North West Dartmoor: Widgery Cross and Bleak House

Walking through the old mining landscape, there are distinctive landmarks and fine views

DISTANCE: 7.5 miles (moderate walking, with one steep ascent at the beginning)

NEAREST REFRESHMENTS: Dartmoor Inn or Lydford

CAR PARKING: Turn immediate right up a small track after the Dartmoor Inn at Lydford, though a gate to park at SX526853

This walk borders the Dartmoor Firing Range so don't wander off if the red flags are flying!

From the car park walk along the path by the wall and follow it down to the River Lyd. To the right there are some lovely picnic spots if you wish to loop back here at the end of the walk. For now cross over on the stepping stones or bridge and Brat Tor will be in front of you with Widgery Cross visible on the top.

Take the hill steady up to the cross on Brat Tor (SX 539856). This granite cross is 13ft high and was erected by artist William Widgery in 1887, to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria.

From the tor you’ll see the path to the north east, so head towards this, then along to the boundary stone (SX 552862). This is inscribed with BS, marking the division between Bridestowe and Sourton parishes.

There are also many old earthworks around here from Foxhole tin mine, which ran along Doe Tor Brook which meets this path. Though you are more likely to hear the running water than see it!

Continue along the path, which will veer to the left and around to Bleak House (SX 559865). Cross the river for a close up look at the old site manager’s house, of Rattlebrook Peat Works. The peat works ended in 1930 after only a couple of decades of trading.

If you crossed the river, cross back and continue along the path a little further and you’ll meet an old track, which will link into a wider track which was once part of the peat railway. The line was constructed in 1879 for the Duchy of Cornwall, was seven miles long and operated by horse.

Take a left on the old railway and you’ll be following this track most of the way back down, to near the start. It wends it way along and then around to the left, which lovely views of tors on the way, including Great Links Tor. The path turns at SX 545887.

Great Nodden will come into view, which is a very distinctive shape. Unusually for Dartmoor, it’s not made of granite, but rather is metamorphosed rock and is known locally as Plum Puding Hill.

When the path splits you can take either one, I took the right, but both end up at Nodden Gate (SX 530864).  As you descend, look out for the wall on your right which is known as the King Wall. This marks an ancient route, the King Way, which was part of the Tavistock to Okehampton section of the Plymouth to London coaching road that took the King’s mail.

From Nodden Gate, cross some fields and then look for the stile over the wall which will take you back to the footpath you started off on.

Then it’s a right turn, back along the wall to the car park.

Watch video highlights of the walk

 

 

 

 

Posted at 03:21 PM in 2. Medium walks, Area: North Dartmoor, Area: West Dartmoor | Permalink | Comments (0)

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04/27/2016

North Dartmoor: Okehampton Station and Meldon Viaduct

An easy walk taking in a cycle path, trains and glorious views

Distance: 6.25 miles (easy walking apart from one long hill)Nearest refreshments: Okehampton Station or Meldon Viaduct (seasonal)Parking: Okehampton Station car park SX 593945

Home of the Dartmoor Railway, this location will suit those less able as well as the walkers. There is a regular train service between Okehampton and Meldon so it’s possible to walk one way (2.5 miles) and ride the other. It’s also on the Granite Way cycle way (to Lydford) and the longer cycle route 27, but on this walk you’ll be leaving it at Meldon Viaduct.

Starting at the station, take the lane opposite and a little further along on the left is a granite bollard and the path is marked route 27. Turn here and continue following the signs which will take you to Meldon Viaduct.

There are things to look out for on the way. You can glimpse Okehampton Castle on your right, near the start. Further along there is a signpost and steps on your right to Emmett’s Folly. If you wish to take a look, it gives good views of the area.

The path runs alongside the railway and you can spot the trains going up and down the tracks. There are also sidings with empty carriages. 

Meldon Quarry, which opened in 1895, also lies along here and there is an information board to the left of the path.

Not too long after here you’ll come to the station at Meldon, which has seasonal refreshments. The line was closed in the 1960s and used to be part of the main route between London and Plymouth. It’s lovely to see the now private line still in use today.

You’ll be taking the path to the left here, but it’s worth having a meander over the viaduct (SX 565924) and back to take in this remarkable structure. Meldon viaduct was built in 1874 as a single track, and become a double track in 1878.  From here you can also spot Meldon Dam, which was built in 1972.

Just before taking a look at the viaduct, you may have spotted a signpost to your left, marked moor and reservoir. This is the path to follow and takes you down steps, under the viaduct where you can be even more impressed at its structure.

Go left at the bottom of the steps and follow the narrow path. This next bit cuts out the road, so when the path forks, keep to the uphill left one, then not long after go right along a grassy bit and onto the road.

After a short distance go right and you’ll see the quarry car park. Keep going through the gate immediately in front of you and past the first building. You’ll see a path right by the second lot of buildings, which veers left, so take this one. There’s also an ruined building here and a stone bridge.

Also remember to keep looking back here and and up the hill for lovely views of the viaduct.

Continue on this track and when it splits, take the right path up the valley by the stream, and not the one up to the stone wall.

This is uphill stretch of the walk. It’s very pretty by Red-a-Ven brook (SX 567921) and there are small rapids to admire.

The path continues up and bears left, away from the stream. When it forks, take either one as both will put you at the corner of a stone wall (SX 572918).

This is a good spot for a picnic lunch, or at least a rest after the hill to admire the views. You can also spot the dramatic Yes Tor from here.

Follow the wall. It’s still a little uphill, but not very steep and you’ll have lovely views to the north all the way. Once you crest the hill there are views all around - dramatic tors to your right and an open panorama ahead.

Keep following the wall until you meet the road, then continue along the road. Okehampton Camp will be on your left. 

Once you reach a small stone bridge and cattle grid, go left and then immediately right and keep on the road, first level and then downhill.

On your left, don’t miss Fitz’s Well (SX 592938) and cross by the side of the road. There are legends surrounding this about mischievous piskies leading unwary traveller’s around in circles in foggy weather and how drinking spring water can break the spell. Luckily for us, it was a sunny day and not a piskie in sight.

Where the road takes a sharp left beside two gates, take the left hand gate and follow the wall a short way then the path goes diagonally left across the field.

As you come to the bottom hedge, the path goes right and follows along the fence until you come to a footbridge, which takes you over the A30.

On the other side go down the hill, left by the redundant stile and follow the path until you reach a gate. Turn right here and not long after go right which takes you to the station footbridge which is next to Okehampton Youth Hostel. The hostel was converted from a former station goods shed in the 1990s.

Cross the footbridge and you’re at Okehampton Station and in the right place for the lovely cakes which are served in the buffet.

For information on Dartmoor Railway click here  

Posted at 12:05 PM in 1. Easy walks, Area: North Dartmoor | Permalink | Comments (0)

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12/27/2015

North-east Dartmoor: Scorhill stone circle and Kestor Rock

A moderate walk with one steep hill taking in woodland, ancient ruins and scenic views

Distance: nearly 5 miles (over moorland and road, one steep hill)Nearest refreshments: ChagfordParking: Past Gidleigh, at the end of the small road at SX661877

From the small car park area follow the path onto moorland and down to Scorhill Stone circle. This is of the most impressive on Dartmoor, having  some of the largest stones, with one over eight feet high. From here head South West on a tiny path to the river to find the tolmen stone. 

 Then follow the river upstream and back on the main path to cross over a small stone bridge.

The path runs parallel to a stretch of trees and takes you past Batworthy Corner, up an incline to the stone rows on Shovel Down. This area has many Bronze Age megaliths and stone rows.

Carry on to the Long Stone which is the fourth tallest menhir on the moors, standing at  3.1 metres.

Walk to Kestor Rock where there are magnificent views of this ancient landscape.  Some historian believe Kestor was the  focus for druidical ceremonies in previous centuries. It’s certainly a nice spot for a lunch stop.

Take the path to the road at Batworthy then follow it, right, until just before Teigncombe, where a footpath goes left into the wooded area of South Park. Then it’s downhill, over a bridge into North Park and uphill, passing the small Gidleigh Tor on your way.

You’ll emerge onto a track, which will take you to a road near Gidleigh, then turn left and follow the road to get back to the start point.

Posted at 12:47 PM in 2. Medium walks, Area: East Dartmoor, Area: North Dartmoor | Permalink | Comments (0)

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NORTH DARTMOOR: Nine Maidens and Belstone Tor

An interesting village, an ancient legend and some of the best views on the moor. This is a moderate walk but can be extended for a longer and harder route.

 

 DISTANCE: 4.2 miles (moderate walking due to the amount of clitter on the plateau)NEAREST REFRESHMENTS: Belstone village or OkehamptonCAR PARKING: At the road side at SX616934

Some of this walk is in the Dartmoor Firing Range so check firing times before heading out.

Belstone is a pretty village in north Dartmoor. Park at SX616934 on the western side of the village and then walk up the road and through the gate.

With Watchet Hill on your left, follow the track along until you come to a fork. This first bit of track forms part of the Tarka Trail.

For now take the left fork onto Belstone Common, but keep reasonably parallel to the track. There are a few paths here so it’s a good idea to take a map bearing or keep your eyes peeled to spot the Nine Maidens stone circle (SX612928).

Nine Maidens, or Nine Stones as it’s marked on some maps, is a circle of 16 stones around an old Bronze Age burial chamber. It’s in a dramatic location for photos with  Belstone Tor one way and East Mill Tor in the distance the other. 

The legend behind the Nine Maidens is that a group of maidens danced on a Sunday and were turned to stone. As punishment they must dance every day at noon for the rest of eternity. Another version is that it was seventeen brothers who were turned to stone.

Once you have taken your fill then head up to Ladybrook Tor which is the first of the three tors that sits above Belstone Common. I went around it on the left hand side. There are lots of tracks here so take your pick of going around or over them!  The views from here and all along the plateau are stunning. 

From there you can see a path wend away to the horizon by East Mill Tor, plus Belstone village and cleave, and also onwards into a wilder Dartmoor past Oke Tor and Wild Tor. 

Keep going towards Belstone Tor.  It’s like once big chain of granite outcrops so there’s lots of clitter about - keep one eye on your feet and the other on those glorious views!

After Belstone Tor you will see Irishman’s Wall just before you reach Higher Tor. The remains of the wall run for about 0.8 miles from the flank of the tor to Cullever Steps. 

There are different theories behind how the wall came to be there and the most favoured one seems to be that it was part of a newtake meant to enclose Belstone Common. A newtake was a piece of land enclosed by early Dartmoor farmers. Two Irishmen were building the wall to enclose this vast area of land and the locals of Belstone and Okehampton disapproved so knocked it down and drove them away.

Just the other side of the wall is a large logan stone (SX614919). This is formed when a joint is eroded away by the weather until one stone ‘balances’ on top of another.

Higher Tor (SX612917) is an impressive set of granite stacks. The other side of it the path starts to descend and you will also spot some stones on the left hand side of the path which are old boundary stones.

If you wish to extend the walk then keep going to Oke Tor (add two miles); or Steeperton Tor and back via Taw Marsh (add five miles) then head back up the valley and link onto the path next to the river.

Go down a little further and you’ll come to a path going from right to left, cross this one as there is another just past this and go left along this. It will take you down into the valley. This is the place where the descent is the least steep.

Once you're down on the valley floor admire the views towards Oke Tor and Taw Marsh, then go left towards Belstone. The river Taw will be on your right and you’ll pass the Irishman’s Wall once again on this wide track.

Even though you are by the river you don’t really see it so I hopped onto a path by the weir to take a look. You can continue on the original track which will lead to a road, coming out a little further on from the path I took.

After a brief respite by the river I followed a small path and walked alongside it - very pretty - until I came to some houses. The path goes past these through a gate and eventually brings you to a road. Well, more like a country lane and a pretty walk along (keep right at the turning) which brings you out to the southern part of Belstone before you enter the village centre.

There is also car parking along this bit of road should you wish to return another day to walk Belstone Cleave on your right.

As you walk through the village there is a pub, The Tors, for some refreshment, and if you head right at the green you’ll see a memorial stone and past this the well-known stocks SX621936.

The memorial stone bears inscriptions for two monarchs - King George V and Queen Elizabeth II.  The stocks are a Grade II listed monument and were restored in 1953 and the granite seat, which is an upturned trough, added. More work was done in subsequent years.

Walk back up the past the green and the old telegraph office which has a stone dating it 1841.

This last bit is uphill I’m afraid, but in hardly any time at all you’ll be back at your car.

 

View a Google map of the walk here

Watch video highlights of the walk:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted at 06:00 PM in 2. Medium walks, 3. Difficult walks, Area: North Dartmoor | Permalink | Comments (0)

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06/20/2010

NORTH: Meldon Reservoir

There are a number of walks you can do from here including a three-miler around the reservoir. However I fancied something a little more challenging so did a seven-and-a-half-mile wide arc taking in Sourton Tors, Steng-a-Tor, Black Tor and Longstone Hill. Not for the faint-hearted this walk is tough going and also ventures in the territory of the beast of Dartmoor...

  DISTANCE: 7.5 miles (difficult walk, steep inclines and very boggy in places)NEAREST REFRESHMENTS: Okehampton or the interesting Highwayman’s Inn at SourtonFACILITIES: There are toilets in the car park.CAR PARKING: There is car park at the reservoir.

 This is an area I hadn’t explored before and was looking forward to seeing the towering tors and dramatic landscape on the walk. From the car park at Meldon Reservoir (SX 562917) there are signposts for Sourton and the moors.

The first mile is a long pleasant uphill between granite-walled fields. I don’t get to say ‘pleasant uphill’ very often so it’s worth saying it twice!

The path spits you out with a couple of choices to go diagonally left or straight up. I went straight up towards Sourton Tors (SX 543899). As I hadn’t seen this tor before I went for a closer inspection. On the main path are two stones, one either side and crossing this a track running left to right. I followed this around a little to see the front of the tors. It’s a very rocky outcrop over a wide area with a tor on top. It didn’t make for a good photo so retraced my steps back to the two stones and carried straight on towards Corn Ridge.

 (A word of caution if it’s been raining over the past few days or the weather looks like it’s coming in, from here I recommend going towards Shelstone Tor. There’s a path to the right of it which will take you to Black Tor. This will chop a couple of miles off, but also some very difficult and boggy terrain.)

  There seemed to be a scar on the side of Corn ridge and the path runs alongside this so I headed there, taking in the lovely view of Shelstone Tor and Black Tor on my left and Sourton Tors behind me.

It was too steep to descend to the river from here, so after a spot of lunch I decided to walk along the top of the ridge and head to Steng-a-Tor (SX 568880) where it looked like an easier descent.

   There are some animals paths here but mainly not a track to follow and it gets very boggy in places. I came within a few hundred yards of Steng-a-Tor, and had to be disappointed as it was in the middle of a bog. Despite my best efforts and prodding the ground with my walking poles I couldn’t find a way across so put my sensible head on and left. I have since found out that there have been sightings of the beast of Dartmoor around this tor so I’m very glad I didn’t hang around!

   Going down was still steep and I followed the edge of the bog down. A tip I picked up from my walking guide days in Austria is that walking diagonally down a steep incline can make it a bit easier. I put this into practice here and also loosely followed the large red and white firing range poles down towards the river. There are some nice views up and down the valley from here and also of West Okemont river and Black-a-Tor copse. It was at the copse where I head my second cuckoo of the year.

   I followed the river back down the valley and past the copse to the left side of Black Tor (SX 566895). You can cross the river anywhere you find a spot! The path goes to the left of Black Tor and it’s a steep walk up. 

At the top the path is easily spottable so follow this along Longstone Hill. There a little cairn at the side of the path and after this the path starts to wend left and I spotted Meldon viaduct and then the reservoir car park.

 It’s a pleasant path down to the reservoir and before you know it you’re back at the car park. View map of Meldon reservoir route

Posted at 10:57 AM in 3. Difficult walks, Area: North Dartmoor | Permalink | Comments (0)

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