|
South Walk
The walk starts at Hatherleigh Monument. To reach the monument, walk uphill, northwards, from the car park through the town. At the top of the hill, take the right fork, Park Road, Continue up the road, bearing left at the T-junction, for about a mile until you reach the Monument.
This well-known landmark erected in 1860 in memory of Colonel William Morris, a local man who distinguished himself in the Charge of the Light Brigade in 1854.
From this point there are spectacular views of northern Dartmoor including High Willhays, its highest point at 621 metres (2037 feet).
Leaving the monument, walk back down the road in the direction of the town.
Leave the road; following the sign posted bridlepath opposite the house named ‘Yollaberry'. Following the direction of the signpost, go through the next gate, about 400m away, and cross the central part of the Moor. After crossing a gully at the bottom of which runs a small stream, go through another gate and walk towards the fence, which you can see from here.
When you meet the fence, follow it until you reach the road.
Staying on the Moor follow the line of the road until you cross the stream. |
 |
 |
From here, walk towards a corner of the fence, which juts, into the Moor.
At this point you will see a signpost, pointing at right angles to the path which you are on. Follow this, and continue straight across the Moor, past another four-way signpost, until you meet the road, by the cattle pens.
Turn right onto the road. Ignoring the first bridlepath sign on the right hand side, continue along the road until you reach the second bridlepath sign.
Taking this path, head back onto the Moor and follow the path up the hill, back to your starting point.
|
North Walk
To reach the start point of this walk, from the car park take Bridge Street, up to the Square, cross the square and go through the churchyard. Take the road straight ahead and continue on this road until you reach a fork. This is where the walk begins.
Take the left-hand fork, signposted ‘Lake'.
After approximately 75 metres, the footpath leaves the road. Cross over the style on the right hand side of the road, and walk through the field, following the hedge.
Cross a second style into a small wood, and cross the stream by the footbridge. Follow the footpath down through a second field, and through the gate at the bottom.
|

Exmoor in the distance |
 |
Turn left and follow the lane to Spear's Fishleigh.
Follow the footpath signs, and turn right off the lane, in front of the cattle shed and walk down the rough track, which will eventually lead you to a coniferous plantation.
Walk through the plantation, turning right where the path joins another at right angles. Walk uphill, leaving the plantation, and continue through a field.
Pass through two gates, walking on through the next field. Take care to keep to the path, as this field may contain crops in the summer months.
At the top of the field, the path emerges onto a lane. Turn left here and follow the lane back to the start point.
The two walks can be linked together by using Moor Lane past the Belvedere Tower. Made of local stone this Victorian monument commemorates the rifle prowess of Colonel Pearse, winner of the Queen's Prize at Bisley and the USA Open Championship. From this vantage point, there are magnificent views across the countryside, which displays twelve church spires. Can you spot them?
Do you have a favourite walk? Send details to editor@hatherleigh.net |
| |