The Dartmoor Way - Tavistock Ramblers
Tavistock Ramblers have not been able to do very much walking as a group recently,but this does not stop them thinking about walks. So they have in fact been both looking backwards into history and forwards to the future.
We often take England’s network of footpaths for granted, but they are one of our most precious assets, especially for those who love the great outdoors. Shaped by our ancestors over centuries, they tell the stories of our landscape, our history and our heritage; they describe how generations before us travelled on foot or on horseback. They allow everyone to enjoy the countryside, but an estimated 10,000 miles of paths across England are at risk of being lost forever unless they are recorded on up-to-date maps. Ramblers launched a programme called Don’t Lose Your Way, to save ancient trackways and ensure that they are properly recorded. Thousands of people joined the search for lost paths, and all of England and Wales has been mapped. This was done in just six weeks - an amazing achievement. All the data is being checked and soon Ramblers will be able to announce how many lost paths are missing from the definitive map, as well as plans to save them for future generations.
As regards the future, the April/May Links magazines featured the launch of the project, a joint initiative with the Ramblers and Dartmoor National Park. Because of the coronavirus pandemic the planned launch events did not happen, but it does mean that there is a brand-new walking route out there waiting to be explored, with some of the finest bits on the western side of the moor. The route is almost entirely on well-waymarked footpaths and lanes which pass through many towns and villages along the way, making it accessible to all.
Take a walk on the Dartmoor Way
Walk south from Okehampton with the sun on your face, past the impressive castle, once one of the largest in Devon. Although parts date back to the Norman Conquest, most of the ruins that we see are the remains of the fine residence created by the Earls of Devon in the 14C. The route then climbs gently but steadily up onto the moor, passing close to Meldon reservoir, the most recent of Dartmoor’s reservoirs, completed in 1972. There are stunning views of Dartmoor’s highest tors before passing Sourton on the way to Lydford.
Lydford has a history dating back to Saxon times and there are remnants still to be seen. Walking past the Norman castle and the 13th century church the route passes the entrance to Lydford Gorge before reaching Black Down. More great views are to be had as the path skirts the ominously named Gibbet Hill to reach Mary Tavy.
Next stop is Tavistock, which needs no introduction, with as much history as you can manage and all the facilities that you would want. The Dartmoor Way leaves Tavistock by way of quiet lanes, passing a fine 15C manor house before descending into the valley of the River Walkham. A delightful riverside path leads to Grenofen and the magnificent Gem Bridge. An easy stretch brings walkers to Yelverton with yet more superb moorland views. The valley of the River Meavy follows before reaching Shaugh Bridge where the Meavy meets the Plym.
All in all, the Dartmoor Way is a splendid walk and we hope you will enjoy it sometime soon. Tavistock Ramblers will be publishing circular walks of suggested highlights but the route, in West Devon at least, lends itself to using public transport for a linear walk.
To see what else Tavistock Ramblers will have to offer when the crisis is over, visit the website www.tavistockramblers.org.uk
John Noblet