Walk 3641 - printer friendly version

Avon Dam & Redlake Tramway from Shipley Bridge Walk

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 7.2 miles / 11.7 km

Ascent - 900 feet / 273 metres

Grade - moderate

Start - OS grid reference SX680629
Lat 50.4510470 + Long -3.8606656
Postcode TQ10 9EL (approx. location only)

This Dartmoor walk from Shipley Bridge explores the area around the Avon Dam Reservoir which lies a short distance north of Shipley Bridge. The route initially heads north to reach the imposing reservoir dam before continuing along the northern shore to reach Huntingdon Cross. The walk continues along the Two Moors Way to cross a clapper bridge to reach the former Redlake tramway. The track bed is then followed back to the start offering easy walking on a well-graded path.

The walk starts from the parking area at Shipley Bridge (grid ref. SX680629). After parking walk north on the clear track with the River Avon initially on your right. After just over a kilometre the track crosses the river and continues upstream. Reaching a fork (grid ref. SX682647), bear right and head for the right end of the dam. Continue by following the path running parallel to the reservoir lake. Cross a small stream and continue past the Iron-Age settlement on your left. Stay on the path to reach Huntingdon Cross (grid ref. SX665662) where you also meet the Two Moors Way.

Turn west (left) along the Two Moor Way with the infant River Avon on your left. Cross the clapper bridge and head just south of west to continue along the Two Moors Way. Note there are several paths in this area and maintaining direction is most important. 800 metres from the bridge you reach the grassy track bed of the former Redlake Tramway (grid ref. SX650659). Turn left and follow the old tramway across the moorland. The walking is easy, and you have about 5 kilometres of gentle descent back to the track used at the start of the walk. Turn right and the car park is a short distance downstream.

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