23/08/2026
Some pictures from Friday's walk in the Lydford area. Great for Dartmoor 365 ers. Many squares ticked!
The walk started by crossing the River Lyd at High down Ford using the stepping stones (Dartmoor 365, F4), followed by a challenging ascent to Brat Tor and Widgery Cross, put there by William Widgery to commemorate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee in 1887. From here we followed sections of the disused Rattlebrook railway line to Bleak House (Dartmoor 365, F6), once residence of the manager of the West of England Compressed Peat Company.
Then on to Great Links Tor, the 5th Highest Tor on Dartmoor. (Dartmoor 365, F5) Here we saw a bond stone, reported to be a boundary marker for the western edge of the area historically designated for peat cutting.
The return then took us back to the disused Rattlebrook Railway line created in 1879 to remove the Peat from Amicombe Hill to Bridestow Station for onward transportation. The final section of the walk took up over Great Nodden and onto a gorgeous dipping spot along the beautiful River Lyd
Overall, a great day out with a huge amount to see and enjoy in such a short distance. Thanks to everyone who attended.
Future walks are listed below. To find out more about Fiona’s Friday walks go to www.nordicwalkingdevon.co.uk
Dartmoor Day – Friday walks for 2026
Friday 4th Sept – 10.00 – 3.30pm – Sheep’s Tor, Gutter Tor and Yellowmead Down Stone Circles.
Starting with an easy ascent and views from Gutter Tor, cross Ringmoor Down to Portland Lane which takes us to the charming Sheepstor village with its church and unusual crosses, along with an unusual carving above the church porch. From Sheep’s Tor descend to one of Dartmoor’s gems, Yellowmead Down concentric stone circles.
Distance – 4.28miles, Elevation 749fy. Terrain: Moorland paths & open moorland, minor road. Time: Minimum 2.10 hours of walking with plenty of stops and rest.
Level: Moderate
Friday 16th Oct – 10.00 – 3.30pm – Headland Warren Farm, Hookney Tor, Kings Tor & Grimspound and Golden Dagger Tin works.
Starting at Bennetts Cross explore the moorland East of the Warren House Inn. This fascinating and varied walk includes the remarkable Grimspound, a Bronze Age triple stone row on Challacombe Down, various Tors an Old Leat and the discussed Golden Dagger Tin works.
Distance – 7.4 miles, Elevation 1091ft. Terrain: Moorland paths & open moorland. Time: Minimum 3.5 hours of walking with plenty of stops and rest.
Level: Moderate
Friday 13th Nov – 10.00 – 3.30pm – Fingle Bridge, Hunters Path and Salmons Leap
Enjoy a late autumn walk through the stunning Teign Gorge. Starting at Fingle Bridge walk the Hunters Path, with views high above the gorge, then on through Drewsteignton and Rectory Woods. After a break at the Salmons Leap follow the River Teign to Charles and H**e wood. Finally finishing out walk at the Fingle Bridge Inn.
Level: Moderate
Distance – 7.14 miles, Elevation 1428ft Terrain: Woodland and riverside paths. Time: Minimum 3.45 hours of walking with plenty of stops and rest.
Friday 4th Dec – 10.00 – 1.30pm – Haytor Vale, a Quarryman’s hut and refreshments at the Moorland Hotel
As the days draw in enjoy a short winter walk from the Moorland Hotel, Haytor. Stride out across Haytor down to Smallcombe Rocks, where we then join the Granite Tramway to visit a tinner Hut near Howell Tor. Following the railway line visit Haytor Quarry and the area around Haytor before returning to Moorland Hotel for lunch and refreshments.
Distance – 5.2 miles, Elevation 805 ft. Terrain: Moorland paths, granite railway line & open moorland. Time: Minimum 2.5 hours of walking with plenty of stops and rest.
Level: Moderate
Details and how to book are on my website www.nordicwalkingdevon.co.uk. See less
