A pleasant walk taking in panoramic views and some ancient traditions
Distance: 4.5 miles (mainly easy going, but marshy bits between the main track and Huccaby Tor)
Nearest refreshments: Princetown, Widecombe-in-the-Moor, or Holne
Car parking: On the right, a little before Dunnabridge Pound Farm SX 642767
From the car park go right on small path to Dunnabridge Pound Farm and it’s not hard to spot the large pound! Used for livestock the pound seems to have an earlier Bronze Age counterpart, showing this area to be a popular location throughout the ages.
Just before the cattle grid, go left through the wall to find the Judge’s Chair. Possibly used to watch the livestock, it is mentioned in 18th century texts.
Retrace your steps a little and find the footpath sign which runs to the left of the pound. This is a good track which takes you on a slow ascent with good views across to Bellever Tor to the north west.
Go through a gate but when you reach the next one take a small path left. With the wall on your right follow the path up to Laughter Tor. Before reaching the tor you’ll come across an impressive standing stone (SX 652754). It’s known as the Laughter Man (or Loughtor Man) and is the eight tallest menhir on the moor. There was also a double stone row here, which has now sadly mostly disappeared.
From here walk up to Laughter Tor (SX 653757), passing another animal enclosure. There are some nice views from the top and from here you can see the route to Huccaby Tor and in front of it, outlined in dark green gorse it Huccaby Outer Ring.
Walk back past the standing stone and through the enclosure and onto the path that’s roughly south of you. There was tin mining in this area and you’ll go past a fenced off hole – a remnant of that era!
When you get to Huccaby Outer Ring, it’s easy to walk by and miss it. It’s believed to be a prehistoric enclosed settlement and I think it looks more impressive from a distance.
When you reach Huccaby Tor there are nice views and it may look quiet but in yesteryear is was the location for the Huccaby Races. In 1909 there was a very special guest as Prince George and Princess Mary (later King George V and Queen Mary) were in attendance.
From here it looks like an easy hike back along the road, however I wouldn’t recommend this as the cars whizz by on this stretch of road and there’s barely any verge to walk in safety.
There’s not too much difference in the distance anyway, to retrace your steps back past the outer ring to the main track and then left back down to Dunabridge Pound, and then the car park.
© Gillian Adams 2015
For information on where to stay, eat and visit on Dartmoor, please see www.visitdartmoor.co.uk
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