3.1 of 5 (8 votes)

The Lych Way

A moderate walk (low hills and fells (below 600m)) in national park Dartmoor starting and finishing in Devon, England, about 18.20km (11.31 mi) long with an estimated walking time of about 5:45h. It is unsuitable for families with children, prams & pushchairs, wheelchairs.
Elevation Profile
Ascent 168m (551ft)
Descent 281m (921ft)
Max. Elevation 510m (1673ft)
Altitude Gain & Loss 449m (1472ft)
Start
Postbridge
End
Lydford, Okehampton, Devon, England
Distance 18.20km
(11.31mi)
Duration ~5:45h
Difficulty  
Moderate
Ordnance Survey Map
Created by Anonymous Walker on 26 Dec 2012
This ancient path across Dartmoor follows the route that people used to take to church in Lydford from their farms on the moor. This included walking there for funerals, hence the path being known as the Coffin Way, or the Way of the Dead. There's more background at this website: www.legendarydartmoor.co.uk/lych_way.htm, and the book 'The Wild Rover' by Mike Parker has a good account of walking the route at night, which is a popular option. The walk starts at Postbridge and finishes at Lydford; both have bus connections with Tavistock, but they are not all that regular, so plan carefully. The route passes through land used for army training, so check if the moor is accessible before setting out: www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk. Also, although clearly marked on the OS map, the route passes through wild ground and you cannot rely on simply following the path. You will need a map and a compass: it's not a place you want to get lost. Especially with all those ghosties chasing you.

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Walk Map

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Waypoints

OS Grid SX646789
Take the bus to Postbridge in the middle of the moor.
OS Grid SX646773
Take the path south from the road to Bellever, which meet the Lych Way.
About 1.66 km (~1.03 miles) from
OS Grid SX627773
Cross the B3212 and you are on to the northern side of the moor. The track is fairly easy to follow thus far.
About 1.87 km (~1.16 miles) from
OS Grid SX612779
The path crosses Longaford Tor, above Wistman's Wood.
About 1.61 km (~1 miles) from
OS Grid SX595782
Keep heading west over Lydford Tor.
About 1.71 km (~1.06 miles) from
OS Grid SX573792
Cross Prison Leat (which flows into Princetown) and keep heading in a north-westerly direction. The path is near impossible to follow here, so keep your compass to hand.
About 2.38 km (~1.48 miles) from
OS Grid SX556802
Another creepy name to add to Dartmoor's list. From Cocks Hill, head northwest towards Lynch Tor.
About 2.01 km (~1.25 miles) from
OS Grid SX544808
It may be a relief to reencounter civilisation by now. Follow the path through Brousentor Farm.
About 1.29 km (~0.8 miles) from
OS Grid SX520839
Cross through the hamlet of Willsworthy and continue on through Beardon, on the edge of Lydford.
About 4.03 km (~2.5 miles) from
OS Grid SX512848
Finish in Lydford, safely away from the ghosts and the ghouls of the moor.
About 1.18 km (~0.73 miles) from

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