This picturesque walk gives you stunning views from the top of the Dewerstone, takes in an ancient cross, plus a tranquil section along the river.
DISTANCE: 3.5 miles (moderate, with some steep sections)
NEAREST REFRESHMENTS: Shaugh Prior, Clearbrook or Yelverton
CAR PARKING: Shaugh Bridge car park (SX 531 630)
Parking at Shaugh Bridge you are already immersed into history as you can see the former China clay drying sheds. There are a number of old industries scattered around Dewerstone woods so you'll spot ruins of old buildings at the start and end of this walk.
Cross over the bridge and the path takes you to the right. Not too far along on the right you'll spot the remains of the old Smithy from Dewerstone Iron Mine. This a wide stone path that zig zags up the hill.
There are a few paths that lead off it, but stick to this main one and keep heading upwards. The last section is no longer stone, but a steep narrow path.
You'll emerge through the tree line, go over a wall and then you're about twenty paces from the top of Dewerstone Rocks (227 metres) and can enjoy the view in all directions. There is a legend about the Devil (old Dewer) living here and you can read more about this and the Dewerstone on the Legendary Dartmoor website.
From the top you'll see a path to the north west leading to Oxen Tor (SX 541 641), so follow this and continue on until you come to a stone wall. Then follow the boundary wall to the left, and then the right. There are two paths that run parallel here and either one will do. This wall bounds the fields of Lower Cadworthy Farm.
Once you get closer to Cadover Bridge keep close to the wall which takes you to the right and you'll spot Cadover Cross (SX 553 647).
Standing at 2.36 metres high is sometimes also known as the cross on Whigford Down. It was originally a way marker for monks travelling between Plympton Priory and Tavistock and was erected in the 1200s. It has been re-rected and repaired a few times since then.
From the cross head west towards the road and cross over Cadover Bridge (SX 556 646). Cut down to the right and walk along by the river, through the car park and a gate into the woods.
You can walk next to the River Plym for the first bit, but I took the higher path. This leads into North Wood which is an oak woodland and follows an old pipe. The pipe used to carry China clay slurry from nearby works. Parts of this path are narrow.
You'll leave North Wood when you climb over a stile and in this next section you'll get a lovely view of the Dewerstone.
The path forks when you get to a ruined building but either way will take you to a gate. This gate and road sit on the edge of Shaugh Prior. Don't go through the gate, follow the signpost and take the path to the right. This path is narrow and a little steep in places.
This path wends its way downwards toward the road; then take a track to the right which leads to steps which take you back to the parking area.
© Gillian Adams 2020
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