30/05/2026
A couple of pictures and a short video of the beautiful Cowsic River (near Two Bridges), which feature in my next Friday walk in June. The walk, starting at Two Bridges, strikes out to the Beardown Man standing stone at Devil's Tor and finishes with a visit to Wistman's Wood. A wonderful and varied walk over just 7 miles (Seven Dartmoor miles, mind you!)
If anyone would like to join one of my Friday Dartmoor walks, please see my remaining programme below.
Remaining 2026 DARTMOOR PROGRAMME
Friday 19th June 10.00– 2.30pm – Two Bridges, The Cowsic River, & The Beardown Man Standing Stone.
From Two Bridges walk the beautiful Cowsic river, eventually arriving at a man-made leat passing through woodland to open moorland with fine views of the valley and Wistman’s Wood below. From here ascend to Beardown and Lydford Tors, and if ground conditions allow, strike out to the remote Beardown Man standing stone at Devils Tor. The return is via Rough Tor and the distinctive Crow Tor and the West Dart valley, and a visit to Wistman’s wood.
Please note that if waterlogged ground, we will take an alternative low-level route.
Distance – 7.33 Miles, Elevation 961ft Terrain: Moorland paths & open moorland. Time: Minimum 4 hours, 42 minutes of walking with plenty of stops and rest.
Level: Moderate to Challenging
Friday 17th July – 10.00 – 3.30pm – The Stone Row at Hingstone Hill, Crazy Well Pool, tin working, Nuns Cross and Devon Port Leat
From Norsworthy Bridge near Burrator, this walk visits many fascinating sites across the moor. Initially passing through Norsworthy Plantation and across Leather Tor Bridge, we quickly arrive at Crazy Well pool and the Devon Port Leat. The leat then leads us to Nuns Cross and Nuns Cross Farm. The return is via Down Tor, and the incredible Bronze Age Stone Row and circle at Hingstone Hill.
Distance – 5.74 miles, Elevation 695. Terrain: Moorland paths & open moorland. Time: Minimum 3 hours 38 mins of walking with plenty of stops and rest.
Level: Moderate
Friday 14th August – 10.00 – 3.30pm – Widgery Cross, Bleak House and the Rattlebrook Railway
Starting near the Dartmoor Inn at Lydford, cross the River Lyn to Brat Tor and Widgery Cross, one of the tallest crosses on Dartmoor, built to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1887. Then via Bleak House ascend to Great Links Tor. We then follow the disused Rattlebrook Railway line to Great Nodden for more fabulous views. The return is along the very pretty river via Noden Gate. (Low visibility option on the day is to walk the West Devon Way, returning via the Granite Way)
Distance – 6.89 miles, Elevation 1201 ft. Terrain: Moorland paths, railway Line & open moorland. Time: Minimum 3.3 hours of walking with plenty of stops and rest.
Level: Moderate
Friday 4th Sept – 10.00 – 3.30pm – Sheep’s Tor, Gutter Tor and Yellowmead Down Stone Circles.
Starting with an easy ascent and views from Gutter Tor, cross Ringmoor Down to Portland Lane which takes us to the charming Sheepstor village with its church and unusual crosses, along with an unusual carving above the church porch. From Sheep’s Tor descend to one of Dartmoor’s gems, Yellowmead Down concentric stone circles.
Distance – 4.28miles, Elevation 749fy. Terrain: Moorland paths & open moorland, minor road. Time: Minimum 2.10 hours of walking with plenty of stops and rest.
Level: Moderate
Friday 16th Oct – 10.00 – 3.30pm – Headland Warren Farm, Hookney Tor, Kings Tor & Grimspound and Golden Dagger Tin works.
Starting at Bennetts Cross explore the moorland East of the Warren House Inn. This fascinating and varied walk includes the remarkable Grimspound, a Bronze Age triple stone row on Challacombe Down, various Tors an Old Leat and the discussed Golden Dagger Tin works.
Distance – 7.4 miles, Elevation 1091ft. Terrain: Moorland paths & open moorland. Time: Minimum 3.5 hours of walking with plenty of stops and rest.
Level: Moderate
Friday 13th Nov – 10.00 – 3.30pm – Fingle Bridge, Hunters Path and Salmons Leap
Enjoy a late autumn walk through the stunning Teign Gorge. Starting at Fingle Bridge walk the Hunters Path, with views high above the gorge, then on through Drewsteignton and Rectory Woods. After a break at the Salmons Leap follow the River Teign to Charles and H**e wood. Finally finishing out walk at the Fingle Bridge Inn.
Level: Moderate
Distance – 7.14 miles, Elevation 1428ft Terrain: Woodland and riverside paths. Time: Minimum 3.45 hours of walking with plenty of stops and rest.
Friday 4th Dec – 10.00 – 1.30pm – Haytor Vale, a Quarryman’s hut and refreshments at the Moorland Hotel
As the days draw in enjoy a short winter walk from the Moorland Hotel, Haytor. Stride out across Haytor down to Smallcombe Rocks, where we then join the Granite Tramway to visit a tinner Hut near Howell Tor. Following the railway line visit Haytor Quarry and the area around Haytor before returning to Moorland Hotel for lunch and refreshments.
Distance – 5.2 miles, Elevation 805 ft. Terrain: Moorland paths, granite railway line & open moorland. Time: Minimum 2.5 hours of walking with plenty of stops and rest.
Level: Moderate
Led by Hill and Moorland Leader Fiona Swan, who is first-aid trained and insured for the outdoors.
Details and how to book are on my website www.nordicwalkingdevon.co.uk. See link in comments
