Synopsis: A walk in two parts, although not intentionally. A River Swincombe river crossing over stepping stones was found to be impassable due to high river levels. Second part of walk near Bellever.
My planned walk for today was to have been one I laid down on paper many years ago, a walk I named the Four Stepping Stones walk, for the rather obvious reason that the route includes the crossing of four rivers over stepping stones. These are all stepping stone crossing that I’ve used in the past, but this was to be the first attempt at this walk which includes all four. Unfortunately I got to the first of the crossings, that over the River Swincombe, and found it impassable as the river was too high, as I explain below.
Hexworthy Bridge
I parked near Hexworthy Bridge, a favourite picnic spot with families, as there’s a grass bank by the river where it’s possible to sit, and the river is broad and shall and great fun for children to play in at this point. I took a few photos before setting off on my walk.
Sherberton - stepping stones, under water
At first I thought my walk was going really well. The sun was shining, on-and-off, and the day warm. However, on reaching my first river crossing I discovered a number of the stepping stones were submerged and the depth of water meant that my wading across wasn’t an option. Normally this time of year, late summer, would be the best time to contemplate this walk, but sadly this ‘no summer’ summer was not to be the year for it.
From where I had reached on the River Swincombe there were few opportunities for alternatives that suited me so I opted to return to my car with the intention of driving to somewhere for a picnic lunch during which I could peruse my map and re-plan my walking. I settled on driving to Dunnabridge Pound where I knew there was plenty of convenient parking and a grass verge on which to set my kettle boiling.
Bellever Forest
After an enjoyable picnic lunch and a cup of tea I decided the best thing to do was quickly choose an undemanding walk route and make the most of what was left of the day. I set off across open moorland following a distinct track towards Bellever Forest, skirting Laughter Tor. As I entered the forest I stumbled upon a Roe deer, but as is always the case, I caught only a fleeting glimpse of the deer before it darted into the trees, so no photo, again!
Bellever Forest - picnic site
I wandered through the forest down to the main Bellever picnic spot where families congregate. Mum and I had had our lunch here on the day we recently came to Dartmoor when we then walked the Lydford Gorge loop. It was quieter today than on our previous visit, just half a dozen families here and there. Today was a little cooler than when Mum and I visited, and that had probably kept people away.
Bellever Forest - clapper bridge that stands beside a modern bridge
I stopped briefly by the bridge at Bellever where the remains of the original clapper bridge can still be seen, sitting next to the modern bridge. These old medieval bridges are impressive when you consider the size of the granite slabs that are used in their construction, and that parts of them have withstood the ravages of time and are still standing to this day.
From Bellever Bridge I looped up through Bellever Forest and then out onto open moorland again, making my return to my car. By now the sky had clouded over and there was a hint of rain in the air. It seemed like a good time to call it a day. It had been nice to be out on Dartmoor again, even if my original intentions for the day were so completely thwarted. I’ll be back!
Walk Statistics:
Total Distance: 7.5 miles
Moving Time: 2hrs 59min
Stopped Time: 1hr 02min
Total Ascent: 339 metres
Maximum Elevation: 382 metres
Buses: (none)
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