A walk of two landscapes taking in glorious views from Smallacombe Rocks then descending into wonderful woodland.
DISTANCE: 6.5 miles (moderate, with one steep descent)
NEAREST REFRESHMENTS: Haytor, Bovey Tracey or Widecombe
CAR PARKING: Haytor Down at SX 770 779
From the parking area take the path up the hill, which eventually levels out. From here you have lovely views to Haytor and Haytor Quarry.
You'll soon see some granite outcrops in front of you which is Smallacombe Rocks (SX 775 783). Just before you get to them, there's a path to the right which you'll be taking, but for now enjoy the wonderful views across to Greator Rocks and Hound Tor and up Becka Brook valley towards Manaton.
Take the path just mentioned, which heads in north east direction. This takes you along the ridge to Black Hill Cairn at 406m (SX 763 790). You have lovely elevated views all the way along here and can also see across to Bovey Tracey and the coastline in the Dawlish/Teignmouth area.
Walk past the cairn you'll see the path on the other side, which starts a descent. This is a steep bit, but you can enjoy those lovely views on the way down. Cross the road and continuing following the path down.
This area is Trendlebere Down and part of the East Devon Nature Reserve, as is Yarner Wood. Click here to learn more about the area.
About halfway to the way ahead the path splits, so follow it to the right. This will take you along and down to the edge of Yarner Woods. When you get to the wall, go right and follow a small path along until you reach a gate in the wall. Go through this and you're going to follow the path to the left, ignoring any paths that go off to the right.
Yarner Woods covers about 372 acres of mostly upland sessile oakwood with areas of birch, upland heath and some conifers as well as an abundance of wildlife. It was declared a Nature Reserve in 1952.
This path follows the wall most of the way along and is a gentle descent. When you get to the far end of the woods you'll go through a couple of gates and there's also some information signs about what you can find in the woods.
It's about a mile along this to the reservoir (SX 784 792), which has one of the birds hides in this part of the woods. It's a pretty spot and you may also see some bat boxes on trees in the area.
From here continue along the path, which descends again and loops to the right and you'll come out at a parking area and an office building. Walk past this and you'll see a signpost, so go left (signed bird hide) which is a small path next to a stream, then go right when you reach the main path.
Continue along this path and you'll pass the Woodland Centre, which is used for educational purposes. Keep going, ignoring a path to left which crosses a stream. The path starts to ascend here and it's uphill for over half a mile before it evens out a little.
The path bends to the right, so it feels like you're going back on yourself; then go left when the path splits. Ignore the next left, then you'll shortly come to a path that runs left to right, but ignore this and cross the path, taking the path slightly to the left which goes uphill.
Keep following this one, keeping next to the wall, ignoring a path off to your right. You'll eventually get to a gate and another information sign (SX 766 787).
Take a left and follow the road back to the parking area which is about a half a mile.
(NB: There are many ants in the woods in Spring/Summer so it's best not to wear walking sandals, if you're not keen on creep crawlies!).
If you like this walk, click here to see a slightly different route which takes in the old tramway.
© 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