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

WW 26th August 2026

 Morwellham.

No driving tonight so off a bit early. Up the hill to Morwell Rock, crunching through the freshly fallen leaves, more like October than the end of August. On along past Pleasure Rock and the other outcrops to take the lovely little path to Chimney Rock. These places were popular excursions for the Victorians who came by train or boat from Plymouth. The low sun over Cornwall shining on the trunks of the trees giving a wonderful enchanting effect. All was quiet so far. Down to the track by the river where things were rather different. Notices everywhere - PRIVATE -NO ADMITANCE - CCTV CAMERAS. One can only ignore such rudeness! What is wrong with these people, this is a designated area of outstanding natural beauty, it should therefore be open to all. So it was on to the weir, low tide but much less water flowing over than normal. The gate further along the track has been replaced by a new one with all the above mentioned signs attached, plus barbed wire wrapped round the top rail to prevent anyone climbing over. Sad souls!

Up in the dimming light past Morwell Rock again, to arrive home with a full moon shining down on our cottages. Magic. Torches next week I think.

Mike

TWW 25th August 2026

 

Despite the heavy rain some had experienced in the Tamar valley, it was dry on Dartmoor, though a fresh breeze sent the clouds scudding across the sky.  From the Peat Cott quarry we headed down the road to Whiteworks then out onto Fox Tor Mire (which was really rather dry).  A well-worn path led us to the red pole marking the crossing point on the stream.  Safely across the makeshift bridge we continued on the path, bypassing Goldsmith’s Cross and heading up to Fox Tor.  Too early for a coffee break, so after admiring the view of Child’s Tomb and Fox Tor Farm we continued to Fox Tor Girt and found a nice, sheltered spot for a brew.

Suitably refreshed, we picked up Black Lane (not much of a lane!) and followed it south to the “Post” on the watershed then followed the course of Blacklane Brook across Blacklane Mire towards the second marker post.  By now we were again on a well-defined path that curved around across the old tin workings and on to Ducks Pool. We located the memorial and letterbox, let the ducks out for a breath of fresh air, signed the book, and posed for a photograph.

Heading westward, we crossed the “pool” (dry as a bone) and headed up to Great Gnat’s Head, where we discovered the origins of the strange rectangular features that appear on the satellite view of the area – peatland restoration.  Downward to the Abbot’s Way and on to Plym Ford, where we found a sheltered spot for a slightly late lunch.  By now the sun was shining brightly and it was starting to get comfortably warm.

Across the ford, and up the other side of the valley found us on a pleasant track to Nun’s Cross and from there back to the cars.

Phil

WW 19th August 2026

 

One of those evenings when you just know something is going to happen. A nice showery day, lots of lovely clouds, a good breeze and an 8:30 sunset. Pork Hill, the perfect place to go. A pause to let a large herd of ponies take the track. Fabulous visibility, so gently up to Middle where a 'wild' camper was failing to inflate. Onward to Great. Signs of a shower heading our way, way out west - but, seemingly making no progress. On to Roos to find a bit of shelter from the incoming rain. And then it happened, slowly at first, just a bit of vertical rainbow, and then the full effect, brighter and brighter. Time for a quick snap, find a suitable rock for a pic and, out of nowhere, a completely soaked bloke arrived and took our picture. How lucky can you get? All cold and wet by now, quite the novelty. Down to the workings and on to Beckamoor Dip where lots of ponies were gathered. Plenty of grass there and a few puddles in the dew pond. So, maybe for the first time, a chance to stand on the island. Up to Cox for the sunset and down the wide, wide track. All brown grass here, not a blade for the ponies. Back to the cars to put on the heater to warm up. On to the Whitty in good time where we were treated to a bloke at the bar demonstrating golf swings to a young lady and she responded by teaching him how to play polo - you couldn't make it up.

What a truly fabulous evening!

TWW 18th August 2026

 

Bagga Tor.

The original plan for walking from here was to circumnavigate Standon Tor but on a recce it proved rather long and a bit rough going in places. So on to plan two.

Setting off from the car park a short trip up to the top of Bagga Tor for fine views of the surrounding lower land, all the higher ground being in cloud. Through the gate and a steady climb up to Lynch Tor which almost cleared for us. It was then a fairly long tramp through the mist on a one rabbit track to White Barrow. Just as we were getting there a farmer zoomed by on his quad - not sure how you check on stock in thick mist! On along the track to follow the wall which was a picture with the purple heather growing all along the top. The standing stone was still standing when we got there so it was on up through the thurfurs to White Tor ( bit of a misnomer there as all the rocks are black). A slightly sheltered spot was found on top for lunch, now clear of mist. On down through rocks and then dwarf gorse bushes, with talk of long houses and diamond mines over in the rough ground to our right. Finally we arrived at the gate leading down the bridleway to Higher Wapsworthy. Out onto the road for a brief stop to admire the recently renovated Lower Wapsworthy - very smart. A bit of a drag up the road in the now warm sun to the cars. A good alternative walk with varying terrain and varying weather.

    Mike

WW 12th August 2026

 

Where to go for the eclipse? Somewhere high up, clear views over Cornwall, nice and quiet ... Belstone of course. And that is just what everybody else decided. Belstone was absolutely rammed, cars parked everywhere and loads of people walking up to the ridge. The enterprising folk from Dartmoor Lime Company had even driven their pickup all the way to the flagpole to get out their deckchairs. Still it was quite a sight. A really nice partial eclipse with the moon nearly covering the sun. I suppose it did get slightly darker and it certainly was cooler - mind you that might have been due to the nice, brisk breeze. Out along the lovely ridge and down to the main track. Along, along to check on the bubblers, a nice new gate but no developments at all. Back to the village which was steadily emptying. So, that's it until 2090 - hope I can remember where I put those eclipse glasses.

TWW 11th August 2026

 

Unfortunately I was unable to lead the walk as we were looking after Meg, my son’s very elderly dog. She’s blind, deaf and incontinent so I didn’t like to leave her all day. I hope someone does the same for me when I get to that stage.

Starting from the  village Car Park behind the Church and Pub (shame the pub doesn’t open till 4pm on Tuesdays) they took the footpath down past the allotments to Rectory Wood and on through Drewston Wood to finally pop out on the road to Fingle Bridge. They made good time so had to wait a while till the pub opened at 11.  Drinks and cake duly enjoyed they headed west along the north side of the river Teign through Hannicombe and Whiddon Woods. 

On past the Weir and salmon leaps to Combe footbridge.  Notices asking people not to swim or allow dogs in the river to protect the spawning salmon were often ignored. Too many dogs and careless owners equals too few salmon I’m afraid.

Lunch was taken at Hunters Tor with wonderful views over the valley. Then on along the top path past Sharp Tor before 

turning up hill across Piddledown Common following the Two Moors Way signs back to Drewsteignton.

The general consensus was that it was a good walk for another hot sunny day with new ground for some.

Stella

WW 5th August 2026

 

A WONDERFUL WOODLAND EXPLORATION

It was a bit chilly when we got out of the cars at the tiny hamlet of Zoar. Wind-proofs  donned we set off on the usual route past Creason Farm down the lane past Chilly wood and on to Hill Bridge. A beautiful bridge with gaps for flood water as the Tavy can rise up to 7ft, not now though. The river was very low and unusually quiet, even the birds seemed to have gone to bed. Starting along the leat we soon turned down to the more challenging river path. An interesting looking diversion took us into the old woodland past huge rocks (when does a rock become a Tor?) We soon popped out onto the river path again by a waterfall and swimmable pool. A perfect spot for a cuppa and maybe a swim walk another time.

Next we found the lovely Royal Ferns and the orchid field. A few dried flower heads of Devils Bit Scabious, Saw-wort and Knapweed remained but the ground was still surprisingly damp. Another interesting little path into the wood lead us back up to the leat and finally out onto the sunken Green lane that was once the main road between Peter Tavy and Horndon.

Past the houses onto the road we saw a man with a camera, what was he doing? A piece about the risks of Moorland fires for ITV he said. We might be on the tele he said. But no, we ended up on the cutting room floor I guess.

A pint in the Mary Tavy Inn was a refreshing end to a pleasant evening.

There’s always a little adventure to be had.

Stella

TWW 4th August 2026

 

Well that really was the most pleasant weather. Who would have thought we would relish a walk in the rain? A fine team set off from Postbridge with the promise of cooler weather and showers. Out along by the East Dart to the gate to the open moor. Great visibility made it easy to spot the vital stile on the skyline. And the rain came in with some relishing the opportunity to be cool and wet. I wonder how long that novelty will last? Over to the waterfalls for a welcome break for elevenses. By a very low river to Cut Hill Stream which really was just a ruddy dribble. Very neatly up the range posts with the soft, bouncy ground making for easy going. By the peat pass and round Cut Hill as Fur Tor hove into view. A pleasant, brisk breeze made a nice spot for lunch. Signs of squalls rolling in from Cornwall but they all just missed. Time to head back the same way - all very nice. To the cars after a long walk in perfect conditions.

WW 29th July 2026

 

Gutter Tor.

Just me and him this evening. The weather was still bone dry so a double crossing of the Plym was in order. Off on Edward’s path ( always a joy ) to Didsworthy Warren House, then following the track to the ford at the foot of the Shavercombe. No problem with the crossing. Up to Shavercombe Tor and on to the lovely waterfall, which did still have some water flowing but somewhat obscured by large sycamores. A steep climb up onto Giants Hill where it was decided to avoid the field of thistles. ( since when have we had thistles growing up here in the tussock). Hard going through molina grass which seemed to be twice as high as usual. Eventually short grass was found to lead us down to the Langcombe Brook and Plym steps. Another easy crossing. Then upwards to contour above Giants Basin and cross Drizzle Combe. Tracks fading again in the tussock. Now there was supposed to be the rising of a full Buck Moon at about 9.20 so we waited - after about 20min still no show. So we headed for the track to the cars in fading light. Then suddenly there it was, full, rosy red and impressive.  Needless to say we missed the pub. ( but not the moon ).

        Mike

TWW 28th July 2026

 

Today’s walk started from the massive viaduct in Ivybridge. We walked under the shade of trees alongside the river Erme. Soon we walked away from the dog walkers & people picnicking & our group of 10 had the trail to ourselves. We left the woodland, headed across fields of newly planted trees & on towards Harford Church & a long uphill lane to Harford Moor gate. We had coffee by the river & lunch was  perched on large rocks with far reaching views.

Our route took us through some squishy ground, surprising after such a dry spell but it was a swift reminder of what to expect when this wonderful dry warm spell breaks. Open moorland finally gave way to a rubble lane taking us back to Ivybridge. We had enjoyed another beautiful Dartmoor day but were ready now to put our feet up.

Thanks, Colin & Amber

WW 22nd July 2026

 

Still warm ...

From Merrivale Bridge, out along the track to Longash Farm. Met the new resident, very pleased that it is a young family absolutely delighted to be living there. Over Little Wonder bridge with quite a lot of water in the Pila brook. Along to the gateway with fabulous views to the forbidden tor. Up by Hucken and over the stile. The moor is very, very dry. There has been no rain for weeks now. Up to the tramway and round by the corbels. To the Blacksmiths Shop for a snack, as usual. Round by Sailor's Home Quarry to the railway line. A few people about this evening enjoying the fabulous views. A most pleasant breeze from the north arrived and we actually felt somewhat cool! Down and back, easily over the Pila Brook to the Longstone and stone rows. To the Dartmoor Inn - worth a try. They were packing up, mopping the floor, but made us very welcome. So we sat outside as the sun set, drinking our beer and feeding the midges.

A fine evening to be out on the moor.

TWW 21st July 2026

 

Heathfield Down, Cornwood.

It was still hot with minimal breeze as we set off up the road to West Rook Gate. We used to drive up here and park just before the gate, no chance of that now! Out onto the open moor with a short steep climb followed by a long slow drag up to Penn Beacon and a stop for a drink. Charlie thought this was as high as we were going, but no a bit further up to Shell Top. A bit of a breeze here gave some relief from the heat. Down past the settlement enclosure to try and connect with the track around the clay works. There was some difficulty finding a way through the gorse and deep gullies but we got there in the end. Following the white road as it reflected the sun in our faces there appeared a small path off to our right between some large ponds and a line of crags. So off we set contouring nicely just above the ponds but suddenly after the point of no return it became obscured by rhododendron, gorse and brambles. After a battle it turned into a small stream before emerging onto a major track next to a gate which had notices fixed to the other side saying NO ADMITTANCE and warning of numerous hazards in the quarry area - no mention of overgrown paths! Over the gate and down the road a bit to stop in the shade of a lovely oak wood for lunch. It was just left to walk down towards the road and turn left through Newpark wood and Sheraleers wood to the cars.

      Mike.

WW 15th July 2026

 

It was still 26 degrees as we headed up to West Down. More cars than a wet Wednesday in February. Dog walkers.

We headed over towards Highertown to the unusually dry path down through the woods to the river. Down down down. We met  a group of sweaty kids and adults pushing bikes up waiting for us to pass. Glad of a rest I guess.

On down  and along the ever lovely Walkham to meet the Tavy at Double waters. Instead of the usual coffee stop here we carried on along the river to where there used to be a fisherman’s shelter, long gone now. But no…….more bikers! Big boys this time, so we had to make do with a grassy patch before the spoil heaps. The river looked inviting enough for a dip crystal clear peat tinged water but we have to be back by 9 they said to check up on the football and so we were.

A pleasant walk in the relative cool of the evening.

Shame they lost.

Stella

TWW 14th July 2026

A select few arrived at the airfield and managed to cram into one car.  Just as well as there was only one space left in the main parking area at South Brent. 

All parked up, kitted up and sun creamed up, we set off on a warm sunny day, with thankfully a bit of cooling breeze.  Yes, it was up and then more up, and then just for a change a bit more up!  Apologies to those who were mislead by me saying the ‘up’ didn’t go on for long and was gentle – “honest”!!

The start was along the river to the beautiful Lydia Bridge – there were people taking a cooling dip, maybe we should have stayed and done so too.  However up the road we went and along the old drift lane, originally used by wool jobbers and clay diggers – it wouldn’t have been too bad? If the bl*%*^ horse flies had left us alone.  Finally escaped out on to the open Moor at the magnificent gates below Corringdon Ball, with the wonderful balls on top of the gate posts.  A stop for a cuppa in the shade of the gate walls and then to admire the Neolithic Chambered tomb – “oldest constructions of man to remain on Dartmoor” at 42m x 18m and 2.4m high.

Along to cross the East Glaze Brook, beautiful views across to Piles Hill.  Somewhere in the grass and bracken are several stone rows and even concentric stone circles but so well hidden it was difficult to make out.  Onwards to Glasscombe Corner and across the West Glaze Brook.  Contouring round and then down the valley, across the Scad Brook to find a small clump of trees providing some welcome shade for a picnic.  Refreshed, replenished and missing sun glasses located we continued on down to Owley Moor Gate and down another wonderful green lane to pick up the road back to Lydia Bridge.  More people swimming.  You have to get the consent of the County Surveyor to drive a locomotive across it, you know.

Feeling rather hot so no time to visit the lovely Church – it has something in common with Canterbury Cathedral.

Back to the car.  And yes, yet again, no medieval long house- though there is apparently a very well preserved one somewhere above Glaze Meet but too far off the route and definitely too ensconced in the bracken! 

Jane

WW 8th July 2026

 

I thought no-one would come.

I thought 10 min walk on my own and back home to watch tennis.
I thought wrong !
Two turned up, one a welcome visitor.
So, up the well worn track, past all the devastation caused by severe weather and the felling of timber. It doesn't seem to look any better, still looks like a warzone.
Several new tracks laid for the trampers. Too hot for them to be out.
Down to the southern edge of the Bellever plantation following the wall on to the open moors, still in dappled shade and cutting up the sheep track to the iconic Tor itself.
Stunning views, a gentle breeze for comfort, it must have been a sacred meeting place so many years ago.
Two young lads also appreciating it all, jumping down from rock to rock.
I felt a moment of absolute envy and then felt thankful I could still do it even if it's on my bottom !
A quick drink taking in the views, (food for the soul) and back down to the shady track and back to the car.

Two Bridges made us very welcome and back home to water the garden.

Brenda

TWW 7th July 2026

 

We are the INVINCIBLES !

Or are we the "MAD DOGS and ENGLISHMEN" brigade ?
All of that I reckon, but with a strong sense of self preservation too as we set off from the arboretum at Burrator.
This was going to be a mystery walk, go where you like as long as it was in the shade, as so it was !
Picking our way through the very dry arboretum, very pleasant, finding a way through the wire fence into Roughtor plantation.
Up a sunny, very pretty track back into the shade and found the rather intriguing Rough tor, well hidden with it's various "torlets"
There are about nine named outcrops but we stopped at, I think, East Rough tor with the interesting rock basin.
Down to the "hellish" mountain bike trail. How do those totally fearless bikers go down that?
We descended on our bottoms hanging on to tree stumps for dear life.
Down to the track and well deserved and much needed drink.
Across Narracott Ford, love this place, down the track and cutting off left to find the arboretum again.
All safe if not sound after our little adventure.
Back to the Burrator Inn for lunch which was "nice", and home !

Brenda

WW 1st July 2026

 

All a bit odd really - a parked van by the road, something under a blanket, a lady with a large bunch of lilies, all jolly suspicious. So slowed to ask if all OK - "Yes fine". So off we went.

A most pleasant evening after all that blasted sunshine. Cloudy and cool with really great visibility. Out from Whiteworks remembering when we were last here stumbling about in the dark. Not this evening, we could see Goldsmith's from the road. So out across a very dry mire and up the now quite well established pony track to the cross. Of course, lots and lots of orchids - seem to be everywhere. Up and over the wall into Whealham Bottom - such a wonderful name Whealham Bottom. Easily along the reave to the lonely incised cross and along. Lots of excited chatter in the far distance and a set of beautiful MSR tents. A super place to really wild camp. A large group of girls from Badminton School having a great time on their gold Duke of Edinburgh. So, so nice to see youngsters enjoying the moor. By an almost dry leat back to the car and on to the Prince. Absolutely empty - not even Bill; must be on his hols. So splashed out on two halves and a bag of crisps. Then a group of five youths turned up and took their pints out.

It still is quite odd to be in a completely empty pub. A really nice evening to be out and about on a favourite piece of moor.