Belstone near Okehampton to Princetown - Dartmoor Perambulation

If there is 'firing' today, access to this section of the route is prohibited. If there has been recent heavy rain, consider a different day.

(S) Head southwest onto the moors from Belstone W3W>>>>, up and skirt around Scarey Tor, to Cullever Steps (1), where there are military tracks to use. Head in a westerly direction. Passing Rowtor, West Mill Tor, before leaving the track and climbing up to Yes Tor.

(2) At Yes Tor, head south to High Willhays. Congratulations, you have climbed Dartmoor's only mountains: Yes Tor and High Willhays. Head southwest to Fordsland Ledge. This next section is steep and best to zig-zag down and up the other side, care taken around the clitter, boulder field. Looking up the valley, see a small wooded area (A). Continue past Steng a tor Rock (3), and Kitty Tor, to Bleak House and the Rattle Brook (4). Alternate Route: If there has been a recent downpour, with the potential for the Rivers to be in spate, crossing the River Tavy and the River Walkham may be challenging. It is best to leave the moors at Bleak House. Head southwest to Lydford along the old military track.

To Continue: Follow the Brook downstream to where it meets the River Tavy; there are a lot of Bronze Age hut circle settlements in this area. Look for a suitablecrossing point of the River; the river has many large boulders affording a stepping stone and up The Mead, heading south to Lynch Tor (5), and Limsboro Cairn.

Escape Route: Head west to Waspworthy, along Black Lane W3W >>> leading onto Peter Tavy

(5) Continue to head south, passing White Barrow (6), crossing the Walkham River, Grenna Ball, and up to Great Mis Tor (7). Head southeast to Rundlestone (8), turn left at the road past the two cottages, cross the road, and up the lane next to the old telephone box. This is an access lane for the television mast. Handrail the wall up to North Hessary Tor, and down into the village of Princetown (E).

Option To continue on the route Princetown - Dartmeet; Of the Dartmoor Perambulation >>>

*This is a remote moorland walk and will require appropriate preparation and planning*

• Wild Camping on Dartmoor follow the code >>>
• The place names are listed within the original 1240 Dartmoor Perambulation, modern name/spelling
• This route is achievable in one day, but may require two. Option:(5), intermediate point if not wild camping, route off through Waspworthy, and Peter Tavy.

• Dartmoor's Firing Ranges. There is no live firing now; however, when red flags are flying on top of strategic tors. This walk cannot be completed; do not enter. Check the Dartmoor Firing days >>>

  When walking across Dartmoor, especially within the Firing Ranges, do not pick up any strange metal object

Before the walk

1. Ensure the walk matches your needs, skills, and abilities
2. Check the weather forecast - recent heavy rain - The stepping stone across the River Dart can become submerged, its a long detour.
3. Be prepared with suitable clothing, footwear, and equipment.
4. Personal medication
5. Take something to eat, and always keep hydrated; take a drink.
6. Use the Visorando app, download the walk to your mobile. Have a battery backup, a printed copy or OS map -Explorer OL28
7. Let someone know where you are. The app has a share route function, ‘Share my Location’.

• Parking: Vehicle parking - There is convenient vehicle parking in the area; a choice of off-street parking is available
• Timing: The time taken is estimated, to allow extra time, when appropriate, for exploring and personal pace.
• Accessibility: This route has been assigned "Difficult" due to an open moorland route and the distance.
• Rivers and Marshes: choose a safe route across, this may mean a slight detour off the app route.
• Facilities: At the start, in the village
• Escape Route: Is a route that either leads to a place of safety or a shorter route back to the start.- used in the event of an occurrence, whether physical or natural.
• Option: This is a circular route that can be walked either way.
  

Start: This route's starting point, - W3W >>>

During the walk

• Follow Country Codes
• Leave no trace: leave only footprints, but take away great memories
• Dogs: Keep under control, and bag it and bin it, don't sling it. Farmers do have special powers regarding dogs worrying, even on open-access land.
• Self-care: Know your own limitations; walking is an adventure and can involve risks. Be responsible and know when to turn back, rather than get into difficulties
• First Aid: Treat blisters before they occur,
• Groups: Walking within a group? Start together, keep together, end together.

Enjoyed the walk:

• Where you can: Support the local economy
• Feedback from this walk: Please leave your thoughts

Report any findings; see app ' ! '

Along the Route

(A) Black-a-tor Copse, one of three, high altitude, ancient oak woodlands on Dartmoor

Nearby

• Okehampton
• The Highwayman Inn, Sourton - an Aladdin's cave of eclectic curios
• Peter Tavy Inn - 15th-century inn