WW 30th September 2026

 

  Leeden Tor.

Up the hill in the gathering gloom to find the tors. Down to Ingra Tor. We were both sure there was a good path but it didn’t materialise even when we switched on head torches. The lights of Rotrundle led us down around the bracken below the tor to the old railway track. On along this for some way, past the remains of a distinctive tree - now deceased unfortunately. We eventually came to the pit, more like a quarry really, to find the tussock and bracken was not too bad, so we picked our way up to the main road heading for Peek Hill. Due to wandering through varying terrain we were a bit left of centre. No worries, up a nice track to the ridge leading to Sharpitor which we passed on our right to pick up the track down to the car park. It was now spotting with rain but not enough to warrant  waterproofs.

On to the ever reliable Burrator Inn but very few customers there. By the time we had finished our pints we were the last to leave.

      Mike

TWW 29th September 2026

 Belstone - South Zeal - Sticklepath.

When we got out of the cars at Belstone it was blowing a gale so rain coats and hats donned we set off down to the river Taw. Following the left hand path we soon found ourselves on a nice little path following the river and NO wind,  Lovely.  On, On following Hash sawdust to find the first footbridge to cross the river to find the next one to cross back. Not so easy, it was hidden in the trees, so we soon found ourselves meeting the Belstone road so - Check Back. This bridge has the words from the Ring of Bright Water engraved on the hand rail. Lovely!

Then a fork in the path lead us up and more up which was a bit of a surprise, I hadn’t looked at the map closely enough to notice how close together the contour lines were.  (Sorry Brenda).  So up, up, up and once we were up it was down, down, down to Ford Farm. Beautifully restored buildings, neat and tidy yard. Not much farming goes on here me thinks.

Reaching South Zeal we turned left onto the old A30 for the last half mile to Sticklepath. The Taw River was nice but surprisingly busy, we waited a long time to be fed. Some wanted their usual post lunch nap but no we had to walk back on the other side of the river.

A bit of road then a nice wide path but the those pesky contours again led us up to Skaigh, sounds quite Scottish, then along a lovely flat path above the river, it was probably a leat at one time and so finally back to the Green where we were met by the wind again.

Stella

WW 23rd September 2026

 

The Equinox, with the Harvest Moon due to bloom and the ISS scheduled, better have a jolly good plan.

Out from Princetown with the lovely moon already high in the sky and a super red view over Plymouth to the Eddystone. The Meavy was just about moving so all well there. Out along the track nice and gently toward Foggintor. A really super evening with the light gently easing. Quite cool for a change so a sheltered spot was found by the quarry for a warming cuppa. Already time for torches but the bright moon kept the horizon in view. Toward Yellowmead and up seeking Hollow. After all these years it is still surprising how different the moor is in the dark. Often new features arise and the tors shuffle about. So, we found a really huge quarry which is never there in daylight. Soon Hollow appeared on the skyline. Along the very good track to the beckoning lights of North Hessary. All looking good for our ISS sighting. We were well entertained by the paralumens being fired on Merrivale Range - £30 a pop! So to the building, being careful to avoid the icicles, right on time. And then just as we reached the trig point the mist rolled in so no chance of the ISS. Still we were there, so if it had been there we would have seen it. Nevermind, down from the tor and after descending no more than 20m - out of the mist. So, ever hopeful, torches off and it soared across the sky being slowly snuffed out as it headed for the moon - superb. Nicely down to the lights of Princetown and in good time for a draught at the Prince. But all locked up - so home we went after a most pleasant Autumnal walk.

TWW 22nd September 2026

 

Before I start a bit of background on the Range. 1903–1905: The War Department bought the freehold of the Willsworthy estate and parts of Willsworthy Manor, which included purchasing properties like Reddaford Farm by 1905. This new military training ground (3448 acres) was mapped out with 46 granite War Department (WD) boundary posts.

Today’s format of available TWWs, whilst not exactly ‘the Famous Five ‘, five was our number, setting off from Willsworthy Range carpark on an overcast and humid day. The Range’s tarmac road led us past target ranges suitable for the prone firing position – not suitable for less flexible older bodies though!

At the top of this road, we took the path up White Hill passing quite a few edible mushrooms just waiting to be picked by a knowledgeable picker, and down past a cairn and cist to eventually cross the Walla Brook.

Our destination now was to be Doe Tor, following a weaving route to try to avoid clitter and a sprained ankle; it was still tough to get to the top.

Clitter was again to be a major challenge as we set off for Sharp Tor and the ascending climb to the top, by now in a warming temperature and clearing skies where we had our cuppa whilst looking out over a spectacular view as is common on this section of the Moor.

Along the path to Sharp Tor, Mike pointed out one of the granite marker posts, with WD 16 on it, one of the 46 of the original range, and still standing proud!

As we still had plenty of energy, we continued the walk downwards then up Rattlebrook Hill to Chat Tor, the 23^rd highest Tor on the Moor. It’s not the most scenic Tor, but is a fine example of layered sedimentary rock! There were a couple of ecologists having a picnic there before continuing with their habitation studies of Dartmoor creatures (not us), seemingly not affected by the mass of flying ants on the small Tor!

Ants not being for us though, we needed to get to Hare Tor (only 32^nd in height at 531m) next for our own picnic, hoping no pests followed us – none did, allowing for a delightful stop, view, and fluttering Clouded Yellow butterflies passing by. Thanks for the ID Anne.

Refreshed, Ger Tor next on our way back now. We did actually sit for a while at Ger Tor as the surrounding views are some of the best to admire, particularly looking at the majestic Tavy Cleave and river

All downhill now to cross the ford at Willsworthy Brook and Mine Leat. Getting down from Ger we went past evidence of a former small section of a narrow-gauge railway track (found by Jon) used to transport targets, the track probably part of the very early days in an area of the range long since closed.

Across the Brook and Leat, we made our way to the tarmac road we had first used at the beginning of the walk; however, it always seemed longer going back to the cars!

A ‘Proper Job’ walk was had by all.

Charlie

WW 16th September 2026

 

Quarry car park near Devils Bridge.

Just the two of us again. This little car park is usually empty, but not tonight, a man and his dog and camping gear were already there and as we set off another car arrived.

Along a faint path through the tussock (it is very long this year) up to Black Tor then on down to the aqueduct. Up the rocky ascent by the leat. Torches out by now. Raddick hill looking impenetrable now, due to the encroaching gorse. Round the kink in the leat to find the bridge above Crazywell Pool, which is where the track up to Cramber Tor starts. Down to Hart Tor Brook, an easy crossing due to low water levels. Past the hairy stone, still sporting its toupee despite the dry summer and on to Hart Tor. Down along the rifle range to cut left over the infant Meavy just above some of the lazy dams made of branches. Tracks now came and went as we forced a way through the tussock with the promised light rain starting. Back at the car park the man and his dog were still there having a last look round before settling down for the night in the car.

On to the Burrator for a pint. Just right for what was mostly a walk in the dark - the evenings do seem to draw in very fast at this time of year.

          Mike

TWW 15th September 2026

 

(A Tale of Six Feet, Four Paws and Six Tors)

Despite a grey and damp start to the day, by the time we arrived at Two Bridges Quarry, the cloud was lifting, and we looked set for a pleasant walk.  Along the track to Crockern farm, then across to the Tor.  Much better views than when we were here in 2023.  As we headed off along the ridge, light rain driven by a fresh breeze resulted in a dive for the waterproofs.  It was just a passing shower, and by the time we reached Littaford Tor it had stopped.  Past Longaford and on to Higher White Tor, where we sought shelter from the wind and stopped for a quick brew.  Refreshed, we headed down hill to the river over the (somewhat dog unfriendly) stile and across the river (where we had been defeated in 2023).

Uppity up up up through the enclosure and on to Crow Tor.  A quick stop to enjoy the views before descending beside the range poles to Foxholes.  Over the stream, then up again onto the Beardown ridge. A sheltered spot on North Beardown Tor was an ideal place to eat lunch and bask in the sunshine and enjoy the views across the valley to the tors we had visited earlier.  Lunch over, we continued southwards over South Beardown Tor and down to the Devonport Leat.  Past Beardown Farm, then along the Cowsic back to Two Bridges (where some stopped for a well-earned pint).

Phil & Jane.

WW 9th September 2026

It seemed like a good plan. Up onto the Littaford/Longaford ridge to catch a nice sunset. So out from Two Bridges Quarry on a most pleasant evening, although it certainly is cooling down. Along the track to Crockern and the steady climb toward Littaford. BUT, the sun was already setting behind the Bellever Tors - bother. Still, never mind, a nice evening. Up to the wall corner stile and over where the cows were softly grazing with their GPS collars. That's a bit odd a big black cow charging towards us bellowing - but it's a bull. No matter, it swept between us to assert its authority over the ladies. On to Littaford proper - still quite nice, dry and bouncy here. Over to Little Bee and on to Longaford as the daylight eased. Always a nice spot with views far and wide. Down the tricky bit and round to pick up the main track to Wistmans. Round by the beautiful oak trees and the Buller stone. By then we had to admit it was dark, so lights out. Time for a pause to star gaze - lots about tonight. Along, along and through the very lovely new gate and back. We are getting quite used to a warm welcome in the Two Bridges, so we sat in the bay enjoying our beers.

A very pleasant evening - must bring gloves and all next time.

TWW 8th September 2026

 

A night of heavy rain and still drizzling well as we six assembled in Lowery Cross carpark.

Easy walk down to ancient multi stone parish boundary, past Dousland Reservoir, and over Tyrrwhit's horsetramway granite setts to climb up around the new Yennadon Quarry boundary. Men and machines at work in the mud, always a good viewing topic and will be until the only working quarry on Dartmoor closes in 2032!

Swiftly on past George Stone Baron's 1836 iron mine to the WW2 search light and antiaircraft battery platforms, skies clearing, views over Cornwall appearing.

Horse tramway reappeared as a sharp loop and steeper incline than the steam railway and a cow creep breaks the railway route.

Burrator Reservoir's sandy fringes come into view, a good background for group pic.

Along the tidy leat track now and then down the hill , passing ruins of Mullacraft Cottage and its corner's bench mark clear of moss.

We then joined the lake side path and ventured over the rocky beach for a sit down and a cuppa and the warm sun.

Pleasant wooded tracks led us back to the lake side road and previous summer land of orchids, where now scabious waved blue heads at us in their wet forests.

Detouring now into remains of 1585 Vinneylake Farm. Which outlines could be a longhouse? Difficult. Maybe the highest one. Occupied until 1926.

Up Vinneylake Hill to see the LC stone with potential links to Lowery Cross aka Crossgate.

The head of the cross at Crossgate was found in a wall at Vinneylake Farm.

More puzzles. The Yennadon Cross is also sometimes referred to as Lowery Cross !!

Time marching on now we picked up speed by the leat and passed ruins of various Lowery dwellings the clearest of which is Lowery Cottage.

Into Peekhill Plantation and fallen trees to navigate before reaching the road to Lowery Cross car park and our vehicles. 

A pleasant lunch in a very welcoming Burrator Inn completed our Miscellany!

Anne

Most refs from Exploring Around Burrator, Updated Edition 2023 by Paul Rendell

TWW 1st September 2026

Having been ‘volunteered’ to lead this walk I had to come up with something.  A quick trawl through previous walks produced a hybrid walk – thanks to Michael and Jon and many others.

We met at Pork Hill carpark on a breezy but dry morning.  After a share out of apples – (thank you Anne), off we went up the slope to Cox Tor.  One decided to take the steep way up at the top while the more sensible of us contoured round and used the gentle slope.  All reunited at the Trig point – have you signed the petition yet to grant protected status to Trig Points?

Then down, passing the now replenished pool, and up to Great Staple and an early stop for a cuppa and to admire the views. On then to peer over the fence and admire the quarry below – the building with the new roof, we speculated, houses the hydroelectric station.  Across the road to follow the leat for awhile and then to view the forbidden tor.  The ‘graffiti’ is still there and no we don’t believe there are bulls in there.  But we were good and stayed out.

We skirted round Heckwood, pausing to admire the worked blocks – are they really tombs in disguise? And then on through the bracken, thank goodness for paths, and up to Pu (Pew) Tor for lunch stop with another fine view.

Final stretch then, with the promise of ice cream, passing the Bullseye stone and Windy post – trying not to get in the way of the photographer who kindly waited whilst we navigated the ‘water crossing’.  Now we were on a mission as the rain clouds were heading our way.  Made it back to the cars just in time and sadly headed off without the ice cream stop – no one wanted to eat one in the rain!

And, yet again, no longhouses!!!

Jane