Waters of the Moor - Walk

Distance: 6 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Start/End point: Michelcombe/Scorriton (Grid Ref: SX698689).

Choose a fine day for this walk on Dartmoor's south-east corner and the views near Holne Moor will be your reward.

Water is never far away on this stroll on Dartmoor's southern flanks. As you climb on to the open moor you'll cross the Wheal Emma Leat, a waterway cut in 1859 to carry water from the River Swincombe down to the Mardle. It supplemented the flow to drive machinery in the Wheal Emma Copper Mine near Buckfastleigh. Although now largely dry, it is a remarkable piece of engineering, closely following the contours of the hill for miles, and its route can easily be traced on the 2½ inch map.

Further along the way you’ll see Venford Reservoir, built as long ago as 1907 to provide water for Paignton. The boundary stones that you pass on Holne Moor mark the cachment area for the reservoir, and are inscribed PUDC (Paignton Urban District Council) on one side and RD/H on the other, after Richard Dawson, lord of the manor of Holne, from whom the water works purchased the land.

Theme: Moorland, Heritage,
Special Interest: Nature, Historical,
Area: Dartmoor National Park, South Devon - South Hams.

Relevant maps/guides: Ordnance Survey Landranger 202, Outdoor Leisure 28.
Facilities along route: Refreshments in the Tradesman's Arms, Scorriton and the Church House Inn in nearby Holne.
There are no stiles and this route should be suitable for adults and children. There is a mix of bridle tracks, paths, tussocky open moorland and quiet lanes. This route should take the average walker roughly 3 to 4 hours.