Walks with Charlie…. Widgery Cross

If you’re looking for a relatively easy walk with a bit of everything – Widgery Cross at Brat Tor has it all.  With panoramic views across Dartmoor and a rugged terrain that stretches as far as the eye can see this walk will leave you feeling on top of the world – quite literally.

Time: approx. 1 hour

Directions:

Widgery Cross is on your left as you drive across the A386 between Okehampton and Tavistock. Take the left-hand turn just before the Dartmoor Inn that leads onto the moors to a large car park.  Once you’re on foot, bear left and follow the track down to the bottom of the Tor where your wonderful walk begins: 

When we pulled into the car park to start our walk, Charlie shot ahead of me, nose to the ground, excited by all the scents he was yet to discover. Sure enough, he came across two gorgeous black labs – Ted and Lottie – who he decided would make perfect playmates! After saying our goodbyes, we followed the track until it met the River Lyd, stepping across large stones used as a bridge before continuing up the hill that grew considerably steeper the closer we got.

There are a few different routes you can take if you don’t fancy puffing and panting your way to the top – we decided to stick to the left side of the hill, however once you get half way around there’s no getting away from the burn you are sure to feel creeping up your calves. 

Widgery Cross, which was erected by William Widgery to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1887, can be seen for miles around and is the tallest of all the granite crosses on Dartmoor. The Tor itself stands at 452 metres so is a great marker if you want to go off the beaten track, something Charlie and I have a habit of doing!

When we reached the top, I was mesmerised by the view and its natural beauty all just waiting to be explored. Once we were out of the wind, we walked down the hill to the left. It wasn’t long before we discovered a number of mini waterfalls and pools that seemed to go on forever – the perfect cool off for Charlie, who had jumped in before I’d even reached the banks. The enchanted stream headed down to a mystical looking valley that joined the River Lyd – a walk for another day – and so we made our way back across the moors, where we met a friend of ours farming the land with his quad bike and two working Collies. Of course, Charlie tried to play with them but they were having none of it!

After stopping for a quick chat we headed back to the car park, tired but satisfied.

Widgery Tor is now one of our favourite walks and we can’t wait to go back to discover more of this magical Tor and its magnificent surroundings.

Until next time,

Claire Frances & Charlie