Synopsis: Exposed moorland walking on a day with a cold northerly wind blowing made for a chilly walk. The two stone circles at Grey Wethers a particular highlight of the walk.
Bennett's Cross
I parked on the road approaching Fernworthy Reservoir and from there I set off across open moorland for Bennett’s Cross.
The reason for the name of this cross is uncertain, but it may signify a local Benedictine Order, as Bennet was a common corruption of Benedict.
Warren Inn - patch of daffodils nearby
From here I walked along the road in the direction of the Warren Inn. There’s a small plot of daffodils to be found on the slope that falls away from the entrance to the inn. These look rather out of place in the middle of Dartmoor. Still, I suppose they provide a bit of colour in what can often seem a stark landscape. I decided to stop for lunch a little distance from the inn, finding some shelter behind some gorse bushes.
East Dart River near Postbridge
After lunch I followed the course of the road in the direction of Postbridge. As I approached the village I picked up a lane to the right which took me back onto open moor near to the East Dart. My course then followed a bridleway that runs along the banks of this river. The going underfoot was a little wet in places, but I made good progress nevertheless.
Grey Wether's Stone Circles
The twin stone circles of Grey Wethers loomed into view on the horizon as I neared the hill ridge. By now most people had vacated the moor (about 3:50 pm), so I had the majestic place all to myself. This was a very exposed setting today, with the cold wind making me very chilled. I stayed only long enough to take a few photographs and soak up a little of the atmosphere of the place.
Entering Fernworthy Forest
My path then took me in the direction of Fernworthy Forest where I knew a gate exists that leads to a track that is bridleway through the forest running in the direction of Fernworthy Reservoir. As I followed this track the clouds began to part a little and a lovely sunny evening came my way.
Fernworthy Reservoir
On reaching the lane, a point where it terminates and cars are often to be found parked, I turned right to walk around the reservoir. I picked up the path at a spot that Helen, Mum and I had a lovely barbecue last summer, as told in my blog entry for 16 July 2011. I was surprised to find quite a large number of cars in the car park as I passed by, but the toilets were not open. Rather a cheek really, as there is now a parking fee for the use of this car park, so one might expect the toilets to be open. Sign of the ‘austere’ times I’m afraid.
This proved to be quite a decent length walk leaving me feeling well exercised come the end. Dartmoor still looked rather wintery on this cold but generally sunny day, with trees yet to leaf up. An enjoyable and refreshing day’s walk.
Walk Statistics:
Total Distance: 12.3 miles
Moving Time: 4hrs 37min
Stopped Time: 30min
Total Ascent: 498 metres
Maximum Elevation: 488 metres
Buses: (none)
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