The first proper long walk this year, with the clocks going back, daylight is longer and the weather is getting more favourable. I have neglected the north eastern corner of Dartmoor, particularly around Belstone so this was a walk to put it right. I took in 9 new tops, plus a couple of stone circles for good measure. The walk back through Belstone Cleave was nice, although the last couple of miles along the road were tough on already tired legs! Cosdon Hill was a real highlight of this walk, the views from the top are unbelievable in every direction. I’ll be back soon for sure.
Stunning views looking back down to South Zeal at the start of the walkFirst views across to Belstone Tor as I climb Cosdon HillCosdon Hill summit and a jaw dropping view southYes Tor above the cairn on Cosdon HillThe path to Little Hound Tor, with Wild Tor to the left and Hungingstone Hill at the back in the sunLooking back to Cosdon HillWhit Moor Stone Circle with Yes Tor and High Willhays behind, Steeperton Tor to the leftOn Hound Tor now looking back to Cosdon HillThe path to Wild Tor, Fernworthy Forest on the leftWild Tor summit stacks with Hangingstone Hill in the distanceWhat a view!!I’ve seen a fair bit on the moors but red horned devil sheep were new on me!!!Steeperton Tor summitMilitary hut and flagpole on Steeperton TorTaw Marsh below, I’m walking the ridge on the left nextHangingstone Hill above the summit of Steeperton Tor, Steeperton gorge on the rightOn Oke Tor now looking along the ridge to Belstone and Higher Tors, Taw Marsh down on the rightOke Tor summit looking back across to Steeperton TorOn Knattaborough Tor looking back to Oke TorGreat views from Winter Tor to East Mill Tor with Yes Tor top rightDistant views to North Devon from Winter TorNot much distance between Higher Tor (where I’m stood) and Belstone Tor (over there)!! The Irishman’s Wall is between the two thoughStanding on Higher Tor with Lower Tor below and East Mill Tor behind and Yes Tor top right again!Looking back to Steeperton Tor, Oke Tor and Wild TorGreen fields of Belstone farm with Yes Tor and West Mill Tor behind, taken from Irishmans WallOn Belstone Tor looking back to Higher TorBelstone Common Tor is next, a short walk awayIn reverse, looking back up to Belstone TorThat’s Tors End Tor down there which is as it says, the end of the tors!!Just past Tors End Tor lies Nine Maidens with Yes Tor again in short on the right, the pointy bump on the side of the sloping hill is Winter Tor, where I was around 30 minutes agoDespite the Okehampton range starting around Knattaborough Tor, there is a flagpole on Watchet Hill to warn walkers coming up from Belstone of the firing timesBelstone Cleave below with Belstone Tor above as I make my way along the path towards Sticklepath villageIts a fair walk back from Belstone to South Zeal, but there’s a couple of nice pubs and this pretty church in the village to finish off a lovely day on Dartmoor
treksandtors 