Synopsis: Steep climb out of Widecombe early into walk. High open moorland walking. Dropping down to follow lanes edged with bluebell woods heading towards Moretonhampstead.
I’m on the bus travelling out to Bovey Tracey, so making an early start with my blog post. The sun is shining but there is a fair amount of cloud about. The weather forecast predicts a dry day. At least the clouds are higher than last weekend when I had to cancel this walk in favour of another. The visibility on Dartmoor will hopefully be good today. The predicted distance of the walk is just short of ten miles, and since the last bus leaves Moretonhampstead at 16:17 today, I shall be keen to make a good pace. I shall hopefully pick up writing the rest of this blog post on the bus home tonight, if I catch it.
Well, made good time, and it’s now 15:10 and I’m sat on a bench in Moretonhamstead waiting for my bus and typing this blog. The walk went well and it was good to be up on Dartmoor once again. There was a strong cool breeze blowing on the highest hills, but the cloud was high and there was no rain. This was how the day went.
Just a quick comment about how friendly the people of Bovey Tracey are. I was walking down the main street and happened to sneeze. A couple walking up the street on the opposite side of the road to me happened to hear me and the woman shouted across, “Bless you.” Now, don’t you think that is an awfully friendly thing to do?
Widecombe
The Haytor Hoppa bus dropped me off at Widecombe car park along with a number of other passengers who seemed to be intent on exploring the charms and tea houses of Widecombe. I had time for only a quick look around the village before I picked up the lane that was my exit route and way onto the open moor.
Looking back towards Widecombe
From Widecombe there was an expected steady and tiring climb out onto the moor. Up and up I went along a track that turned into a path through fields and eventually jettisoned me out onto the wild moor. This was a good vantage point from which I could see for miles around. Widecombe could be made out nestled in the valley below.
Hameldon Beacon
The first landmark I come across at the top of Hamel Down is the Hameldon Beacon. I didn’t quite know why there should be a beacon at this location, but after a little Internet research I find this one would be part of a chain of beacons that would be lit in a time of emergency. A modern marker stone has been placed in the centre of the beacon mound; interestingly it is misspelt ("Hamilton Beacon").
Broad Barrow
There are a number of barrows (otherwise referred to as tumuli) dotted around the hills in this part of the moor. The first of which I came upon was Two Barrows. These are quite distinctive mounds in the landscape. Conveniently these barrows have been marked by granite stones that name each one. After Two Barrows I came across Single Barrow and Broad Barrow.
Grimspound - stone circles
Rising up to Hameldown Tor and walking a little further on the impressive stones of Grimspound came into view. I believe it is thought to have once been used as an animal pound. Elsewhere in the surrounding landscape nearby are a number of hut circles, presumably the dwelling places of those who tended the animals in Grimspound. There are hut circles within the pound itself (see photo right), but I'm uncertain what these once were.
Following bridleway off Hookney Tor
From Grimspound I climbed yet again, this time Hookney Tor. I picked my way through the small scattering of rocks at the summit of this tor and then proceeded further to trace a path leading down hill. As I came off the high moors I was soon sheltered from the strong cold wind. I sought out a sheltered location by a brook to stop and eat my lunch.
West Combe
After lunch I continued further down the valley till I came across a small collection of really old farm buildings of West Combe, buildings that are still occupied today. Apart from some modern machinery about the place, this could have been a scene of two hundred or more years ago. From here I nearly missed my path, which was tangential to my course down the valley.
Bluebell woods
After crossing several fields I followed a course through various lanes in which there was little traffic. I could make out an enchanting bluebell woods with a stream running through it that I was just able to snap a few photographs of as the dappled rays of sunlight shone down through the branches of the trees.
Manor Court - golf course
Entering into the Manor Court grounds which are now a golf course is rather a strange experience after the wild and windswept moors. Here are well manicured lawns and ornamental trees, a rather unreal landscape. And of course dotted around were the usual melee of would-be golfers frantically searching for their golf balls in the rough. I have to say I fail to see the attraction personally, but each to their own. The place I’ve since discovered is called Bovey Castle and for a taster of the luxury on offer try this review from Marie Claire.
Moretonhampstead
There is a short stretch of main road to be walked, about a quarter of a mile, after Manor Court and just prior to entering Moretonhamstead, that unfortunately can’t be avoided. I zigzagged across the main road a couple of times to make best use of the various available lanes and footpaths. On entering Moretonhampstead I found a bench on The Square (where the road splits in the photo left), a minute’s walk from my bus stop, where I sat to type this my blog post.
The day was a little cooler than I’d expected. I must remember to make allowance for the higher altitude of Dartmoor where the air is colder and winds are stronger. But Dartmoor is a fantastic place to escape to and the day was most relaxing and enjoyable.
Walk Statistics:
Total Distance: 10.7 miles
Moving Time: 4hrs 2min
Stopped Time: 37min
Total Ascent: 602 metres
Maximum Elevation: 540 metres
Buses: D, X39, 271 (Country Bus “Haytor Hoppa”), 359 & H
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