Rules of good conduct

Use chalk sparingly

Chalk can leave visible marks on Dartmoor's granite and is unsightly in a National Park setting. Use it sparingly, and consider liquid chalk as a lower-impact alternative.

When you're done, brush the holds with a soft brush to remove chalk residue and keep the rock looking natural.

Clean your shoes

Mud and vegetation on your shoes can both damage friction on the rock and spread invasive species between sites.

Clean your shoes on a doormat or brush before you start climbing, especially if you've been walking across boggy ground.

Wet rock is dangerous

Unlike sandstone, Dartmoor's granite is not damaged by rain and does not require a drying period to protect the rock itself.

However, wet granite becomes extremely slippery and significantly increases the risk of falls and injury. Wait for the rock to dry before climbing — both for your safety and to avoid damaging the lichen that grows on unclimbed surfaces.

Other rules

• Walk on existing trails and avoid trampling vegetation — Dartmoor's moorland and bog habitats are delicate and slow to recover.
• Carry your crash mat rather than dragging it across the ground.
• Take all your litter home with you — and consider picking up any you find along the way.
• Fire risk on Dartmoor is extremely high. Open fires and BBQs are prohibited — this includes disposable BBQs. One spark can destroy thousands of acres of moorland.
• Keep dogs under close control around livestock. Dartmoor is a working farm — cattle and sheep graze freely across the moor year-round.