I wanted to get out with the boys for a walk this weekend however the weather wasn’t playing ball. Whilst the rest of the country seemed to bask in cold clear blue skies, the south west and in particular Dartmoor, held hazy, claggy cloud that stayed too low for good views or any views at times. I picked a hill on the western edge of Dartmoor, hoping for a cloud free time, I’d also thankfully thrown extra layers in the boot and a few hats. It was absolutely bitter in the wind and the Jetboil was in use to heat up some soup first before heading out of the car. Gibbet Hill itself was fairly standard with some nice views across to Brent Tor, but nothing in the other direction due to the clag. The highlight was Wheal Betsy, the only standing engine house on Dartmoor and part of the lead and silver mine from around 1740-1870, a lovely spot.
| Start – Wheal Betsy parking |
| Route – Gibbet Hill – A386 – Wheal Betsy – Wheal Betsy parking |
| Distance – 1 1/2 miles Start time – 1.10pm Time taken – 1hr Highest Point – Gibbet Hill 353metres |
| Weather – Cold, very hazy and some low clouds on higher hills |
© Crown copyright 2016 Ordnance Survey FL 2016 SF
They were just finishing off their lunch when I took this, Gibbet Hill behind them
Its an easy stroll to the top from the parking by the A386
Not much of a view beyond White Hill as I look back down
You can just see Wheal Betsy’s chimney to the right of the farm down there
Gibbet Hill summit trig point with Brent Tor in the distance
You can just about make out Cox Tor from here through the haze
Posers
Brent Tor is almost silhouetted
Normally you’d get some fine views to Great Links Tor and the surrounding tops, but not today
One last one before heading down to Wheal Betsy
Lovely photo of happy boys with Dartmoor ponies behind
Wheal Betsy
Info board
The slightly drunk chimney on Wheal Betsy
Looking in the direction of Mary Tavy, past Wheal Betsy. Wheal Friendship, the partner engine house of this one, was in Mary Tavy
Hazy Dartmoor, the grass has turned to the golden yellow that it will hold until the spring
One last look up to Gibbet Hill as we reach the car
treksandtors 