Dr Blackall's Drive & Ponsworthy

Dartmoor Walk

Maps

Ordnance Survey Explorer OL28	Sheet Map	1:25k	BUY
Anquet OS Explorer OL28	Digital Map	1:25k	BUY

Walk Route Description

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This Devon walk explores a scenic section of the Dartmoor National Park lying north of the Dart Valley. The route follows Dr Blackall's Drive which offers fine views over the valley, visits the summit of Mel Tor, passes through the village of Ponsworthy and finishes with a section along the River Dart. Part of the walk follows the Two Moors Way.

The start is New Bridge car park (grid ref. SX711708). After parking turn right up the narrow lane to Hannaford. The lane climbs steadily and after 1.5 kilometres reaches a road junction in open moorland (grid ref. SX707715). Bear left and continue to a "Poundsgate" sign. Turn left here onto a clear track. After 50 metres, at the first junction, turn left to join Dr Blackall's Drive, which is also the route of the Two Moors Way. Follow this track southwest to skirt the slopes of Aish Tor on your right. The track curves to the right and follows a meandering course northwest with the wooded Dart Valley below on your left.

After just over two kilometres of easy walking the track bends sharp right (grid ref. SX695724). Bear left off the track and follow the path to the rocky summit of Mel Tor. After enjoying the excellent view descend northeast to re-join the track. The track is enclosed by walls and soon turns sharp left still between walls. Reaching an open area, turn sharp right and continue north following the wall on your right. Pass through a parking area to reach the B3357.

Go straight across to continue following the Two Moors Way. There are several paths, so head to the left-hand end of the trees ahead. Bear slightly right to follow the onward path north to reach a road (grid ref. SX695739). Turn right along the road to a junction. Continue ahead signed to Ponsworthy. The road soon becomes a narrow lane and descends to reach a T-junction in the village after 500 metres (grid ref. SX700738). Turn right uphill and continue for 800 metres to reach Leusdon Common. Reaching a fork, bear left along the lane signed to Leusdon Church. Pass the church on the left and start to descend quite steeply down the lane with some views over the Dart Valley ahead.

Reaching the hamlet of Lower Town, take the signed path on the right just past a stone barn (grid ref. SX711729). Follow the clear track with the hedge on your right. Follow the track where it bends sharp right and then bear left following the track to pass in front of Spitchwick Manor. Reaching a T-junction of tracks, turn left following the hedge which should be on your left. Continue to reach a group of trees where the path bears half right and enters woodland. Continue through Great Wood to reach a lane (grid ref. SX716720).

Turn right and follow the steep lane down to a junction. Bear right, signed to Ashburton. You soon reach the banks of the River Dart on your left. Just past some metal railings on your left, you can access the banks of the River Dart. Continue along the bank of the Dart for a kilometre back to New Bridge car park.

Reaching the start - The car park can be reached from the A38 at the southern end of Ashburton. Exit the A38 and take the B3352 signed to Ashburton. Continue straight head and you soon pass a brown sign on the left "New Bridge 3 miles". Continue ahead ignoring all side roads and turn left into the car park just after crossing the River Dart.

Walk GradingMore Dartmoor Walks

Other walks nearby

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Walk 3463	Sharp Tor, Corndon Tor & Yar Tor Circular	easy/mod	3.4 miles
Walk 3757	Buckland in the Moor Circular	easy/mod	6.3 miles
Walk 3462	Corndon Tor & Yar Tor Circular	easy/mod	4.3 miles
Walk 1260	Haytor Rocks & Hound Tor from Saddle Tor	moderate	7.5 miles
Walk 3201	Bellever Tor & Postbridge	easy/mod	5.5 miles
Walk 3202	Postbridge & Challacombe Down from Bellever	moderate	9.8 miles
Walk 2838	Laughing Tors	easy	3.5 miles
Walk 3223	Avon Dam Reservoir & White Barrows	easy/mod	5.5 miles
Walk 2219	The Avon Dam Reservoir from Shipley Bridge	easy	3.5 miles

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