This walk offers the opportunity (on a clear day) for 360* views across Dartmoor and over to Bodmin Moor in the far distance. A relatively easy walk, with a few short climbs. Sturdy walking boots and OS Map ‘OL28’ recommended!
1. Park in the large Pork Hill car park on the right just after the cattle grid on the B3357 between Tavistock and Merrivale. Head up Barn Hill in the direction of Feather Tor taking the furthest left of the tracks from the car park. At the brow of the hill continue straight ahead until you reach the stone cross next to Grimstone and Sortridge Leat.
2. Walk to the left along the leat until you come to the stone bridge and then cross the leat. Take the track which goes down towards Vixen Tor for a short distance until there is an opportunity to take a track to the right which skirts around the base of Feather Tor . The track descends and then rises again to meet the wide track running along by the wall.
3. Turn right when you reach the track and walk up the hill. As you come over the hill you will see Pew Tor ahead and Pewtor Cottage nestling below to the left. You can either take the track to the right which leads straight up to the top of Pew Tor (go to number 5) or for a more photogenic approach follow the track below Pewtor Cottage and join the stony track.
4. As you reach the end of the Pewtor Cottage hedge and the track veers left down the hill, continue straight ahead on the narrow grassy track which skirts around the lower edge of Pew Tor. After you pass Downfield Cottages on the left the track crosses another track. Turn right and continue walking around the tor - there are a number of tracks at this point but follow the same contour around the tor (you should pass the disused quarry) until you meet the broad grassy track leading up to Pew Tor. Turn right and walk to the top of the tor.
5. After you have finished enjoying the view from Pew Tor take the track straight ahead leading to the top of Feather Tor. From Feather Tor head down to the leat and cross at the same stone bridge(2) you used earlier and then turn right to walk along the leat. As the path gets near to the B3357 it turns to the left and runs parallel with the road until you get back to the car park.
For this walk: OS Map OL28 and compass skills are required in case of poor visibility. For your own safety never cross rivers in full flow.