About the Surrounding Area
Dartmeet lies just south of Postbridge and Bellever Tor, on the main road from Ashburton to Princetown. Nestled in the deep valley of the River Dart, it provides a peaceful remote location from which to enjoy some quite time.
Dartmoor offers wide, wild, rugged rolling moorland over much of which public access is permitted to enjoy the unique qualities of fresh air and freedom you can experience on the craggy Tor tops. It’s a great place for walkers, amblers, cyclists, nature lovers and experience finders. Not to mention those who enjoy moments of quiet contemplation.
The history of the Moor is too vast to adequately provide an idea here, we would recommend referring to the Dartmoor National Park Authority for a more thorough understanding, the least we could say is “there’s something for everyone”.
WALK 1: Yar Tor Summit
Follow the public footpath, starting at the boundary of the main gate of Badgers Holt drive and the car park, up over the top of Badger’s Holt, and out from under the trees; you’re walk up Yar Tor has already begun.
Climb up via any route you like to the summit and enjoy the fantastic views; just the other side of the Tor is an ancient stone row, and there are ancient field systems and hut circles around the Tor too.
On your decent, edge towards the road more and see if you can find the old Coffin Stone, where coffin bearers rested on the way up the hill.
Then amble back down for a refreshing drink or ice cream, or if it’s been a blustery day, something warmer!!!
Approx gently amble time up is 40 mins, back down 20 mins. But don’t rush it – the views are superb.
You won’t walk more than a 1.5 miles, but the climb is approx 100m.
Always take the appropriate kit, clothing and nourishment with you; especially an Ordnance Survey Map. (Sat Nav and mobile signals are poor).
WALK 2: River walk toward Bellever
Under review – we need to check this one out.
Taking the public footpath from Badgers Holt Gate, at the boundary of our main gate and the end of the car park, walk up over the top of Badgers Holt, before descending to the river and travelling Northwards to Bellever. The walk has a gentle incline (and of course downhill all the way back!) though as anywhere on Dartmoor, you should always watch your footing it is quite mashy/boggy going. A good starter walk for children (but do watch them by the river).
You can walk easily for a mile, with very little climb (a mile is not as far as it sounds), but of course you can turn back at any stage you want.
Bellever Forest and Bridge are about 3 miles and at a gentle pace should be no more than 3 hours there. Though the route is somewhat more convulated – make sure you have your Ordnance Survey Map with you if you’re going to try it.
Don’t forget you’ve got to walk back so double it!! You’ll gradually climb about 70 metres on this route.
Always take the appropriate kit, clothing and nourishment with you; especially an Ordnance Survey Map (Sat Nav and Mobile signals are poor).
WALK 3: Yar Tor & Sharp Tor
A longer walk for the more adventurous. Head out from the car park near the old clapper bridge. Do watch for traffic on the road, turn left and head up the road slightly until you can find an easy, safe place to cross. Then off you go, over Yar Tor Down to Sharp Tor (You’ll recognise it when you see it – the names a clue!!), from there, proceed back across the small valley to the car park at the top of the road, cross the road and head on a gentle climb to Yar Tor.
There are a lot of ruined hut settlements, ancient field systems, some stone rows, a cross and the coffin stone to find on this walk.
It’s about a 3 mile walk, so give yourself a couple of hours.
When ready, you’ll see Badgers Holt below you, ready with refreshment as you need.
Always take the right kit, clothing and nourishment with you; especially an Ordnance Survey Map (Sat Nav and Mobile signals are poor).