Out and About with Tavistock Ramblers

A 5 mile circular walk from Postbridge with John Noblet of Tavistock Ramblers.

Starting at the Dartmoor National Park car park (SX647788) the walk leaves the ancient clapper bridge and takes us past the Bronze Age remains known by the delightful name of Kraps Ring. From there we visit Bellever Tor, one of the finest viewpoints on central Dartmoor, and then to Bellever Bridge.

1. From the car park, turn right up the hill, then left at the road junction signed “Bellever”. Bear immediately right into Bellever Forest and through a gate signed as a public footpath.

After 200m go right on a forestry track and after 120m turn left up a lesser path.

Go slightly right at the end of the plantation to follow a fainter track. Bear left by a large granite slab to reach Kraps Ring. Shortly after there are several hut circles identified by numbered marker posts.

Continue forward and soon Bellever Tor appears ahead. Another post indicates a small stone row which crosses our path. Just to the left is a splendid example of a Bronze Age burial chamber within a fenced area.

2. Carry on towards Bellever Tor and cross another track (it’s a slight right and left) to continue down to a low stone wall.

Turn left alongside the wall and at a path junction turn right through an opening, once a gateway.

3. Take the right of two grassy paths to the summit of Bellever Tor to enjoy the superb views.

4. Retrace your steps, past the same gateway, and follow a broad track to a path junction.

5. Turn right on the signed bridleway which descends with distant views towards Haytor. At a path crossing continue downhill to arrive at a T-junction.

Go left through a gate down the rocky track, joining a lane and passing several buildings.

Bear right at the bottom, passing the entrance to Bellever Forest car park (toilets are here) to reach Bellever Bridge.

6. Go back to the car park entrance, then bear right across the moorland on a bridleway to reach a lane by a cattle grid.

7. Turn right, past a phone box, and up the hill. Near the top, where there is an open field with a farm building on the left, join the grassy path now close to the road on the right.

8. Follow this grassy path (not the more obvious farm track branching right) gently downhill towards Postbridge. This pathway can possibly be wet at times.

At the bottom of the slope the bridleway drops down to a meadow beside the river and the ancient clapper bridge.

Turn left and back to the car park.

Why not join Tavistock Ramblers for more Dartmoor walks or see John’s book of fairly short Dartmoor walks entitled “Walks for All Ages on Dartmoor”?

Go to www.tavistockramblers.org.uk for more details