Walk Leader
Lois Wakeman
Capacity
10
A walk from the carpark at Venford Reservoir along the old leat through White Wood - an ancient oak woodland on the slopes of the Dart Valley. At this time of year, there probably won't be many leaves on the trees, but there should be lots of colour in the bracken, lichen, fern and moss, and probably some fungi too. This part starts flat but then ascends steadily until we reach our turning point, where we can either retrace our steps, or climb a bit further above the wood to Bench Tor, with overlooks of the wooded valley slopes and some typical Dartmoor specimen oaks and hawthorns with a granite outcrop as the backdrop.
From there, an open moorland stretch downhill back towards the reservoir, where we can follow the path through the forestry - a pinewood - round the shore and return to the car park. There are sometimes ponies and sheep to see, but can't guarantee that.
We could also do a short walk to the twin falls in the Venford Brook if I can remember how to find them! It is a rather steep scramble though.
I suggest we go to the pub in Holne for lunch afterwards as unless the weather is very kind, we'll probably be ready for a sit down inside! People who'd rather take a picnic could do so by the water perhaps - there are a few picnic tables next to the reservoir.
Walk Location
50.525853089665, -3.8564925534424
Walk Directions
Meet at the free reservoir carpark https://what3words.com/pictured.engrossed.survivor or in the unlikely event it is full, there's another one by the roadside at https://what3words.com/hiking.something.enable from which you can walk over the bridge to the meeting place in 5 mins.
Accessibility
The walk takes from 2-3 hours depending on how often we will stop for photos. It is, I would say as a reasonably fit 70YO, not strenuous but you will need to be sure-footed as the leat path is quite rocky underfoot in places, and the path round the reservoir, though mostly level, does have a short rocky and wet section. The first part of the walk will be mostly uphill so some level of cardiac fitness will mean you don't have to stop so often to catch your breath.
Good footwear is essential as the peaty sections can be quite wet, and a stick may be helpful.
The WC at the carpark is often closed in the winter, so you may need to be comfortable with al fresco weeing!
Feedback Meeting Type
In Person
Feedback Talk Date and Time
Feedback Talk Address
Riverside Community Centre
Station Road
Bovey Tracey
TQ13 9AW
United Kingdom
Feedback Talk Location
50.591250656606, -3.6771878600121
Feedback Talk Directions
The feedback meeting will be a communal one for 3 walks at the Riverside Community Centre in Bovey Tracey. There's a big carpark just next to it, and several nice places to eat. The event will also include some regional items, and tea and coffee will be provided.
I'm waiting for confirmation of whether Zoom access will be possible if you have other weekday commitments.