Norsworthy, Down Tor, and Cuckoo Rock

The Start: Norsworthy Bridge, Burrator - W3W >>>

(S/E) At the parking area, and looking east by the trees on the left, there is a track and a path leading up through what was a field. Heading east up through the field, the well-used path will lead through a series of old fields, and the wall may appear as linear features of varying heights. The path will work its way, passing a large rocky outcrop, through the fields and up to Down Tor.

(1) Down Tor, there are many routes to the top; for ease, an easterly approach may help. The route leads off in a slightly south-east direction, skirting the fields. (2) is approximately 750m away. The Menhir will be visible. Don't venture off the app route, heading east, the lay of the land will level off, and all the Menhir, one of the cairns, and the stone row will become more visible.

(2) At the Menhir, the stone row will be the direction to follow to the next cairn and settlement enclosures slightly to the north of the cairn.

(3) At this location, the settlement enclosures are linear features on the ground, circular grass mounds about 10/20m in diameter. Walking back along the stone row to the Menhir (2), then heading south, toward Combshead Tor, there are a number of linear features to cross. Combshead Tor is fairly flat in comparison, used as a check of point (4). Towards the west between (2) and (4), slightly off route, but there is another Neolithic, Stone Age Settlement and hut circles.

(4) Heading southwest, toward the large triangular-shaped boulder, known as Cuckoo Rock, walk back down the hill, back through the old field system. The path will lead down to a more substantial track and pass derelict buildings, on the right, known as Deancombe. Stay on the track that will lead all the way back to the start (E).

Before the walk

1. Ensure the walk matches your needs, skills, and abilities
2. Check the weather forecast.
3. Be prepared with suitable clothing, footwear, and equipment.
4. Personal medication
5. Consider something to eat, and always keep hydrated; take a drink.
6. Use the Visorando app, download the walk to your mobile. Consider a battery backup and or a printed route.
7. Let someone know where you are. The app has a share route function, ‘Share my Location’.

NOTE: Norsworthy Bridge, the Burrator area, is known to have a poor mobile signal. Ensure the route has been downloaded to the app for offline use. The signal should return on gaining height.

• Parking: Vehicle parking - There is a parking area at Norsworthy Bridge, and an alternative parking area is 400m south, on the road
• Transport: There is a moorland bus which terminates near the start. Timings of the buses should be confirmed, allowing for the return trip
• Timing: The time taken is estimated, to allow extra time, when appropriate, for exploring and personal pace.
• Accessibility: This route follows a well-trodden path up to Down Tor, then open moorland, with rocks to negotiate. It has been assigned "Easy" due to a reasonable path to follow and the distance.
• Facilities: None nearby, there may be an Ice cream van, or see in the 'nearby area'

Start: This walk's starting point, Norseworthy Bridge parking area- W3W >>>

During the walk

• The Route: Where applicable, keep to the defined paths
• The Countryside: Respect its inhabitants, and other Countryside users
• Leave no trace: leave only footprints, but take away great memories
• Dogs: bag it and bin it, don't sling it.
• Country Codes: Keep dogs under control. Farmers do have special powers regarding dogs worrying farm animals, even on open moorland

• 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.

  NOTE: When walking on Dartmoor, the weather can change in an instant; one minute it's sunny, and the next, thick with fog, it can be dry, then heavy rain. Be prepared

  Care should be taken when climbing tors, especially when wet; be mindful of the more adventurous scrambles and appreciate that there can be some high drops.

  Where sheep roam, and bracken grows. There is a remote chance of picking up 'ticks'. It is advisable to check oneself and the dogs after the walk for tics. Be Tick aware >>>

  Report any findings; see app ' ! '

During the walk

• The climb up to Down Tor, the views over the Reservoir
• The Stone Age settlement, stone row, cairns (ancient burial mounds), and a menhir (a large standing stone).
• Cuckoo Rock - A huge boulder in the middle of a boulder field

Nearby

• The Burrator Arboretum - A woodland walk near the parking area.
• The Village of Meavy, with the Royal Oak, the public house, and the Old Oak Tree on the village green