with Adventure Therapy. Beyond offering walking routes and trail advice, we’re actively collaborating on future outdoor events together, from supported walks on Dartmoor to co-hosted wellbeing days for people who benefit from guided experiences. These are small but powerful ways to open up the landscape to more people, and we’re proud to be a part of that shift.

Amy and the Adventure Therapy team are growing their walking programme this year. They’re developing men’s and women’s wellbeing walks, and new walking groups for young people with complex needs. They’re using Dartmoor Partner’s trail knowledge to open up new routes for supported hikes across the moor, helping more people experience the freedom and connection that walking can bring. And for those who need additional physical access, we’re proud to signpost resources like Miles Without Stiles, a brilliant initiative listing accessible Dartmoor routes suitable for wheelchairs, pushchairs or those with limited mobility.

Together, we’re combining our strengths to reach people who might never have felt confident setting foot on Dartmoor. That feels important. And very much worth celebrating. We recently shared a blog on how to start exploring Dartmoor as a family, which pairs perfectly with this mission of access and support.

Real stories, real change

Adventure Therapy was born from lived experience. From a single surfing session that brought light to a dark time. From a child with muscular dystrophy who used to walk on the moor, and later explored in an all-terrain wheelchair. From the power of nature to bring families closer together in times of deep uncertainty.

These are the kinds of stories that remind us what this is all about.

Making Dartmoor more accessible doesn’t just benefit a few. It lifts up whole families, builds community, and reminds us that everyone deserves a chance to explore.

We’ll be sharing more of Adventure Therapy’s Dartmoor adventures over the months ahead, including updates from their walking groups and reflections from the people who take part.

How to support or learn more

To learn more about Adventure Therapy, visit www.adventuretherapy.org.uk or follow them on Instagram at @adventuretherapy.uk.

We’re so pleased to have them walking alongside us as a Dartmoor Partner.

If you’d like to explore more about our partner network, or you’re an organisation who shares similar values, drop us a message at hello@dartmoorpartner.co.uk. Because Dartmoor should feel possible for everyone.