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  4. Dartmoor’s highest point - Meldon Reservoir to High Willhays

Dartmoor’s highest point - Meldon Reservoir to High Willhays

Summary

From Meldon Reservoir head into the moor alongside the West Okement River. A climb from the river valley across the open moor takes you to High Willhays (the highest point in southern England). Return via Yes Tor, enjoying wonderful views of Dartmoor
Difficulty:
Moderate
Distance:
6.1 miles (9.8 km)
Walking time:
04h 00m
Type:
Circular

Start location

Meldon Reservoir Car Park, EX20 4LU (SX562917)

lat: 50.70757

lon: -4.038706

Map

Elevation

Route

1 of 0

Getting there

Travelling east along the A30 towards Okehampton (from Launceston) turn off on the B2360 (Sourton Down) and follow the signs to Meldon Reservoir which will take you back across the A30 and down a lane to the car park.

Travelling west along the A30 (from Exeter) continue past Okehampton and turn off at the A386. Turn right to cross the A30 and then rejoin the A30 carriageway east following the signs to Exeter. You will shortly see the B2360 and signs towards Meldon Reservoir.

There is a large pay and display car park at the reservoir. All day parking is £2 (12/08/2019). Toilets are available at the car park.

Waypoints

1

From Meldon Reservoir car park head down the road and across the dam. Turn right and follow the path along the edge of the reservoir crossing over a small footbridge at the inlet (midway along the shore) and continuing to the southern tip.

2

At a small wooden footbridge turn left (do not cross).Follow the path along the left side of an open area and continue to climb up alongside and overlooking the West Okement river which is to your right. Continue along the path until you reach a walled area which you skirt around to the left. The ground starts to get a little boggy now but should be fine with waterproof walking boots. Continue following the river until you reach an area of trees (Black-a-Tor Copse National Nature Reserve). It is worth making a 5 minute diversion across the footbridge and visiting the lovely stone bridge which crosses the main river. If you wish, you can follow the river upstream, rejoining our route at the end of the open area. Be warned that this may be very boggy.

3

Before entering Black-a-Tor Copse turn off to the left leaving the main path and climb to the rocks at the northern end of Black Tor. Black-a-Tor Copse is one of three high altitude woodlands on Dartmoor and a lovely place to enjoy a peaceful interlude with many varieties of bird to be found including the Ring Ouzel. From now on you will be walking across open moorland with no real pathways and you will come across areas of wet / boggy ground so take care when picking your route.

4

Walk southeast along the top of Black Tor and head towards the firing range observation post on Fordsland Ledge. You will cross the line of posts marking the boundary of Okehampton Firing Range. At Fordsland Ledge turn northeast and ascend towards High Wilhays (at 621m, the highest point on Dartmoor). Fordsland Ledge is a great location to enjoy the views of the West Okement river to the south.

5

From High Willhays continue north along the ridge, following the old stone track to reach the summit of Yes Tor which is marked by a trig point and a flag pole for the range warning flags.

6

From Yes Tor head in a northwesterly direction down a steep slope towards Longstone Hill. As you cross the line of boundary posts to leave the firing range you will join a track heading initially southwest before turning north to pass to the east of Longstone Hill. Follow this path, swinging west after rounding the hill, until you are nearly at the banks of the reservoir. Turn right and rejoin the path around the reservoir to return to the dam and the car park.

Notes

A compass and map are advisable. 

WARNING: This route enters the Okehampton MOD firing range; before starting the walk, check that the range is open (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dartmoor-firing-programme).

Problem with this route?

If you encounter a problem on this walk, please let us know by emailing volunteersupport@ramblers.zendesk.com. If the issue is with a public path or access please also contact the local highways authority directly, or find out more about solving problems on public paths on our website.

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  • exclusive discounts from our partners
  • knowing your support is opening up more places to walk and helping more people discover the joy of walking
Join now for just £3.75 per month
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