Heading north and back from the South Hams
A strenuous walk (low hills and fells (below 600m)) in national park Dartmoor starting and finishing in Devon, England, about 23.10km (14.35 mi) long with an estimated walking time of about 8:15h (1 overnight stay). It is unsuitable for families with children, prams & pushchairs, wheelchairs.
Elevation Profile
Ascent
575m (1886ft)
Descent
534m (1751ft)
Max. Elevation
480m (1574ft)
Altitude Gain & Loss
1109m (3637ft)
Start
Ivybridge
End
Aish, South Brent, Devon, England
Distance
23.10km
(14.35mi)
(14.35mi)
Duration
~8:15h
Difficulty
Strenuous
Ordnance Survey Map
Car Free Walks TeamCreated by GaryShipp on 01 Jan 2012
This route offers little in the way of navigational challenges and is a great introduction to the beauty and historial interest of the south moor. Whilst exposed to the weather that this area is renowned for, retreat and civilisation is never far away.
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Nearby Walks
Highs and lows in Southern Dartmoor
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A moderate, circular walk (low hills and fells (below 600m)) starting in Devon, England, about 18.70km (11.62 mi) long, duration: ~6:30h.Walk Map
- $walk->POI array(0)
Waypoints
OS Grid SX636563
If arriving by bus, alight at the stop closest the town centre. If catching the train you can walk into town from the station if you need to buy provisions (a mile or so), or take the westward heading footpath at the entrance to the station and join the walking route at the junction of Cole Lane and Harford Rd.
OS Grid SX640567
Look out for the sign announcing the start of the Two Moors Way as you cross over the railway bridge. Be careful of traffic on the road here as there is no footpath.
About 0.61 km (~0.38 miles) from 
OS Grid SX641570
Turn right just after the house on the Bridleway marked 'Two Moors Way'. Go up hill along the beautiful tree lined track.
About 0.27 km (~0.17 miles) from 
OS Grid SX644576
As you exit the wooded lane at a gate, turn immediately right and follow the distinct path up to the summit of Western Beacon.
About 0.69 km (~0.43 miles) from 
OS Grid SX654576
Pretty much the most southerly hill on Dartmoor, with fantastic views in all directions.
About 0.93 km (~0.58 miles) from 
OS Grid SX654586
Be sure to stop and take in the panorama behind you.
About 0.94 km (~0.58 miles) from 
OS Grid SX655598
Join the wide track and gently gain height over the next 7 or so kilometres. IOn the way you'll pass a plethora of antiquities in, including some impressive stone rows and ancient industrial workings.
About 1.26 km (~0.78 miles) from 
OS Grid SX649656
The unusual rectangular compounds are reminents of Dartmoor's industrial past.
About 5.77 km (~3.59 miles) from 
OS Grid SX652654
With views across to Plymouth Sound, this is beautiful spot for quiet reflection and / or lunch.
About 0.34 km (~0.21 miles) from 
OS Grid SX663651
Head for this conspicious mound of rocks with a superbly crafted cairn atop.
About 1.20 km (~0.75 miles) from 
OS Grid SX672652
Take a path of least resistance heading roughly SE until you gain a view of the Avon Dam Reservoir. Continue in a similar direction, but a little more southerly, contouring round the hill until you have passed the Dam wall. From here, select a route to the river below, heading for the bridge.
About 0.89 km (~0.55 miles) from 
OS Grid SX678649
Looking back to the Dam wall you'll likely see a photogenic curtain of water.
About 0.65 km (~0.4 miles) from 
OS Grid SX680628
During the summer months you'll likely find an ice cream van in the car park here.
About 2.09 km (~1.3 miles) from 
OS Grid SX673641
Cross straight over the road at this small hamlet.
About 1.47 km (~0.91 miles) from 
OS Grid SX695613
Keep an eye out for a concealed footpath sign pointing you around the field.
About 3.62 km (~2.25 miles) from 
OS Grid SX694607
A 'chocolate box' spot.
About 0.58 km (~0.36 miles) from 
OS Grid SX696603
Unfortunately Mr Beeching put an end to South Brent's railway station, and the trains now just speed through the town. All that remains of the once busy little junction station is a sad looking signal box, surely deserving of a better use. However, this vibrant village has some nice little shops and a possibilities for refreshment (southbrent.co.uk) whilst you wait the (mostly) hourly bus.
About 0.38 km (~0.24 miles) from 
Bus StopOS Grid SX698596
X80/81 bus towards Ivybridge / Plymouth or towards Totnes / Torquay.
About 0.77 km (~0.48 miles) from 
