Duck’s Pool

Duck’s Pool was one of those places that I wanted to visit but didn’t know what it looked like or what to expect. I knew it would be boggy getting there, even with some ice on the ground. I would class this a bog rating 4 out of 5 especially the part from Great Gnats Head to Crane Hill. When I got there I was a little surprised, Duck’s Pool is not so much a pond, more a large boggy depression which could easily be missed, particularly in bad weather. However within minutes of arriving the sun came out, the flask came out and I spent one of the best 30 minutes I’ve had on Dartmoor, sitting with not a soul around, in silence. Stunning.

Start – Peat Cot

Route – Nun’s Cross Farm – Siwards Cross – Eylesbarrow – Plym Ford – Great Gnats Head – Duck’s Pool – Plym Head – Crane Hill – Nun’s Cross Farm – Peat Cot

Distance – 5 1/2 miles Start time – 10.15pm Time taken – 4hrs Highest Point – Crane Hill 471m

Weather – Started dull but sunny weather came at Duck’s Pool and stayed all the way back

Looking over Whiteworks and Fox Tor Mires from the start of the walk

It’s all a bit grey at Nun’s Cross Farm

Siwards (Nun’s) Cross and the farm, Crane Hill behind

A fair few army groups walking through here today

Views down to Sheeps Tor left and Sharpitor right from Eylesbarrow

The winding Plym valley

Plym Ford, I crossed slightly upstream to save my feet getting wet!

The view again through the Plym Valley from Great Gnats Head this time

Great Gnats Head cairn, Sheeps Tor prominent to the right

Boggy!! I followed the quad bike tracks which took me in the direction of Duck’s Pool

Duck’s Pool

Duck’s Pool Lettebox

And the rock it sits in, a couple of yellow friends can be seen under the rock behind!

Sort of a pool! I had a sit here for a coffee and after 20 minutes or so began to appreciate the place, the solitude and the quiet. yes it isn’t the most picturesque place but it has a certain something