The Pipe Track Cadover Bridge to Shaugh Bridge and the Dewerstone. 2 hours with some steep and rough ground.

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Cadover Bridge is half way between Yelverton and Plympton. A very popular picnic spot in the summer, it has a large car park and usually an ice cream van or two. Our favourite time is throughout the winter months when you rarely see a soul, let alone an ice cream van, but get the most fantastic views through the bare trees, accompanied by the babbling River Plym in full spate.

For centuries the Dewerstone has been regarded as one of the most 'picturesque' spots on Dartmoor. The rocky crags have attracted and inspired numerous poets, artists, and authors whose works can be found in libraries and galleries around the world.   It is presumed that the huge crag at the top is the Dewerstone but Dewerstone actually refers to the whole area of rocks to the right of the summit.  On their own these rocks are known as Devils Rocks with three distinct pillars, which, for climbers, range from easy to very difficult.  The highest is said to be around 150 feet tall.  They are named after Dewer, the dreaded Wisht Huntsman, who legend suggests, terrorised the moor at night as he hunted with his dreaded pack of phantom hounds whilst haunting the lofty heights of the Dewerstone.   Don’t let this put you off – this is a stunning walk and Angus and Sennen have not come across any ‘phantom’ hounds, just other very playful ones!

Park at Cadover Bridge car park (1) and take the small gated path on the left following the flow of the river downstream. The path is irregular and in places can be very muddy so suitable footwear is strongly advised. The path leads all the way down the valley to Shaugh Bridge and the Dewerstone car park (2) - as you walk along the valley you will see old remnants of clay pipe in the ground – hence the name of the walk given by locals. Go through the car-park towards the river and once at the bridge you need to cross over the river, by the small wooden foot bridge (3)), and take the path between the two rivers. There is a broad, stone, stepped path on the right leading steeply up, follow the U bend around to the left and keep on the track high above the river Meavy. Keep on this path until a fork (4). Take the steep right hand track up old tram way stones (formed by the granite miners) until you reach the old tram pulley workings.   It is thought the Dewerstone quarry supplied the granite of which London’s Blackfriars Bridge pillars are faced with.  Head uphill through woodland until you reach open moor. In the winter the bracken is sparse and it’s easy to follow sheep tracks. Keep walking to the right until eventually you can see the outcrop (5) of the Dewerstone with 360’ views. Walk east along the grass ridge back toward Cadover Bridge,  and if like Angus and Sennen your dog is now nice and muddy then entice them in the shallows of the river for a much needed wash!

For more information on the Dewerstone see:

www.legendarydartmoor.co.uk  - Tim Sandalls © 2007