DARTMOOR WAY - STAGE ONE

OKEHAMPTON TO CHAGFORD

The children were off to school as I set out in the morning. I went via the Museum the official start of the walk and headed south east out of town.

The route passes Town Mills (above) dating from the 18th Century complete with water wheel. The route then follows the mill leat out into the countryside 

After passing under a railway line and the A30 the route starts to climb with ever improving views to the north west.

The view from Tor Down 299 metres. 

A lane leads to the village of Belstone. This is the view looking back to the village and the Tors Inn. http://thetorsinn.co.uk/

From Belstone the route descends steeply into the wilds of the valley of the River Taw. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/River_Taw 

 This wooded valley was made famous by Henry Williamson in his book about Tarka the Otter.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarka_the_Otter

 The route emerges from the wooded valley into the village of Sticklepath where the National Trust has a working 19th Century water-powered forge. See https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/finch-foundry

 After crossing the River Taw and climbing over a ridge the route descends through the village of South Zeal.

 It is a stiff climb up out the village of South Zeal to Ramsley Hill where I took this selfie with Dartmoor and Cosdon Hill in the background. Here are the remains of the Ramsley Copper Mine.

 After some undulations minor lanes and footpaths I arrived at the Church of Saint Mary the Virgin at Throwleigh. http://throwleigh.org/ The church that day was hosting a mobile post office.

 The next section is along an ancient narrow path called Deave Lane with good views to the east. At Wonson I made a minor diversion off route to the Northmore Arms where I had a pint and a pudding to keep me going. A real ale treat. https://www.thenorthmorearms.com/

 This picture was taken on the subsequent descent to Coombe down another unsurfaced  bridle road. 

 The route from Sticklepath was largely following the Taw-Teign link and this was the descent from Murchington towards the River Teign.  https://www.ldwa.org.uk/ldp/members/show_publication.php?publication_id=1957

 I took this picture across the Teign valley from the bathroom of my B&B in Chagford. 

I stayed here (the one with the stone façade) at Cyprians Cot, 47 New Street, Chagford. http://www.cyprianscot.co.uk/ a 16th Century house with amazing stonework. I remember distinctly the colossal  spread for breakfast.

For those with plenty to spend on lodgings there is this stone masterpiece in the centre of Chagford in High Street - The Three Crowns Inn. http://threecrowns-chagford.co.uk/

I went to the Ring O Bells a nice welcoming pub at 44 The Square where I consumed my evening meal with relish. http://www.ringobellschagford.co.uk/contact-us