This walk takes in some stunning views and captures the wild emptiness of the moor taking in Beardown Tors, Rough Tor, Devil’s Tor and Beardown Man.
DISTANCE: 6 miles
NEAREST REFRESHMENTS: Princetown or Tavistock
CAR PARKING: Parking for a few cars at Holming Beam (SX 591765) off the B3357 near Two Bridges
It is within the Dartmoor Firing Range so check the times before you leave. It is also marshy in places so this is best walked during a dry spell.
Before you even start walking you can take in the impressive views of Beardown Tors at Holming Beam. This tor is your first stop on the walk and it’s not as far as it seems!
Follow the track away from the car park in a northerly direction, it will then bend right and take you down to a wooden bridge over the Cowsic River.
Cross this and then it’s up a long uphill tramp to the top of tor closest to you. Beardown Tor is actually made up of three summits and on one is a military observation hut which you’ll pass. One you’ve enjoyed the view then walk due east across to the other summit where you can enjoy more views, this time to Longaford Tor and Wistman’s Wood.
From here, if you look northward, you’ll be able to see the path leading away from this tor and across a wall, and then also heading toward Rough Tor to the left of Crow Tor. For now follow the path to the boundary wall where this is a large stile over it.
Shortly after this you’ll find the red and white poles that mark the military firing range. They also handily mark the path, so follow them down to the stream and I can recommend this area as a nice picnic spot.
From the stream follow the path and the poles up where you’ll pass to the left of Crow Tor and be heading north east to Rough Tor (SX 606798).
This path was a little muddy and seemed to go on forever so I was very glad of the red and white poles to guide the way or I would have doubted my map reading skills. Eventually I had a tantalizing glimpse of the tor and soon I was standing on it.
It you ever wish to feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere then Rough Tor is the place to go. It’s not a large tor and the military equipment on it seems to dwarf it.
Next stop is Devil’s Tor and there is a lot of marsh between you and it so pick your path carefully. I’d also recommend taking a map bearing as to the west there is a visible tor, but it’s not Devil’s Tor which is further is to the right. Work out the correct direction and then weave your way around the marsh and once you’ve reached the top of the hill Devil’s Tor (SX 597797) will suddenly appear.
In legend Devil’s Tor was once the home of Cernunnos the horned god, but on my visit the only thing there was Beardown Man, a giant standing stone. This Bronze Age menhir is about 3.5 metres high and one of the tallest on the moor.
From here it’s along to Lydford Tor (SX 599 782), crossing a stile over a boundary wall right in front of it and here is a good time to take in some more far-reaching views toward Beardown Tors.
This penultimate leg is fairly easy. Follow the track towards Beardown Tor and then take a right, going back down the path you originally came up on, and you’ll be back at the bridge over the Cowsic River.
Your legs will feel this last bit as the track goes uphill, then turn left back to Holming Beam and an easy homeward stretch.
© Gillian Adams 2012
For information on where to stay, eat and visit on Dartmoor, please see www.visitdartmoor.co.uk
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