So a walk in an area that probably doesn’t get enough attention, considering its the area on Dartmoor nearest to my house. I’ve walked a lot around the Trowlesworthy Warren, but heading back to Hen Tor doesn’t happen very often, and that’s a mistake. This would be walk number 36 of my second Dartmoor 365 round, taking just the T7 square. I was still managing my feet (Plantar Fasciitis) and looking for shorter walks were possible, plus as we head into the shorter days I’m looking occasionally to not drive too far. So all these things will lead to walking in the area around Cadover Bridge, we will be back for a Christmas walk across Wigford Down, but this one heads the opposite direction. I have done this walk once before, but it was back in 2015 and this was a long overdue revisit, I changed it by walking this route the opposite way to save some of the better tors for the return. We first walked out to Shadyback Tor then turned and joined the leat, flanked by dying bracken, bathing the hillside in a brown palate. We then ascended slightly to Shavercombe, and first the tor and then the delightful waterfall, hidden from sight to all those except the ones that know it is there. Lets hope the Instagrammers don’t get wind of it. Shhhh. We then climbed and turned towards Hen Tor and enjoyed stunning views across towards Leather Tor, Sheeps Tor and plenty of tors beyond. All that was left was the two fine Trowlesworthy Tors and the simple walk back to the car. A beautiful little walk in a lovely corner of Southwest Dartmoor.

Start – Cadover Bridge parking

Route – Shadyback Tor – Lee Moor Leat – Hentor Warren – Shavercombe Tor – Shavercombe Waterfall – Little Hen Tor – Hen Tor – Great Trowlesworthy Tor – Little Trowlesworthy Tor – Trowlesworthy Warren – Cadover parking

Distance – 6 miles    Start time – 11.15am   Time taken – 4hrs  Highest Point – Little Hen Tor 419 metres

Weather – Sunny but a cool breeze, first chilly walk of the year