My Father has lent me his precious notebook of his Dartmoor walks from 1965 – 1975. These include the many walks he took me on, starting at the age of five. All the walks used public transport, starting from my grandparents’ home in Kingskerswell. We did two or three walks every year until I was about 17 and it was these that introduced me to the wonderful place that is Dartmoor.
This is the longest walk, 20 miles I think. It was a very early start with bus to Newton Abbot, train to Plymouth (a parcels train with a few passenger coaches), then bus to Yelverton. And we caught the 9pm bus back from Buckfastleigh. I was twelve but although almost 50 years ago remember it quite clearly.
April 20th 1973 Across S. Dartmoor
Bus to Yelverton. Walked via Lake to Dousland then across Burrator Dam to Sheepstor and then to Ditsworthy Warren. Lunch just beyond the warren house.
Looked at Drizzlecombe remains. Then to Plym Steps, Calveslake Kistvaen & to Great Gnats Head cairn (could not find Great Gnats Head kist).
Then to Duck’s Pool. Signed visitors book and posted card. Then on to Philpott’s Cave (tea) and over Green Hill – across Dry Lake – on to Abbots Way near Redlake – along Abbots Way to Buckland Ford (missed Abbots Way at one point near Naptha Mine – had to keep out of workings).
Then to Huntingdon Hill over clapper, round hill to just below Huntingdon Warren & crossed Wallabrook near to chapel. Then to Lud Gate, Cross Furzes & Buckfastleigh and bus home.
Weather fine, moderate wind, some showers
Time 8¼ hours (this was time on the moor & doesn’t included walking on lanes at either end)
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