Out and About with Tavistock Ramblers
An easy 4½-mile walk with John Noblet of Tavistock Ramblers. There are spectacular views which are at their best in early spring.
From the edge of Yennadon Down the walk goes through woodland before emerging onto open moorland above Burrator reservoir. Passing Lowery Tor, Peek Hill and Sharpitor before dropping down to the old Yelverton to Princetown railway track. The line was closed in 1956 and now provides an easy way to enjoy the wide open spaces of Dartmoor. This walk has woodland, open moorland, grassy paths and old railway with two stiles.
Start from the parking area known as Lowery Cross, just off the Princetown road a quarter of a mile beyond Dousland at SX547692. Nearest postcode is PL20 6PD
1. Turn right out of the parking area and then fork left down the lane.
After 100m the lane crosses the line of the old railway. This was known as Lowery Crossing and there was a level crossing and a cottage here. Almost immediately, at the corner of the conifer plantation, go left over the stile beside a gate.
Take the path up through the trees. Go left at a path junction and continue up the gentle slope, bearing left near the top before going over the ladder stile onto open moorland. This stile may be challenging for some dogs or young children.
2. Go half right to walk away from the wall with the summit of Peek Hill on the left. There are superb views of Burrator Reservoir and Sheeps Tor on the right. The flattish profile of Leather Tor soon appears ahead.
Pass the small outcrop of Lowery Tor above a quarry that produced granite setts of the type still to be seen in Plymouth’s back streets. Continue ahead on the grassy path keeping left of several hawthorn trees, passing within sight of the top of Peek Hill. Until 1970 this was the site of RAF Sharpitor. The large radio transmitter aerial was a landmark for years.
Keep straight towards the left side of Leather Tor, with Sharpitor on the left. There are more great views deep into the moor.
Pass close to a lone hawthorn to reach the loose rocks at the base of Leather Tor.
3. Turn sharp left towards a single conifer tree. Almost immediately the two car parks below Leedon Tor appear ahead. Make for these, passing though the remains of an ancient settlement with round houses (hut circles) and enclosures.
Cross the road with care and bear half left towards Brent Tor on the horizon, across open grassy moorland. There is no obvious track but the moorland soon becomes a wide path as it drops down towards Routrundle and the old railway. Enjoy the views across part of Tavistock towards the hills of Bodmin Moor.
4. Turn sharp left onto the track bed of the Princetown branch. The views here are spectacular with many of the tors of western Dartmoor visible. It is easy walking now (but beware of cyclists).
Cross a small bridge with two gates as the track leaves the open moorland and passes through fields enclosed with dry stone walling. Look for the tower of Walkhampton Church peeping over the tops of trees to the west. Pass through several more gates before arriving at a modern bridge erected in 2015, crossing the Princetown road.
5. After more gates the track reaches the lane at Lowery Crossing. Turn right and back to the car parking area.
Tavistock Ramblers normally walk on Saturdays, Sundays and some Wednesdays. By the time you are reading this, it is to be hoped that Covid restrictions will mean we will be able to walk as a group but please be aware of current Government guidance.
Visit the Tavistock Ramblers website www.tavistockramblers.org.uk for the latest situation. However, if Covid restrictions apply you will still find a selection of self-guided walks to enjoy.