Walks with Winnie
A varied walk — just watch for mud!
This walk has been kindly written (and walked) for us by Denise Horner of Dartmoor Nordic Walking with her dog Winnie.
www.dartmoornordicwalking.co.uk
Approximate time one and a half hours and about 6k.
1:25000 Outdoor Leisure Map 28
This month's walk is a circular one from Belstone, taking in Belstone Cleave, Skaigh, Tongue End and Priestacott and is ideal if you need a sheltered walk from the sun or the rain — the rain being more likely! It can, however, be quite muddy in places after heavy rain. It is a lovely varied walk along tracks, fields and meadows starting from the car park.
Turn left out of the car park and follow the road, pass the stocks and animal pound until you reach the grass triangle and the Standing Stone, taking the left fork. Once you come on to the common, stay close to the hedge on your left and start walking down hill on the grass. You will see a seat on your left and a small path. Take this path which is level and follows the wall behind the houses at the top of Belstone Cleave. There are amazing views across the valley on your right hand side towards Cosdon Beacon.
The path takes you through a tunnel of trees which has a feel of the jungle at times. Stay on this path to the end, turning left and up towards the road. You will see a lovely fountain with drinking water, just at the right time for the dog! Once on the road, turn right down the hill and walk about 100m. Next to a big tree on your left there is a gravel path that will take you up the hill, away from the road. Follow this until it becomes level and you can see the top of the trees in the Skaigh Valley below. At the end of the path you will reach a small gate. During the winter without the leaves on the trees you will see ‘White Rock’ where the Minister would preach to the folk of Sticklepath. Go through the gate, turn left up the hill, meeting a path coming from the right, continue left along this narrow path and through the five barred gate.
The track now widens, stay on it and at the next gate and cattle grid, continue straight on to Tongue End and the main road. On reaching the road, turn left and after walking about 50 metres, take the footpath on the right, cross over the stile and head into the open field. At this point the walk feels very different out in the open. Walk through the middle of the next three fields which are great for the dogs to run and run, as long as there is no livestock of course. There is a large oak tree in the last field, the next stile will be in front of you. This path will now bring you into Priestacott. Turn left on the road and take the second footpath sign on your left through the courtyard of the house. The path is to the right of the house and brings you into a field. Stay to the right and follow the signs, through fields and meadows. You will be amazed where this path comes out! Turn left on the road as you are now back in Belstone and if you have timed it right the ‘Old School Tea Rooms’ may be open.
If you would like to join us on this walk, with or without poles or dogs, we will be meeting on Wednesday, September 13 at 10am in Belstone Car Park. Please book your place on this walk at www.dartmoornordicwalking.co.uk
Map for guide only.
Please refer to OS Leisure Map 28, or Explorer 113 Okehampton. Starting point grid reference 621.938