Synopsis: The best time of year to be doing this walk as the rhododendrons were in flower along the banks of the River Avon. Includes Harbourne Head Standing Stone. Children swimming in the river!
This was a superb walk, despite being hurriedly cobbled together on the morning of the walk. I had had at the back of mind for some weeks the idea of getting to the Avon Reservoir on Dartmoor at around this time of year, as I remember, from a visit many years ago, that the driveway up to the reservoir which follows the course of the River Avon, is lined with rhododendrons.
I was quite keen to do this walk by bus if I could, as I hadn’t done a bus walk for quite some time.This put me under some pressure, as bus walks always take longer than walking from a car, simply because of being tied to the bus schedule. I was hoping to catch the 10:45 bus out of Exeter, which I did, but it was running thirty minutes late which meant I didn’t arrive at my start point in Buckfastleigh till nearly midday.
Moorshead Brook
Despite a latish start to this walk, I was soon in the lanes and enjoying the countryside. It was to be, of course, a walk up the hill followed by a walk down the hill, since I’d be climbing for most of the walk out, and descending for most of the walk back. I passed by Moorshead Brook on my way out of Buckfastleigh and stopped briefly to take this photo.
Track leading to open moorland - 'driftway' - drover's route
I met a family near Addislade, I think a farming family. The gentleman advised me that the Dean Wood tracks were not negotiable and suggested I pick up what he described as the "driftway", what I believe to be a drover’s lane, onto the moor, which he explained could be followed right out onto the open moorland. I did quickly check possible access to Dean Wood at this point, but found no way in, Earlier I’d passed ‘Private Woods’ signs, hinting that explorers were not welcome. Shame!
The ‘driftway’ start point was soon reached from which began a gradual ascent along an easy path well sheltered from the wind that had by now got up. I was actually keen to take advantage of the breeze as the sun was high and the day hot. I sought out a shady spot immediately I reached open moorland, and this provided a cool and comfortable resting place at which to eat my lunch.
Harbourne Standing Stone
I had recorded the grid reference of Harbourne Head Standing Stone in my GPS, so after lunch I made it my first objective to locate this prehistoric menhir. It isn’t a particularly tall standing stone, but then, the people who put it here would not have been very tall. Like all such stones on the moor, it has an air of mystery about it. One of the faces seems to have something like an arrow carved onto it, perhaps a masonic symbol. Quick, some one please find Dan Brown!
Avon Reservoir
From here I walked in a north westerly direction towards Water Oak Corner, whereupon I picked up a bridleway, part of the Abbot’s Way, that took me left in the direction of the Avon Reservoir. As I approached the reservoir the sun shimmered off the steely blue water. There were a few visitors near the dam itself. I stopped briefly to savour the location and take some photographs before continuing on my course, for the first time beginning my descent off of the moor.
River Avon
I was very impressed by the picturesque sights as I walked following the course of the River Avon. There are some lovely spots where the water shoots over slabs of granite, or is forced violently through a narrow gap in the rock, foaming as it falls. And in places, just as I surmised, the whole scene is framed by rhododendrons growing along the banks of the river. Really quite idyllic. Needless to say, I took numerous photos.
Bluebells
Just past Shipley Bridge, which is where there is a car park for visitors to the Avon Reservoir, I stumbled upon a small glade of bluebells, a lovely bonus on this walk. Once again my camera was out, although I continue to find bluebell photography an elusive art.
River Avon - Lydia Bridge (near South Brent) - young people bathing on a hot sunny day
As I approached South Brent I came upon a bridge where there was a group of youngsters enjoying playing in the water. They were jumping in and playing with floats and balls in the fast flowing water. It looked wonderful fun, and an excellent way to cool off on a hot summer’s afternoon. What a shame I had a bus to catch!
I reached my bus stop in South Brent with 30 minutes to spare. Pretty good going really. Most of my walk objectives had been met, and a thoroughly enjoyable walk it had proven too. It’s perhaps surprising what can be done by bus, with the application of just a little ingenuity.
Walk Statistics:
Total Distance: 10.2 miles
Moving Time: 3hrs 45min
Stopped Time: 45min
Total Ascent: 536 metres
Maximum Elevation: 395 metres
Buses: X38 (Stagecoach Explorer ticket, this season priced at £7.25)
