Burrator Reservoir Circular Walk
A circular walk around Burrator Reservoir, through woodland trails, and up to Sheeps Tor, the high point of the area, through some "Bluebell woods" (when in season).
Description
Start : Norsworthy Bridge parking area (PL20 6PF) Grid ref. SX 568 692
(S/E) From the Norsworthy parking area follow the track South-East out towards Deancombe for around 2Km.
(1) At Deancombe, old ruins, turn right and follow signage over the footbridge and climb West with the track. Continue up through the trees to the open moor. At the moor gate, handrail the wall on your right until it starts to veer right, passing a linear feature (an old wall).
(2) Here you have two options :
Option 1. Ascend to the top of the tor "Sheeps Tor" for the views, or
Option 2. Contour left of the tor.
In both cases, the objective is the Lane leading to Lambs Park.
(3) Follow the lane past Lambs Park to the junction, turn right walking through Sheepstor village.
(4) Just past the Church, turn left into "Portland Lane", proceed up the hill approx 150m, and turn right into farm lane (permitted access).
(5) Continue through the farm, and note signage for the designated route across one field (South-West) and walking around the field another then into "Burrator Woods" still heading South-West. On leaving the woods, pick up the designated path past Yeo Farm heading towards "Merchants Cross"
(6) Turn right at the Cross and follow the country road, over the bridge and to Meavy village. (Option Refreshments at the local Inn (The Royal Oak) 500m into the village)
(7) The route continues through a gate on the right. Follow designated signage through farm fields and woodland always keeping North-East. At this point, there are several paths that lead out of the valley, the best would be the lower track which takes you to the base of the Burrator Reservoir Dam.
(8) At the Dam making your way to the roadside, do not cross the Dam. Follow the road, keeping the reservoir on your right for approx 500m to the "Discovery Centre".
(9) At the Centre you have two options :
Option 1 : Follow the road right back towards the start at Norsworthy car park.
Option 2 : Route dependent on forestry work at the time. Pick up the trail from the Discovery Centre along the water's edge back towards the start at Norsworthy car park.
On the way, enjoy the bluebell wood, a must see. Taking a slight detour to visit the local "Royal Oak" public house and visit the lake side visitor centre. (S/E)
Waypoints
- S/E : km 0 - alt. 235 m - Norsworthy Bridge parking area
- 1 : km 2.02 - alt. 289 m - Deancombe old ruins
- 2 : km 2.93 - alt. 324 m - Old wall
- 3 : km 3.72 - alt. 266 m - Lane to Lambs Park
- 4 : km 4.55 - alt. 221 m - Sheepstor village - Church
- 5 : km 5.07 - alt. 224 m - Farm
- 6 : km 6.93 - alt. 162 m - Merchants Cross
- 7 : km 7.44 - alt. 150 m - Meavy village - Gate
- 8 : km 8.89 - alt. 238 m - Dam
- 9 : km 9.17 - alt. 237 m - Discovery Centre
- S/E : km 11.29 - alt. 234 m - Norsworthy Bridge parking area
Useful Information
Start : Norsworthy Bridge parking area (PL20 6PF) Grid ref. SX 568 692
Parking : Starting at Norsworthy Bridge there are several places to park, but it can get very busy.
Local transport : There is public bus service with a dropoff of some 500m from the start point, this does not matter as the route back passes the same (there are seasonal differences in the bus time table, so check beforehand).
Facilities : There is public toilets, at the Dam, opening times seasonal.
Note : You are on Dartmoor and the weather can change quickly. Suitable clothing is important, stout walking boots and waterproofs are advised
Terrain : The surrounding area of the reservoir is an active forest with ongoing work with changes. be mindful of slight changes to the route. You are following designated paths that lead out onto open moorland, do not rely on mobile signal for directions. You are crossing working farmland, be mindful of livestock. There are some stiles and crossings.
Refreshments:
The Royal Oak Inn Meavy, which is half way around.
Ice Cream vans are usually stationed at the Dam and Norsworthy bridge
Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.
During the walk or to do/see around
- At the start, but off track, there is an arboretum to explore.
- With the climb up out of the trees to the top of Sheeps Tor and the views down below of the village of Sheepstor and reservoir.
- Descending down through some farmland, bluebell wood, and onto the village of Meavy with its ancient inn.
- Walking back up through the valley and facing the Dam face, great to see when overflowing.
- Climbing up to the top of the dam for perhaps Ice cream.
