Ellwood Classic
© C.Parkes
On Saturday 27 of June Dartmoor hosted national walling competition, The Ellwood Classic.
The day saw some of the UK's best wallers, including multiple Devon wallers, take on the challenge of completing a section of Devon bank in one day. The day attracted hundreds of spectators, and over £2,200 was raised for local charities, Devon Air Ambulance and Sampford Spiney Church.
A fantastic day showcasing not only real talent but also a strong community spirit, it was Dartmoor at its best. The walling competition was split into four classes, with 36 wallers taking part in total - a record number for the Ellwood Classic. The wallers had from 9am to 4pm to rebuild their allocated section of wall. The Devon bank offers a different style of Walling, with it being made up of two stone facings and compacted earth in the middle.
During the event, a specially carved piece of Merrivale granite was placed into the wall by competitor Rob Thorn. The stone was traditionally crafted using a hammer and chisel, by Dartmoor National Park Authority stonemason Andy Cribbett. Featuring the iconic pony emblem of the National Park and a 75 to commemorate its anniversary this autumn. This stone will stand for generations to come, becoming part of Dartmoor's ever-growing history.
© Chris Chapman
Public feedback to the event has been overwhelmingly positive, and the Ellwood Branch of the Dry Stone Walling Association were delighted to have over 100 people stay for the judging and the awarding of prizes at the end of the day. James Wright, Farming in Protected Landscapes and Access and Recreation Officer, said: ‘The craftsmanship on display was something else and awesome that some of the Wallers had been introduced to the craft through Dartmoor Hill Farm Project walling courses. I’ll look fondly upon the boundaries for years to come!'
Alongside the Walling the day offered the public a chance to 'Place a Stone' on the wall and leave their own mark in Dartmoor's boundary history. There was also the opportunity to join guided historical walks with Simon Dell and Andy Crabb showcasing the rich history and archaeology of the area around Merrivale. Sophie Mills of Kismet Sheepdogs, provided two demonstrations of how she trains and works her sheepdogs which were a huge hit.
© Sarah Chaddock
The event was supported by the Dartmoor Hill Farm Project, the Dartmoor Preservation Association, the Dry Stone Walling Association, the Dartmoor National Park Authority, through their Farming in Protected Landscapes fund and Nick and Doreen Fell of Merrivale Farm. Dartmoor Brewery generously donated three casks of beer, which were sold during the event to raise money for Devon Air Ambulance, as part of their 100 Casks for 100 Causes initiative, a community promotion where they support local and regional causes by donating casks to help fundraise, gather people, and make a practical difference. Hot food and sweet treats were provided by volunteers from Sampford Spiney Church, with proceeds going back to support the church. In total, over £2,200 was raised for these two local charities.
A special mention needs to be made to the Devon Wallers who competed including many who started their Walling passion through the Dartmoor Hill Farm Project walling courses. Including Tony Crowhurst and Pete Furber who placed second and third in the Veterans class. Ethan Parsons, the Cole brothers who placed fourth in pairs, Mickey Shears and Martin Stallard, who placed 6th in Pros and teaches on our Walling courses. We couldn't be prouder of these Devon lads.
We are running monthly walling courses throughout the rest of 2026, visit our events and workshop page to find out more.
The Cole Brothers and their well deserved Rosettes.