A moderate route visiting an ancient burial chamber and pretty lanes
Distance: 6.5 miles (moderate with two hills, some road)
Nearest refreshments: South Brent; toilets in car park
Parking: Shipley Bridge SX 681629
While the traditional route from Shipley Bridge is to walk up to Avon Dam, there are other walks in this area. Turn right as you leave the car park and walk along the road. After 0.4 miles there is a wooden gate and footpath signs on the right of road which will take you up a muddy and then stony path.
When you emerge onto moorland, the path veers to the left, following a stone boundary wall along. After a while Ball Gate (SX 670614) will come into view so continue to it. These imposing old gateposts are from the former Brent manor.
A little west of Ball Gate is Long Barrow (SX 669613), which is easy to spot. Sometimes referred to as Corringdon Ball chambered tomb, it was once one of the largest Bronze Age monuments on the moor.
From here, continue following the boundary wall along to Glasscombe Corner. There are a couple of streams to cross and also some stone rows to see along the way.
At Glasscombe Corner (SX 663609) turn left and take the path which runs parallel to the boundary wall. There are the remains of ancient settlements along here, plus the ruins of a blowing house at SX 668604 should you wish to take a look.
At Owley Corner (SX 670598) is Owley Moor Gate, which will take you along a nice track and down to the road, coming out at Owley Cottage. Go left here and follow the road along, past Bullhornstone Farm.
These are lovely traditional Devon lanes, with high hedges. You’ll see a track heading upwards at SX 684603, which is a long, slow uphill walk of over a mile. This brings you back to Ball Gate.
From here, go right and retrace your steps along the boundary wall, down the hill, and back along the road to Shipley Bridge.
For information on where to stay, eat and visit on Dartmoor, please see www.visitdartmoor.co.uk
To view my Dartmoor walks ebook click here, and my Dartmoor colouring book click here