This Dartmoor route uses a section of the Two Moors Way. The route follows paths and tracks although a good sense of direction is needed in what can be an unforgiving landscape. After wet weather, streams may be in spate so care is needed crossing them.
(S)From the village of Scorriton, take the Two Moors Way west along a lane to Chalk Ford (grid ref. SX684680) where open moorland lies ahead. There are a number of stream crossings on this route so care is needed especially if there has been heavy rain recently.
(1)From this point the Two Moors Way heads roughly southwest to join a track at grid ref. SX678672 that comes west from Lud Gate. Bear right along this track and continue west to the bridge over Western Wella Brook (grid ref. SX667670). It is worth walking up to the cairn on top of Huntingdon Warren to enjoy the views before returning to the footbridge mentioned in the previous paragraph.
(2)The next part of the route follows Western Wella Brook south to Huntingdon Cross (grid ref. SX664662). There is a feint path on the eastern bank of the brook. At Huntingdon Cross, it is important to get your bearings.
(3)You need to take the Two Moors Way which heads just north of east from the cross. The path is generally clear although care is required to keep on course. This path leads back to the track from Lud Gate (grid ref. SX676671) which was used for part of the outward route.
(4)Bear right along this track to Lud Gate and continue along a track towards the Strole. Take the footpath on the left (grid ref. SX688673) leading initially north. The path descends towards Scae Wood becoming a walled track. Follow this past Higher Coombe to reach a lane. Turn left along the lane through Coombe following the lane up to Scorriton.(E)
Waypoints
S/E : km 0 - alt. 138 m - Scorriton
1 : km 2.19 - alt. 253 m - Chalk Ford
2 : km 5.04 - alt. 470 m - Huntingdon Warren cairn
3 : km 6.45 - alt. 361 m - Huntingdon Cross
4 : km 8.29 - alt. 393 m - Lud Gate
S/E : km 11.45 - alt. 139 m - Scorriton
Useful Information
This walk onto the south-western moors of Dartmoor requires some careful navigation and a good sense of direction. The walk starts in the village of Scorriton (grid ref. SX703684) where there are limited parking opportunities. Do be considerate and park carefully. The route uses a section of the arduous Two Moors Way which does provide some reliable signage. It is strongly recommended you have a copy of the OS 1:25000 map.
Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.
Date of walk : 27/03/18 Clarity of route description : ★★★★☆ Good Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good Walk interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very good walk on 28th March 2018 with plenty of interest on the way round from Bronze Age artefacts and the remains of tin mining activities. Special interest was the Keble Martins chapel just upstream from Huntington Cross. A bit strenuous in places specially going up Pupers Hill and very wet at the confluence of the Western Walla Brook and the Avon but all in all a great walk.
24.72 km+617 m-482 m8h 50Moderate Departure from Holne (Devon)
This stage has a sting in the tail as an option for all those YHA lovers. The Two Moors Way goes about 5 miles east of YHA Dartmoor at Bellever but that shouldn't stop you from staying there. The extra few miles at the end of this stage and the journey back to the Two Moors Way at the beginning of the next stage are in no way laborious, rather a bonus.
23.63 km+380 m-490 m7h 50Moderate Departure from Dartmoor Forest (Devon)
This stage is the last part of the Two Moors Way in Dartmoor National Park. First, it retraces steps back to Bennet's Cross to join the trail and then avoids the high ground to the west by heading for the Teign Valley. There are a mix of landscapes and a real high point at Hunter's Tor near Castle Drogo.
20.40 km+643 m-644 m7h 40Moderate Departure from Manaton (Devon)
A circular walk combining moorland, streams and woods on Dartmoor, passing the dramatic Hound Tor and iconic Bowerman's Nose, with places for refreshments at the half waypoint. It is a good length with some steep hills for hearty exercise and is mainly off-road, taking advantage of footpaths and tracks. You could start at Lustleigh or Manaton if you prefer, and there are short-cuts available if you wish to shorten the walk.
NOTE: this description has been amended to correct a route error.
10.87 km+201 m-211 m3h 40Moderate Departure from Dartmoor Forest (Devon)
This is an unmarked hike (but mainly obvious paths during clear days) located on the easter side of Dartmoor National Park. During this trip, you will enjoy peaceful moors, great views from tops and stone circles historic site.
2.03 km+38 m-38 m0h 40Easy Departure from Totnes (Devon)
Discover the Totnes of times gone by. A walk through Totnes’ narrow streets to discover a town crammed full of history. This walk can be extended by following the River Dart to nearby Dartington along the riverside path.