Search for the Ted Hughes Memorial Stone - The Dartmoor Podcast Episode Twenty Three

What’s the point in a hidden memorial? In this episode, me and my brainy friend Darran go on a very long walk to find the Ted Hughes Memorial Stone and uncover how the poet’s dark past led to it being placed in such a remote location. We also discuss what made Ted Hughes such a special talent, and how he is the perfect poet for Dartmoor.
My Twitter: @DartmoorPodcast My Facebook: / thedartmoorpodcast My wild camping and birding books: www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08L3QNH3...

[@TigerLily7.]

I thoroughly enjoyed this great conversation! I hope that we'll see Darran here again. Points for that classy teacup/pinky moment at the very end, George.;)

[@TommyBrookman]

Really enjoyed this one. Good to see Darran (at last). Got some good "The Banshees of Inisherin" vibes from you two 😂 and in the words of Father Jack Hackett: "How did that Gobshite get on the television?"

[@mullacyt]

Brilliant podcast (not a podcast) George absolutely smashed it I love watching these relaxing videos before I go to sleep makes me wanna get out and check out the wonders of Dartmoor

[@bechilled3875]

Another excellent lesson. Thank you sir, now enjoy your 6 week holiday

[@devonwalking]

Fabulous. I had no idea how it got there. We found it (eventually) from the north after a visit to Cranmere, I noticed on Strava that it looked close (ish) so we set off. Almost missed it but suddenly I just had a feeling about a rock in the other side of the stream! My dearly departed parents would have loved this, they loved Hughes, I have to admit I have never read him (might have to now!), we didn't do him in school for some reason. You are an English teacher, of course you are 🙂

[@sonsoffalstaff2600]

A post he held until he became Dead Hughes in 1998'. That made me laugh like hell. Dartmoor is the right place for you. I get the feeling you are out of kilter with this modern age.

[@thedartmoorpodcast]

Ha! I'd forgot that bit - tonally all over the place, this episode!

[@GreyGhost.]

magic .... cheers from Newquay. ( no amount of poetry can stop a tank )

[@colindavies6007]

Love this series

[@alistairslade3836]

Great stuff, as ever. Visited the stone years ago, then on to Cranmere Pool. Cheated though as you were allowed to drive out on the military roads back then so not much more than a stroll.

[@jasskurn2173]

Another great podcast, and I've just discovered that ChatGPT thingy. So here's a poem In Dartmoor's womb, where wild winds entwine, Ted Hughes stood, his spirit aligned. A poet, fierce, with nature's heart aglow, He sensed the moors' secrets, hidden below. "The Dartmoor Podcast," a curious affair, A video series, the landscape to share. In Hughes' mind, the question did unfold, Could screens capture Dartmoor's stories untold? With pen in hand, he pondered the scene, His verses like rivers, flowing serene. The heart of Dartmoor, could it still ignite, In moving images, in sound and sight? He yearned for depths, for ancient tales, Where verses danced like moorland gales. Yet, in this modern age, new forms were born, To celebrate the land, where he was sworn. He knew the power of spoken word, Could paint the moors, as shadows stirred. But now, this podcast, beyond his ken, A chance to reach the hearts of many men. In lines, he mused, the essence remains, No matter the canvas, the poetic reins. Through lens and script, Dartmoor's soul alive, In vivid colors, it would revive. The "Dartmoor Podcast," a symphony bold, With video's might, its tales were told. In every frame, Hughes saw a glimmer, Of the moors' magic, growing ever-simmer. So, though a podcast in form askew, Its essence pure, like morning dew. Ted Hughes knew, as the moors embrace, Their timeless spirit finds a lasting place.

[@thedartmoorpodcast]

Thank you! I can spot that ChatGPT poetry a mile away - a few students have tried to submit such things!

[@rialobran]

Congrats on finding it. I missed it by 20 meters and didn't see it until I'd crossed the stream and was halfway up the other side. Needless to say I couldn't be arsed to go back. More a Poe man myself but the Hughes memorial is one of those 'have to do' things on the moor...I'll take this film as vicariously having seen it.

[@thedartmoorpodcast]

Thank you! Definitely not worth the walk... unless making a vaguely educational not-a-podcast!

[@jasonkelsey987]

Excellent film

[@brodiebradley7959]

heyy george really enjoyed the video, just had a quick question if ya don't mind.. do you remember where you got the polish lavvu from just because i was looking to get one for my camping trips to the sacred moors

[@thedartmoorpodcast]

Hey Brodie! I think I got my Lavvu either from a website called Military Mart, or Varusteleka. Basically have a look online and look for a good deal. Enjoy!

[@brodiebradley7959]

@@thedartmoorpodcast thank you so much! Will definitely have a scramble on the internet haha

[@HeffalumpHorralump1]

Cracking photography in this one! I think I’m happy never seeing the monument in the flesh after the description of the walk there 😂 is the mound entirely natural do you know?

[@thedartmoorpodcast]

Thank you, and yes, good idea! Darran and I have done it so you don't have to! The mound is, I think, a load of waste material from - you guessed it - tin mining.

[@HeffalumpHorralump1]

@@thedartmoorpodcast of course it is!

[@donnlol7703]

2:02 is that Nathan the horse?

[@thedartmoorpodcast]

No, Nathan's still runnin'

[@donnlol7703]

Luvely juvely

[@jonathanpork-sausage617]

Rambling and poetry. Could have been dreadful. Wasn't. Result.