After 6 weeks without any rain at all through March and into April, the Easter period brought a few showers and some cloudy weather. In the main it was still dry, but the ground, and particularly Dartmoor, needed some rain. This walk was after a rainy night, and walked in improving weather as the morning moved into afternoon. Its a very simple walk, out from Widecombe along a long lane to Natsworthy, then turn left onto the moor proper and contour back halfway up Hameldown. The outward section picks up the Dartmoor 365 square of the Miolstone, and the return the lovely outcrop of Wooder Goyle Rocks. The highlight of the walk is the valley which runs from Natsworthy along to the welcoming village of Widecombe in the Moor, which nestles itself between the bulk of Hameldown, the tors around Chinkwell and Blackslade Down. We had a good poke around Widecombe, having found one of the lucky parking spots in the layby just short of the village. We had a look in the church to start with and finished with a pint in the Old Inn, opposite the church. A fine little walk to fill in those days were the main part of the moor can be left for another time.
We’d parked in the layby just short of the village. First sight on our left as we enter the village is the tower of St Pancras, Cathedral of the MoorThe village greenThe Church House is on the left here, its a National Trust place and also goes by the name Sexton’s cottage, and is part gift shop, part art gallery. The church dominates this area and we head through the lych gate over there nextInside the church. St Pancras was struck by lightning in 1638 during a great storm, a written description is on 4 large pieces of wood behind me hereThe cut off rood screen, pictures of saints across this and the other 4 parts to my left here.After Widecombe we got on with the walk, here heading out along the lane with Chinkwell and Honeybag tors aheadThe tors around Haytor and Blackslade Down are above usPonies at Wooder ManorMossy walls on our way to the Miolstone, which is exactly a mile from the church step in WidecombeStout’s Cottages, there are two and we had a nosey around the outsidesBluebells in the garden of the cottagesWe were a bit taken by the cottages and on leaving a car stopped and asked if we were the owners, I guess plenty of folk wouldn’t mind refurbing the place. We had walked by the Miolstone at this point looking at the fields holding llamasNearing Natsworthy and looking at the back of Honeybag TorNatsworthy ManorOn to the moor proper now, Hameldown up to the left here, we won’t be heading that far up, just about 2/3rds of the way and left contour around leftAlong the valley to Widecombe, Honeybag and Chinkwell left, rising up to Hameldown on the rightLunch spot looking to Honeybag and Chinkwell Tors. peeking up between the two of them is Haytor, and back right is Rippon TorLinda contour walking along the side of HameldownLooking back at the Natsworthy area. Easdon Tor back centreA place called Bagpark is below. Chinkwell Tor is left and Rippon Tor is the high point back right, way in the centre at the back is Ramshorn DownThis little one came running up to us, assuming we were in charge. Thankfully mum was bleating a hundred yards away and this one ran off looking for her.Wooder Goyle Rocks, more in the trees down on the left hereClitter around the Wooder Goyle area, Hameldown is up there to the rightWidecombe comes into view now as we look for the gate in the corner to take us down the laneSt Pancras sticking up as we walk along the laneA drink to finish before heading home to do more gardening to try and wrestle our space (and plant lots of flowers and veg) into something nice for the summer monthsOld Inn, WidecombeA bit brighter to finish than when we started, but this is a good walk for a day like this, not too much sunshine, so stay quite low and enjoy the lanes.
Its a really nice church, I should have taken a photo of the writings on the wall about the lightning strike, but we were so busy reading it that I forgot the photo
What a lovely walk! The blend of Dartmoor’s beauty and the charm of Widecombe in the Moor sounds perfect. I particularly enjoyed hearing about the church’s history and the quaint Stout’s Cottages. This walk is definitely on my list for a future visit—thanks for sharing your experience!
A pity Widecombe gets so crowded. Used to like the walks down from there to the Dart as well. One of my regulars was the Widecombe Horseshoe – up on to Hameldon, along to Grimspound, down to Natsworthy, Chinkwell and Bonehill Rocks. Used to do it in every season of the year.
treksandtors 
How beautifully simple, the inside of that church xx
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Its a really nice church, I should have taken a photo of the writings on the wall about the lightning strike, but we were so busy reading it that I forgot the photo
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Easily done! xx
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What a lovely walk! The blend of Dartmoor’s beauty and the charm of Widecombe in the Moor sounds perfect. I particularly enjoyed hearing about the church’s history and the quaint Stout’s Cottages. This walk is definitely on my list for a future visit—thanks for sharing your experience!
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Its a lovely spot
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A pity Widecombe gets so crowded. Used to like the walks down from there to the Dart as well. One of my regulars was the Widecombe Horseshoe – up on to Hameldon, along to Grimspound, down to Natsworthy, Chinkwell and Bonehill Rocks. Used to do it in every season of the year.
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Haven’t done that round before, although I have headed the other way into Challacombe and along to Wind Tor, we did that early this year
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It’s a grand walk. Always loved the top of Hameldon.
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Nice photos. The little lamb is so cute.
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Widdecombe brings back memories of music classes at Primary school. The song would have been in my head if I did that walk 😂
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Struck by lightening inside the church? I think he’s being smited
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I like Widecombe, quintessential Dartmoor village with its stunning church. Love a hillside traversing path as well
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This was a lovely day out, we went back a week or two later for the bluebells, still to write that one up
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Look forward to that. Seemed to miss most of the bluebell display this year
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