Widecombe - Hamel Down - Grimspound - Widecombe

Paul Edney

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From the delightful Dartmoor village of Widecombe in the Moor the route climbs steeply up to Hamel Down, but the initial section is on a quiet, tarmacked lane providing good conditions underfoot. The climb soon eases and the views of the surrounding moor are superb as you rise across open ground and along the broad back of Hamel Down.

From the trig point at Hameldown Tor you have a bird's-eye view of Grimspound, which is probably the best-preserved Bronze Age enclosure on the moor (see photo on info' page).

From Grimspound, a further short section of open moorland and then a delightful bridlepath leads to Kitty Jay's Grave. Since 1860 when the grave was discovered and restored, there have always been fresh flowers on the grave, although no one admits to putting them there.

Just over the hill from here and Bowerman's Nose is visible on the hillside opposite. This pile of rock with its strange shape is only a few minutes off the route and is worth a visit if time allows. Legend has it that the shape is due to a 'bowman' who discovered a coven of witches, who then turned him and his hounds to stone. The hounds can be seen at Hound Tor, next on your route.

If you need refreshment at this point, look to see if the 'The Hound of the Basketmeals' food van is in the car park at the crossroads at the foot of Hound Tor. From Hound Tor you drop down into the fascinating remains of a once thriving medieval village nestling between the Tor and Greator Rocks.

A gently undulating grassy path now leads to a short section of quiet road through the hamlet of Bonehill and back to Widecombe, for that traditional Devon cream tea you promised yourself at the start.

England - South West England - Devon - Dartmoor

Features

Ancient Monument, Cafe, Church, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Moor, Pub, Tea Shop

6/22/2023 - Gary COOK

Did this delightful walk today. Stunning scenery. Only £2 to park in Widecombe and a lovely old pub and cafe in the village too for when you return. Instructions easy to follow, would highly recommend this walk.

9/28/2014 - joanna fawcett

absolutely perfect walk that we did at a fairly relaxed pace and was exactly the time stated . the views could not get better and thrilled us all the way . great variety . top bit along hamel way was a lot colder but gentle valley that followed soon warmed us up . great day out if you stopped for picnics on route . great directions.

8/18/2014 - David Bodenham

Did this walk yesterday with a small group new to rambling they found it enjoyable even if the weather to start with was grim. Instructions easy to follow well done

6/15/2012 - Jim Porteous

Great walk - in poor visibility you need to hang left straight after Broad Barrow to get to the top of Hameldown Tor.

9/2/2006 - Keith Farrow

The pub 'The Old Inn' has changed hands, food is very average and the locals have deserted. The Rugglestone Inn close by is a better choice, though very small.