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This walk starts and finishes at the far end of the Reservoir, getting to the Reservoir and the starting point, Norsworthy Bridge W3W >>> Please ensure that you have read the Practical Advice and come prepared.
(S/E) From the car park, the path starts to the left of the river (North-East) and follows the track right, up the hill, in an easterly direction. Follow the treeline out onto the open moorland. From the edge of the treeline, about 400m, there is a 'scar' on the left-hand side of the moorland, and water can flow down. Following the scar up reveals a large moorland pond, 'Crazywell Pool', a place for wild swimming. Continue up the track to where it passes over the leat (A leat is a man-made watercourse; Devonport Leat).
(1) Older Bridge: a set of granite sleepers used as a bridge over the leat. Head North East, up the track, turn right (the track going straight on will meet up with the same intended track). At the junction of the tracks, turn right and continue.
(2) Siward's Cross or Nun's Cross, one of many moorland granite crosses; an ancient waymark that monks used when travelling across the moors between different priories. (There are also other pyramid-topped granite stones, of a similar height, inscribed with PCWW 1917 [Plymouth Corporation Water Works and date], which are water catchment marker stones for the city of Plymouth). Nearby is Nun's Cross Farm, an old moorland farm, now used as a bunkhouse for a local outdoor activity centre. Continue along the track, locally known as the 'Yellow Brick Road', originally due to the colour of the path ballast used. The path will start to climb a hill, in a Southerly direction, and continue as the path skirts around the hill.
(3) From the Elysbarrow Tin Mines (disused) [a good vantage point, taking in the view] stay on the path as it ascends. There is a fork in the tracks halfway down; keep to the right-hand track and onto the trees and building.
(4) This point is known locally as the scout hut, and used by various outdoor adventure centres. The track turns into a tarmac lane, proceed to the end of the lane, which joins another, and turn right. Continue on the lane down, through and into the village of Sheepstor.
(5) Continue past the Church, as the lane divides, turn right.
Option: Shortly after the turn 200m on the left there is a gate/stile leading into and closer to the waters edge. Here there are seats and the second smaller coffer dam.
Option: 500m approximately after the previous option, a piece of land jutts into the water, see notice board for more information; during drought conditions it is possible to follow the waterline back to the start.
Otherwise, or once you're back, continue on the road which leads you back to the start. (S/E)
Visorando member
Easy 
