For many, this is the first section of Moorland they see on the approach, yet most continue to Haytor and bypass this charming little area. I have set a 2.5 mile walk comprising of 16 caches to encourage you to enjoy a little backwater away from most of the crowds. The walk should take between one and two hours.
This is a walk of two distinct halves: The top half is open and exposed moorland with superb views. There are often Dartmoor Ponies to be seen too. (Please don't feed them!) The lower half is through ancient native woodland and is very sheltered even on a stormy day and a most pleasant and quiet walk. It also includes about a mile of the Templer Way, a granite tramway where the rails can still be seen which ran from the quarries of Dartmoor to the Teign at Stover and now continues on through to Shaldon some 17 miles from its start. Some of London's fine granite buildings started life very close to this walk.
Notes:
- First cache in series
- The Walk: There is long, gradual downhill section from the start, mostly following the Templer Way. At the bottom of the hill, we leave the path and follow an ancient and peaceful Bridleway gradually uphill, with a short section along a quiet moorland road to the start.
- Obstacles: No stiles or gates. There was a fallen tree on the bridlepath when set which was easily navigated.
- Caches: I have set a wide variety of containers to keep things interesting, and clued so they can be found quickly, to minimise searching damage.
- Dogs: Perfect walk for dogs, but please keep them on a lead near livestock.
- Dangers: It's Dartmoor, and the weather can change rapidly. However, with respect and sense, this is a relatively safe walk never more than half a mile from a road and it should be difficult to get seriously lost.
- Wildlife: Dartmoor Ponies, Skylarks, Stonechinks, Crows, Buzzards and a herd of Deer were seen during the setting of this trail.
- Going: This is not suitable for buggies, pushchairs or wheelchairs. The walk follows established paths and bridlepaths, and a short section of road. There should be very little mud even in winter.
- Bikes: This should be achievable by mountain bike, with some short sections. Wheelmarks when set suggest you wouldn't be the first.
- Bonus: There is no bonus cache! (I always forget to collect the clues, myself!)
- Upkeep: I would be more than happy for any cacher to replace wet logs when encountered, if they happen to have a spare.
- Permission: Permission kindly granted by Dartmoor National Park using their Geocaching Guidelines