As with many people, I was in need of a walk after the excess of Christmas and to get some fresh air. Starting from Shipley Bridge gives plenty of options including this one to an area not visited before and then to my favourite named tor on Dartmoor, Wacka Tor! The boys were in high spirits and keen to get around as fast as possible to allow more time to play with Christmas presents and see their cousins. It was a good walk although the hopping over Bala Brook took some time and effort. The weather for the next few days is set fair so I’ll be out with the boys again no doubt.
| Start – Shipley Bridge parking |
| Route – Avon WTW – Old Hill Tor – Wacka Tor – near Ball Gate – Zeal – Shipley Bridge |
| Distance – 4 miles Start time – 10.50am Time taken – 3hrs Highest Point – Wacka Tor 406metres |
| Weather – Grey, cold wind on the tops |
© Crown copyright 2016 Ordnance Survey FL 2016 SF
River Avon
The boys still full of Christmas cheer by the River Avon
Climbing up to the Avon WTW with Shipley Tor on the hill the other side
Avon Water Treatment works, Wacka Tor is the high point at the back, we’ll be there later
Views to South Hams
Avon WTW on the other side of the hill now as we climb to Old Hill Tor. The trench infront of us, which we have just crossed, holds Red Brook and is called Henchertraw in the Dartmoor 365 book
Old Hill Tor and my youngest
Brent Hill behind my eldest
Some hot chocolate and two packs of quavers seems to have perked them up a bit!! Eastern White Barrow is the the far distance to the right of the boys
We found a fair bit of ice in the puddles up here
Karate chop!!!!
On Wacka Tor now with Three Barrows to the right and Sharp Tor left
Old Hill Tor nearest to us and Eastern White Barrow again in the far distance
Ugborough Beacon from Wacka Tor
Happy on Wacka Tor
The cows surround Ball Gate so we cut the corner and head down to the road along the lane
Brent Hill beyond the gate
Avon WTW far left as we near the road and the car park
treksandtors 