An undulating walk with hills, moors and woodland where bluebells abound in spring
This walk has been kindly written (and walked) for us by Denise Horner of Dartmoor Nordic Walking. It is dedicated to the memory of Winnie, Denise’s beautiful working Cocker Spaniel, who passed away just recently.
Denise said: ‘We had to say goodbye to our Winnie after a short and unexpected illness. She was our world. But her book and walks will live on.’
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This is a circular walk starting at Belstone Car Park, taking in Halstock (the bluebell) woods, Lower Halstock Farm and Cullever Steps - a great place for a wild swim.
- Time: Approximately 1.5 hours.
- Distance: 6K (3.7 miles)
- Approximately: 10,000 steps.
- Start point- Belstone Car Park
Park at the waterworks and take the gate out onto the moors. Up and to your left is Watchet Hill with the flag pole and Belstone Common beyond. It is safe to do this walk even if the red flag is flying. Follow the gravel track along side the wall. When you arrive at the corner, take the grass track to your right to the opposite corner at the end of the wall and head straight down the hill.
As you come over the brow of the hill, in front of you, you will see the East Okement River below and a track crossing your path right to left. Walk over this track, heading down towards the river where you will pick up a narrow gravel track heading down to your right. Keep on this track with the river on your left. The track slowly angles closer to the river. You will arrive at the bridge and a flat area which is very popular for camping. Cross the small bridge by the ford and into Halstock Wood, where the bluebells in spring are an amazing sight.
After crossing the bridge, turn right and follow the track which gradually starts to go uphill. It can be a bit rough in places. Coming to a post with markers on, take the track uphill to your left, continuing through the woods and eventually through a gate and into the open. Follow the worn path along the open moor towards the right hand end of the wall. The path continues to follow the wall, which will now be on your left hand side, taking you through a gate, a small field and into the yard of Halstock Farm. You will see a footpath sign on your right, pointing to your next destination on the left (not past the farmhouse which is straight on), take this track up the hill, through a few gates and onto the open moors at East Bowden. Turn left and stay on this track, heading for a small stone wall with trees (don’t take the path that forks left from this track).
Walking along you will now see the open moor and Belstone Tor to your left, with Winter and Higher Tor in front of you. The track will now take you downhill towards the East Okement River once again, the ford and Cullever steps, a natural pool, great for a wild swim!
Cross the river now, staying on the track and heading left. Continue on this track all the way back to the water works at Belstone, passing Scarey Tor on your left.
We hope you enjoy this walk, but if you prefer to walk with company, please do join us - meet at Belstone Car Park for 10am on Saturday, July 31st. Places need to be booked in advance at www.dartmoornordicwalking.co.uk
Dogs are welcome!
For more details please phone Denise on 07944 630677 or email denise@dartmoornordicwalking.co.uk