WARNING: To reach this cache from the
east, it will be necessary to cross the West Dart river. Although
the Lych Way is shown on the OS Map as a bridleway, there is NO
bridge across the river. River crossings on Dartmoor always contain
an element of danger and should NOT be attempted unless you are
fully confident and capable to do so. Do not attempt to cross the
river when the water level is high.
The easiest river crossing is probably at N 50:35.149 W
003:58.176 - see photo. Do NOT cross at the weir once the water
level has risen above the concrete bar.
The Lych Way, also known as the Corpse Road or the Way of the
Dead, is a track starting from Bellever and ending at Lydford. It
is the route used up until the mid 13th century for the
transportation of the dead from the eastern side of the moor for
burial at Lydford, as that was the location of the parish church.
After this period permission was granted for burials to take place
at Widecombe.
This series of caches is placed along the whole length of the
Lych Way which is approximately 12 miles long. Most of the Lych Way
is shown reasonably accurately on OS maps and can be followed
fairly easily, with the section between the Powder Mills and West
Dart being probably the most difficult as multiple paths exist in
many places. The section between Bellever Forest and the Powder
Mills was re-routed in 2000 by the Dartmoor National Park Authority
as the previously shown route was excessively boggy and virtually
impassable.
I would like to thank the Dartmoor National Park Authority for
their kind permission to allow me to place this cache.