The second walk in two days, and walk 2 of Lockdown 2. I’m on to Dartmoor now, or at least the southern part. I’ve given myself 30 minutes from home for a walk, as that’s my interpretation of a short drive. I quite like this area of Dartmoor, there is a fair bit of moorland and tors (Corndon Tor/Sharp Tor), mixed with woodlands and deep valleys (River Dart). But the walking here is plentiful, paths head all over the place and the lanes, off the main route, are quiet normally. This walk starts in Leusdon and heads to Blackadon Tor before disappearing into the woodland behind to pick up a few more tors, these could be missed out if you don’t fancy them. I descended to Buckland Bridge before a lung busting climb back up to the village of Buckland in the Moor. The lanes from there are quiet and took me to Higher Dunstone and the little cross on the green. From there I spied a lane behind the chapel in the village which allowed me to get to Wind Tor. The climb here was again steep to the tor and I binned the idea of heading over to Rowden Tor, instead I dropped to Jordan and the Two Moors Way back towards the car. It was a great walk and here you can change your route as I did easily and not detract from a fine area.
Passing the River Dart Country Park on the way to my walkThis is what Holne Park House looks like inside the country park. My sister had her wedding here and this is a picture from then, which would have been the last time I was in here (6 years ago)I got out of the car at Holne Bridge to admire the fine colours down the lanesJust lovely in the woodlands
Holne Bridge
Now you might think this is a different day, however this is the weather I had all the way up here from home and it continued as I parked up by Leusdon hallThe Leusdon Jubilee stones, normally there’s a nice view to go with themLeusdon ChurchThe first tor you reach is this one, Blackadon Tor. Next I headed left to the wall and followed it into the woodland, heading west towards…Logwell Rock, this is the large alley or split at the top of this outcrop which tumbles down the woodland. I then continued to follow the wall west, for another 100 metres, where I found…Leusdon Tor. There is a large sprawling outcrop here which heads towards to church, following the wallLeusdon TorThis is the unmistakeable large sloping rock of Leusdon Tor, with greenery on its topI have retraced my steps back past Logwell Rock and descending as I go, the sky above seems brighter than it was when I left the car but in these woods it is dank, gloomy and very spooky. At least 5 times I heard deer dart off after hearing my footfall.This is Lizwell Rock, lower down in the woodland near to the confluence of the East and West Webburn rivers. The split in the rock helps you identify it.After Lizwell Rock you are faced with a climb out of the woods. You will hit heavy bracken if it is the season for it, however if you handrail the River Webburn as it heads south east, hold the top of the tree line to avoid the bracken you can find (or stumble upon as I did) a path which leads you to the main path which drops south to the roadI’m on the lower part of that path I mentioned above, some thinning of trees has occurred above the River Webburn. I’m looking back up the path hereOn the quiet lane now which runs from Lower Town/Leusdon down towards Buckland BridgeSomeone has got fancy with the chainsaw in lockdown, a bird of prey I am guessingBuckland Bridge and the colours of trees continue hereAfter the bridge comes a steep climb up along the lanes to the village of Buckland in the Moor, I huffed and puffed to the church here, where I had a breakThe views to the main part of the moor, around Ryders Hill, are starting to open up a littleBlackadon Tor in the trees to the left, the West Webburn in the valley and Corndon Tor at the back as I head to Higher PudshamAfter Higher Pudsham I get my first view to Hameldown left with a bit of cloud on top and Chinkwell Tor to the rightIt was a fair walk along the lanes to this spot, however I saw very few cars until the last section into Higher Dunstone. This is the green in the village and Dunstone Cross sits here, along with the Dun Stone (on the left), this was used by the Lord of the Manor to hold court and collect rent in the holes on the top of the stone. During the plague the holes would be filled with vinegar to try and clean the coins.As on the last picture the view in the distance is of Tunhill Rocks and other tors around Pil Tor. The sun is shining nicely now as blue skies pass overheadA bit of zoom on the sunny tors with Rippon Tor back right, Tunhill Rocks tumbling down the hillside in the centre and Pil Tor behind, Top Tor is back leftClimbing Wind Tor now and the weather to the south looks to be a bit darker with rain. South Hams spread out beyond the valleyLooking for one last time at Hameldown left and Chinkwell Tor rightI had planned on a walk over Rowden Tor as well however the clouds looked ominous so I decided to drop down to Jordan and the Two Moors Way path. I’m leaving Wind Tor here looking west over Corndon TorTurning north west and the tors of Longaford Tor and Beardown Tors are in view, justDrywell Cross as I turn down the lane to JordanThis has to be one of the most strange junctions around. I am heading left here into what looks like someone’s front roomAfter the house in the previous photo is a bridge over a tumbling West Webburn RiverAgain through woodland, following the river towards PonsworthyPast this hydro plant (I assume), it was making a fairly loud whirring noiseThe Two Moors Path sign on a gateYou know you are in Ponsworthy when the stream runs over the road and drops under a bridge. It is meant to be like thisThe road between Ponsworthy and Leusdon gives glimpses across the Webburn valleyBack at the Jubilee Stones in Leusdon and that view I promised is now here. Hameldown has a cloud cap but Chinkwell Tor is visible on the right. The car is behind me and this has been a very fulfilling walk with plenty to see, and more that I missed out, that could easily be added with more time.
I haven’t been walking on Dartmoor before, but I’m thinking I might have to at some point. The woodland looks so atmospheric, and the trees growing at of the tors – just brilliant.
Dartmoor is a lovely spot with fantastic places. Belstone in the north is very good. Lots to see around Haytor in the west and Postbridge/Bellever Tor in the centre
This walk sums up everything I love about Dartmoor. A perfect combination of wild moorland, river valleys, rocky tors and loads a fascinating and interesting stuff. I love Clapper Bridges as well although not sure quite why. Cracking walk.
It was a very good walk, the trees still had their autumn colour and I saw a few lanes and hamlets that I hadn’t been through before. You can see more of the wild moorland once you get up on Wind Tor, plenty to explore up there.
treksandtors 
I rather suspect that the paths by the Webburn were rights of way once.
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I haven’t been walking on Dartmoor before, but I’m thinking I might have to at some point. The woodland looks so atmospheric, and the trees growing at of the tors – just brilliant.
Gorgeous photo of the West Webburn River too.
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Dartmoor is a lovely spot with fantastic places. Belstone in the north is very good. Lots to see around Haytor in the west and Postbridge/Bellever Tor in the centre
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This walk sums up everything I love about Dartmoor. A perfect combination of wild moorland, river valleys, rocky tors and loads a fascinating and interesting stuff. I love Clapper Bridges as well although not sure quite why. Cracking walk.
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It was a very good walk, the trees still had their autumn colour and I saw a few lanes and hamlets that I hadn’t been through before. You can see more of the wild moorland once you get up on Wind Tor, plenty to explore up there.
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How much traveling have you guys done? OMG its like trip after trip after trip. lol, thats not a bad thing. I am just shocked.
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