Take in ancient settlements, unusual tors against the backdrop of the China Clay works
DISTANCE: 3 miles (easy)
NEAREST REFRESHMENTS: Wotter or Shaugh Prior
CAR PARKING: Beatland Corner SX 546 626
From the parking area cross the road and head across the moorland path to far the corner of the wall, until you reach another road. Turn left and walk along the verge about half a mile, until you reach the roadside cross.
Shaden Moor Cross (SX 552 635) stands at 1.7 metres tall and was a way marker between Plympton Priory and Tavistock Abbey. Walk past the cross a short distance then cross the road by the wooden post which marks the footpath.
From here it’s straight up the hill and the path will take you past some Bronze Age hut circles, which make for some picturesque photos. There are a number of ancient settlements in this area.
When you crest the rise you’ll spot a trig point on your left at SX 558 632. This trig point is on the highest point on Saddlesborough at 303 metres.
There are nice views from here and of course, dominating the landscape are the China Clay works. Click here to learn more about these.
From the trig point, head to south west, following the path which puts the China Clay workings and gravel track on your left.
The path bends around to the left where you’ll spot an unusual rock stack which looks like a little shelter. Head towards this as it’s part of Hawk’s Tor (SX 553 625). This tor has two granite stacks and lovely views to Plymouth Sound.
From the shelter go up and to the right where you’ll find a path to the south east which leads to Collard Tor (SX 557 620). This tor sits above the village of Wotter and also gives views to Plymouth Sound.
There’s lots of clitter around this tor, as well as stone rows and cairns. On the other side of the tor lies a rectangular water pound; walk past this a little way and then find a path to the right, which brings you out onto the road by the Wotter Methodist Church.
Follow the road to the right, connecting to another road. Go right here, walking along the grass verge until you get 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