The wild open speces of Dartmoor can be appreciated on this walk. The route takes you past a number of rocky tors, visits an area used for peat cutting and follows a section of the Rattlestone Peat Railway. All in all a walk full of interest.
(D)The start is the small car park just off the A386 at grid ref. SX525853. This is reached by going east along a narrow lane from the Dartmoor Inn on the A386, near Lydford. After parking take the well trodden path leading northeast to a ford, footbridge and stepping stones across the River Lyd (grid ref. SX531857). Ahead to the right is Brat Tor with its stone cross whilst to the left is the rocky outcrop of Arms Tor.
(1)The onward route leads between these two tors on a rising path/bridleway across the moors. The path continues to climb across the southern flank of Great Links Tor. Continue along the path/track following it as it turns north to pass the ruin of Bleak House (grid ref. SX559865) on your right. This house was the residence of the Manager responsible for the peat cutting operations in this area.
(2)The onward path crosses Rattle Brook a short distance past Bleak House and continues alongside the stream for a further 600 yards to meet a clear track at grid ref. SX559871. Turn left and follows this track west crossing a small embankment and continue through a shallow cutting. You are now on the former track bed of the Rattlestone Peat Railway and its route will be followed for most of the way back to the start. The route is clear on the ground as the old railway heads north passing the Logan Stone on your right (grid ref. SX550879).
(3)Continue north descending gently to reach the former turning point for the railway at grid ref. SX545887. Turn sharp left here and walk south on the old track bed as it descends across the western flank of Great Nodden (on your left) to approach Nodden Gate.
(4)Aim for the wall corner (grid ref. SX532863) and then walk south on the west bank of River Lyd to reach the river crossing passed on the outward route. Here, turn right along the wall and follow the clear track back to the car park.(A)
Waypoints :
D/A : km 0 - alt. 276m - Lydford
1 : km 1.85 - alt. 438m - Brat Tor and Arms Tor
2 : km 4.09 - alt. 529m - Bleak House
3 : km 6.22 - alt. 492m - Logan Stone
4 : km 8.81 - alt. 388m - Great Nodden
D/A : km 11.58 - alt. 274m - Lydford
Dartmoor offers some wild country for walking and this route takes you into this environment passing a number of the typical rocky summits known as 'Tors'. The route needs careful navigation and an OS 1:25000 map is very helpful especially for the section around Bleak House. Like all upland areas weather can change dramatically so do make sure you have adequate footwear, clothing and refreshments.
Visorando and this author cannot be held responsible in the case of accidents or problems occuring on this walk.
Global average : 4/5
Number of opinions : 1
Description quality : 4/5
Routemap quality : 4/5
Walk interest : 4/5
Global average : 4 / 5
Date of walk
: 19/04/21
Description quality
: Good
Routemap quality
: Good
Walk interest
: Good
Good walk in fine and clear weather. Otherwise, misty conditions raise safety issues so sensible pre-preparations needed. After prolonged rain parts of track difficult. Interesting site of industrial archology. Spectacular panoramas!
This is a small (but often wet and slippery, be careful with children!) spectacular hike along the River Lyd in a loop. You will discover the deepest river gorge in the south-west using several impressive footbridges over the gorge and you will see a beautiful waterfall too.
A circular walk with beautiful views over Dartmoor Tavy Cleave
It's an easy family walk leading to a stunning 360° viewpoint from Great Miss Tor and a lovely place to enjoy colours of sunset as well.
A circular walk using a part of Dartmoor waymarked path across stunning moors, along streams and passing King's Tor for a nice overlook.
A demanding Dartmoor walk that requires careful navigation and preferably good weather. The route uses a section of the Tarka Trail, visits some ancient monuments and visits the summits of a number of granite tors.
This is an unmarked hike (but mainly obvious paths during clear days) located on the easter side of Dartmoor National Park. During this trip, you will enjoy peaceful moors, great views from tops and stone circles historic site.
A Dartmoor walk that includes the most north-easterly summit in the National Park which offers some fine views especially to the north. The route needs careful navigation at the start and in poor weather you need a good sense of direction and compass skills.
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The GPS track and description are the property of the author.