Dartmoor from Peek Moor Gate

Description:
This walk mainly follows clear paths on south Dartmoor with a long section on the Two Moors Way.  It passes the site of historic tin working and follows the route of an old tramway.  Parts of the route are on exposed moorland.  A short section of the route follows a minor road which is not devoid of traffic so care needs to be taken. 

Walk Grade:
Moderate / Challenging

Distance:
12.9 miles / 20.7 km

Total Ascent:
1703 feet /519 metres

Time:
4 hours 30 mins / 5 hours 45 mins

Parking:
This walk starts from a small parking area at Peek Moor Gate (Grid Ref: SX677592) about 1km north west of Cheston.

Walk Route:
Leaving the parking area go through the gate and follow a clear path heading north west with Ugborough Beacon high to the left.  After 900 metres the track reaches a junction of paths at Owley Corner (Grid Ref (SX670598), continue uphill heading west to reach a junction of paths at Spurrell’s Cross (Grid Ref: SX659599).   Here turn right to reach a track heading north.  This is the route of the Two Moors Way.

The route now stays with the Two Moors Way as the easy to follow track goes across Ugborough Moor. After passing around Three Barrows hill the track reaches Leftlake Mires, the site of an old quarry (Grid Ref: SX647635).  Keep with the track as it continues over moorland to pass disused tin workings on Quickbeam Hill.

After 8km the track reaches a marker stone (Grid Ref: SX647659).  Here leave the track and follow the Two Moors Way for 300 metres to a junction of paths at Cross Ways (Grid Ref: SX650659).  Turn right to leave Two Moors Way, the route now follows the line of a dismantled tramway.  This is a well-worn path (boggy in parts) and gradually descends Brent Moor with regular milestones.

The tramway passes the Avon Filtration Station, serving the Avon Dam Reservoir to the north, here pick up a tarmac track (Grid Ref: SX679630).  Follow this track as it bends around to go alongside the River Avon. On meeting a minor road turn right (Grid Ref: SX681629) and pass the entrance to Avon Reservoir car park.  Follow this road for 650 metres to reach a bridleway on the right (Grid Ref: SX679623).

After going through a gate the eroded track heads uphill.  On reaching the moor continue heading south-west on a broad grassy track to pass Merrifield Plantation and continue to Ball Gate (Grid Ref: SX670613).  Turn right heading west on a faint path across the moor to cross East Glaze Brook to reach Glasscombe Corner (Grid Ref: SX662610). 

After crossing West Glaze Brook turn left and head across the moor (with the odd boggy section) in a south easterly direction for 1.6km to reach Owley Corner.  Here turn left to follow the route back to the car park at Peek Moor Gate.

Toilets:
There are public toilets at the Avon Reservoir Car Park.

Refreshments:
There are no shops, cafe’s or pubs 

To download GPX file and print map click “Learn More” below:

To follow my walk you will need Ordnance Survey Explorer Maps OL28 Dartmoor.

Additional Information:
A narrative of this walk with pictures, historical information and points of interest can be viewed on my associated Two Dogs and an Awning website.

© Walking Moonraker (2023)

All information on this site is provided free of charge and in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of damage, loss or injury which might result from it.  To the best of my knowledge the routes are entirely on public rights of way or within areas that are open for public access.
Walking can be hazardous and is done entirely at your own risk.  It is your responsibility to check your route and navigate using a map and compass.