Yep that’s right there’s a Snowdon on Dartmoor!! Unfortunately it’s not as exciting as its Welsh namesake but you can’t have everything. I set out from the very pretty Venford Reservoir and headed up to Horn’s Cross before setting off for Ryder’s Hill. The walk was going well until I started out for Snowdon where one of Dartmoor’s boggy areas had taken hold! Still at least I know my boots are waterproof for the winter!! Snowdon hadn’t finished with me yet as I met Dartmoor’s entire fly population on its summit, which had clearly taken nest in the cairn!! A rapid descent to the River Mardle brought an air of peace and calm back to the walk! All that was left was a fine traipse back to Venford.
| Start – Venford Reservoir |
| Route – Horn’s Cross – Holne Ridge – Ryder’s Hill – Snowdon – River Mardle – Holne Moor – Venford Reservoir |
| Distance – 5.5 miles Start time – 11.15am Time taken – 3 3/4hrs Highest Point – Ryder’s Hill 515m |
| Weather – Cloudy with some sun |
© Crown copyright 2014 Ordnance Survey FL 2014 SF
Pointy Sharp Tor at the start of the walk
Venford Reservoir reflections
And from the other end looking back to the dam
Climbing away from Venford
Yar Tor and Corndon Tor in the shade with Hameldown in the sun behind
Horn’s Cross
Down Ridge on the left with Longaford and Higher White Tors in the distance
Venford Reservoir still visible below
Snowdon left and Ryder’s Hill right, the right hand hill is the higher one, which doesn’t look to be the case from here
Ryder’s Hill summit
Looking down to Huntingdon Warren with Western White Barrow behind
The boggy track to Snowdon
The boundary stones on Ryder’s Hill with Redlake behind, another winter trip there this year is in order
Boggy!!
Snowdon summit looking back to Ryder’s Hill
Puper’s Hill from Snowdon, not heading there today though
Lovely views to South Hams as I drop to the River Mardle
The River Mardle
Puper’s Hill left and Snowdon right
The track back to Venford reservoir and the car after a very good walk
treksandtors 
For a moment there, I thought you were up my part of the world! Looks lovely though…. Hey good tester for the boots.
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Yep, couldn’t believe there was a hill on Dartmoor called Snowden!! There’s been a couple of walks recently that have tested my Scarpa’s. they’ve stood up very well. Off to the Lakes in 2 weeks, so need to get out this weekend to get some miles in the legs!! Hope the weather is at least dry!
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