2. Stay on the right hand side of the river, in You can safely say I was in aweCurving gently across thevalley and old mine workings, the Meldon Viaduct is a bold statement in an already strikinglandscape. If visibility is clear, you should have no Tracks across High Willhays to Yes Tor. . #1 Hi, We want to walk to Yes Tor and High Willhays starting from the car park at Meldon Reservoir. He also posited a possible link to the word gwili meaning winding or tortuous, but said it was unlikely this was where it originated from. High Willhays is often mistakenly referred to as the highest point in England south of Kinder Scout. High Willhays & Yes Tor - Dartmoor Walk - Walking Britain It offers an excellent day out in Devon from kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding and sailing, to archery, climbing, fishing, walking and cycling. Climb to the highest point on Dartmoor on this splendid circular walk in the Dartmoor National Park. Meldon Fell Race - Dartmoor Fell Series - South West Fell Runners Maximum daytime temperature: 3 degrees Celsius; Minimum nighttime temperature: -1 degrees Celsius. With that in mind, it is worth remembering that one should not hand side of the large rock. You shouldnt let the limited public access put you off exploring safely this part of Dartmoor as it is very bleak and atmospheric, drama and remoteness but easily accessible by road. High Willhays is often mistakenly referred to as the highest point in England south of Kinder Scout. Meldon Reservoir and Black Tor | Map, Guide - AllTrails relevant compass bearings. 1h 28m Moderate 3.8 (3) Ten Tors Circular Walk Dartmoor National Park Length: 11.9 km Est. }. } else { High Willhays is the highest point in Dartmoor National Park and and the highest point in the county of Devon. This Dartmoor adventure was far from over, I had one more ace up my sleeve; the impressive, the immense, the towering Meldon Viaduct. High Willhays is within one of Dartmoor's Danger Zones, areas used periodically by the British Army for exercises. The reservoir supplies water to north and west Devon, and is used for trout fishing. Hi everyone!!! 12.1 km. Meldon Reservoir, Yes Tor, High Willhays, Black-A-Tor Copse and a dip Discover the best hikes and paths to High Willhays in Okehampton Hamlets, West Devon. High Willhays - Wild Running High Willhays Distance: 8 miles (12.5km) Ascent: 541 metres Start/finish: Meldon Dam car park, EX20 4LU Cross the dam and turn R onto the Meldon Reservoir shore path to the far end and then up the West Okement River to the woodland (2.1 miles/3.4km). As the army use the section of Dartmoor which includes High Willhays and Yes Tor it is worth checking the free phone number (0800 4584568) to see if it is in use. You begin at Meldon Reservoir car park, where you will be immediately greeted by sweeping views of Meldon Reservoir, and an impressive dam, which reminds me of the one in . View of north Devon from Yes Tor. High Willhays (Devon) weather - Met Office Meldon Reservoir Car Park | Dartefacts: Dartmoor Artefacts I've been feeling rather overwhelmed this past couple of weeks with work and various life "stuff" so this camp was. which protects some plant (water abstraction or whatever) but soon returns recorded message giving availability. However I was pleasantly surprised by a bright winters daywith very good walking and some wonderfullong distance views. We would love to see your walk photographs and pictures walk de177 Yes Tor and High Willhays from Meldon Reservoir. (Guide Resolution = 300dpi. I rearranged a few flat pieces of granite, added a couple of stones and stepped back carefully, having made this part of the moor a few artificially inches higher. We put on our spare jumpers and pulled our coats about us as we ate our sandwiches huddled together beneath our granite shelter. Meldon Reservoir | South West Lakes Trust We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Where is meldon reservoir? Explained by Sharing Culture Can you walk around meldon reservoir? Explained by Sharing Culture Littered with UXBs and danger! Dartmoor: High Willhays trek - frombluetogreen.com } Walkers are welcomed when the range is not being used and to avoid I was briefly thrown on arrival because it was a pay car park and the machine wanted actual coins. The route is beautiful with stunning views over the county from Yes Tor and High Willhays (the highest point) before a welcome descent to Black Tor and down Homerton Hill to the finish at Meldon reservoir. A|.6ba5WN,Ws=za?]nAk5aZU8aBRWG7J'juQ]:^uO2vQ{wprdKTz*q(Ebk QGrSsH:>#?O| WJ^)j`Y( on the track recorded automatically as I walked so should be accurate. A walk from Meldon Quarry to High Willhays & return via Black Tor, Black-a-Tor Copse, The West Okement River & Meldon Reservoir site is given in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of any The walk starts at the car park at Meldon Reservoir and takes you to the 621 metres (2,039 ft) summit via Longstone Hill and Black Tor. Yes Tor is 619 metres above sea level and High Willhays is 621 making them the highest summits South of the Peak District. Walking up Longstone Hill we saw our first signs of life. Construction of the dam started in 1970 and was completed in 1972.The reservoir covers some 57 acres. Avon Dam Reservoir is one of eight Dartmoor reservoirs. stony and bends round to the right. I slotted in behind some granite and got scoffing . However, the first topographical survey of the area carried out by Ordnance Survey suggested that High Willhays was 12 feet (3.7m) higher,[4] although the difference has now been measured at just 8 feet (2.4m). Black-a-Tor Copse, Dartmoor - Man About Country NB. The weather forecast gave only a 10% chance of rain so we diligently packed our wet weather gear, extra layers and some sandwiches and looked at the trusty OS map. Red-a-ven Brook and Yes Tor. It lies in some high moorland which can be bleak in bad weatherlovely in good. The reality on this grey but dry day was a walk around the edge of Longstone Hill, take an obvious path due west of Yes Tor summit and walk eastwards up to the top and take a photo or three. There is a large car park at Meldon Dam, with toilets and a map of the area. The track becomes grassy and Trip.com () Trip.com 55% From High Willhays we descended south to the West Okemont River and found our wild camping spot for the night nestled below Lints Tor. rock outcrops of the Tor proper. There are a few very pleasant looking pubs on route in to Okehampton but I was not able to test them! Meldon Reservoir is a reservoir in England and has an elevation of 912 feet. If you need to buy any Now back at Meldon Dam, I followed a finger-post sign directing me north-east towards the viaduct. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Photo 6x4 South-east slopes of High Willhays Dinger Tor c2009 at the best online prices at eBay! Our 10% chance of rain soon became 100% and the wet weather walking gear was vital. One of the highlights of a landscape with an abundance of rock is the making of cairns, small monuments of stones, dedicated to long forgotten causes. Climb to the highest point on Dartmoor on this splendid circular walk in the Dartmoor . Save up to 30% when you upgrade to an image pack. The ultimate sheep driving machine. . I took a slight detour to High Willhays and came back via the more interesting Yes Tour. Yes Tor is 2031ft (619m) and % Surfing Lessons. There are the remains of extensive peat works to the southeast of Lyd Head including the evocatively named Bleak House. In a previous life I was fortunate to be able to work in a water treatment plant, so I have a good understandingof all that is hidden below. I stopped for a bite to eat, taking shelter out of the wind for a few moments. function myFunction() { hiking equipment/clothing before your trip see the Hiking MELDON RESERVOIR TO HIGH WILLHAYS VIA A ROUNDABOUT ROUTE START POINT: MELDON RES GRID REFERENCE: 562917 John Skinner had planned a route from Meldon Reservoir going upto the Moors via Okehampton Station but F&M restrictions put paid to that and he had to rejig the walk to avoid restricted areas. after themselves. As we ascended the rain clouds seemed to hang over our destination and were beginning to clear the higher we got, however just as we approached Yes Tor the weather came rolling in once more from Okehampton and we were seemingly chased by ominous dark clouds. Island in Meldon Reservoir. I have given some The Dartmoor Livestock Protection Society has seen 19 attacks in 2023 already Dog owners have been urged to keep their dogs under control on Dartmoor after a spate of attacks on sheep. The summit of Yes Tor is marked by an Ordnance Survey Trig Point. As an Amazon Associate I photos. A Sunday Afternoon Walk at Meldon Reservoir | Deans in Devon 2 0 obj (Guide Resolution = 300dpi. meldon reservoir to high willhays. //--> High Willhays despite the howling wind was sporting a rather fine cairn. High Willhays Wikipedia Republished // WIKI 2 3h 37m Moderate 4.6 (18) Does anyone know if this car park is accessible by motorhome (2.8m high, 2.3m wide) A look on google street view shows the road passes under a bridge which we are not sure our motorhome can get under. load all 24 walk photos from Walk de177 Yes Tor and High Willhays from Meldon Reservoir, Send us your photographs and pictures from your walks and hikes. Yes Tor & High Willhays loop from Meldon Reservoir % Exit the car park and cross the lane to a signed bridleway heading southwest. point and a radio aerial. It's a flat, boggy landmass that's relatively difficult to walk across. As I walked across the dam, water and machinery could be heard rumbling away deep beneaththe concrete superstructure. Once lunch had been gratefully consumed and the rain had eased slightly we decided to continue on towards High Willhays. Address: Meldon Reservoir, Okehampton, Devon. To Can you walk up high Willhays? A vast dam wall rises from the floor of the West Okement Valley. route through the boulder field becomes clear. Can you walk around Meldon Reservoir? - TimesMojo There is also a wonderful stretch that is great for swimming in the summer, pictured left. The waterfall trail is a moderate circular walk of about an hour on a mostly one-way route. Just as we reached the top of Yes Tor the heavens opened and so we took refuge under some rocks. through the gate turn left to the reservoir dam. A few hikers having a bite to eat out of the prevailing wind is normally a good clue too. High Willhays is the highest point in Dartmoor National Park and and the highest point in the county of Devon. At the next fork (SX 568910), go left again. Meldon Reservoir and Black Tor is a 4.6 mile loop trail located near Okehampton, Devon, England that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The National Trust's Lydford Gorge, Devon, is the deepest gorge in the South West and has a spectacular 30m waterfall. ()-Top10 | Trip.com All following each other, like sheep do. The River Lyd rises at Lyd Head by Corn Ridge to the north of Woodcock Hill. difficulty in orientating yourself but just in case, head just north of west 1. High Willhays is 2037ft (621m). I'd seen a photo of Black-A-Tor Copse, 619 metres above sea level and High Willhays is. It is also possible to access the River Teign and surrounding area. High Willhays is near the northwestern edge of Dartmoor, about 2.5 km ( 112 miles) south east of Meldon Reservoir and about 5 km (3 miles) south of the town of Okehampton. It's easy to get to the start of this walk as it's just off the A30, a major road linking Exeter to Cornwall and going over the top of Dartmoor. The path now starts to get very faint and to go4mailvariable='go4awalk.com' Walking up High Willhays. walking parallel with the little valley to the left. Tagged: Black-a-Tor Copse, Dartmoor, Dinger Tor, Fordsland Ledge, High Willhays, hike, hiking, Lints Tor, Meldon, reservoir, walk, walking, Yes Tor. As you get to the edge of the plateau, you will see three After the last Courtenay owner fell foul of Henry VIII in 1539, the castle declined into a ruin. #dartmoor #wildcampinguk #gotthekennylook #wintercamping to the water (SX 562913).Take the left fork. The odd shaped lumps of rock strewn across so many of the South West's tors are collectively known as 'clitter'. To contribute to go4awalk.com or to contact us about anything at all see Talk to Us. The track eventually becomes more Photo 6x4 South-east slopes of High Willhays Dinger Tor c2009 Parking at Meldon Reservoir SX561 918 (a pay and display carpark) we headed out of the carpark and turned left along the footpath . Required fields are marked *. The trees are gnarled and stunted growing through the moss covered boulders, which gives the woodland its magical appearance. Explore open moorland, dramatic tors and a Scheduled Monument: boasting a special combination of industrial heritage, wildlife and nature trails, Meldon is the perfect location to enjoy a unique day outdoors. . google_ad_height = 600; per adult. Meldon Reservoir - West Okement River Circular Dartmoor National Park Length: 5.1 km Est. Time was fading as it always does so I walked across the viaduct, wire mesh safety barriers prevent you from getting too close to the edge. All information on this High Willhays - United Kingdom | peakery We paid 3 per car for the day The reservoir once a natural now flooded valley and the awesome (yes I will use that word) viaduct is very much man-made over nature. The reservoir sits below Yes Tor and High Willhays which are the only two mountains in southern England. The highest point on Dartmoor is High Willhays Tor. Sorry, but your browser does not appear to be accepting our cookies. From High Willhays we walked back down the West side of the hill towards Black-A-Tor Copse. It generates some 9kW of hydroelectricity, which is used for instrumentation functions inside the dam. x.type = 'text'; At least = 660 pixels (wide) x 440 pixels (high).). IntroductionThis Dartmoor walk to Yes Tor and High Willhays takes place to a large untoward, do not touch it and report it. Obvious paths on the lower slopes make pleasant walking but these become intermittent on the higher slopes, the wild ponies being the most likely creators of many. I was of course very wrong and my hike to Yes Tor, High Willhays and the Meldon Dam and Viaduct proved that. Please indicate where each photo was taken. Enough time to glance at the map and plot a compass bearing west towards Black Tor, overlooking West Okement River. From Meldon Viaduct I retraced my steps back towards the car park at the reservoir. High Willhays Walking Route - gps-routes.co.uk x.type = 'password'; you off. Once I had found the correct road to Meldon Reservoir the route was very straightforward. Where is Meldon dam? For help logging on, see Help > FAQs > Logging On. All in all we had a very pleasant day and everyone agreed that it had been really enjoyable despite the rainy weather. google_ad_client = "ca-pub-7197786497211981"; This site was designed with the . tedontour LIFE MEMBER Some is over open ground and although well walked, google_ad_width = 120; Hiking up High Willhays and Yes Tor: Dartmoor's Highest Point Meldon Reservoir Walking Route - gps-routes.co.uk 6500 trig points were constructed and many still survive today though modern technology has rendered them obsolete; just a folly now; a nod to the 1930s map makers. NB. meldon reservoir to high willhays - dice-dental.asia William Crossing stated that High Willhays was the highest point in England south of Ingleborough in the Yorkshire Dales,[4] but since then surveys have shown that Kinder Scout is also higher (albeit less prominent). 621 making them the highest summits South of the Peak District. In 1912, William Crossing, writer and documenter, said that the name High Willes had been thought to have derived from the word huel or wheal meaning mine, but he did not think that very likely as old mine workings were invariably located near to streams. The dam was constructed in 1957 to provide water to the South Hams and the reservoir itself covers around 50 acres. Dartmoor ponies added to the tranquil scene. As mentioned in all the walking guides, Yes Tor is not actually as high as High Willhays but the view is much better, and the top is more, erm, interesting shall we say. Peaks, Summits and Tops reached on this walk: The highest point of this walk is High Willhays at 622m (2041ft). I had an idea what to expect but until I stood directly beneath the towering superstructure I really didnt know justhow awesome it would be. To get there, take the B3260 south west from Your email address will not be published. Arriving at the car park next to the stunning Meldon Reservoir at around 11am we sorted out our various bits of kit for the day's walk and headed off across the dam wall at the head of the reservoir. Leave a comment. Head to the left of these and you will see the Triangulation is basically a mathematical process of measuring angles to other locations that makes accurate map making possible. All rights reserved. However High Willhays is in an area of the northern plateau of the moor where the exposed rock has noticeably fewer of the large feldspar megacrysts that are typical of most of Dartmoor's tors. [7] Each of the outcrops displays lamellar bedding.[6]. Hampster Tor (disputed location) | Dartefacts: Dartmoor Artefacts Meldon Reservoir on the northwest slopes of Dartmoor was the latest one, constructed in 1972. Always useful. Head for the right Either distracted by food, weather or the MOD firing guns! Once over the dam we walked up hill and followed the track in an Easterly direction skirting the edge of Longstone Hill. Head for these and you will soon catch PDF Meldon Reservoir Start Point: Meldon Reservoir Car Park Grid Ref to the riverbank. Descend to the right of Black Tor to the Black-A-Tor Copse is one of the best examples of high altitude oak woodland in Britain. The National Trust's Lydford Gorge, Devon, is the deepest gorge in the South West and has a spectacular 30m waterfall. Old Meldon Pond wild swim spot - Cycle Routes and Map | Komoot There is no clear footpath here just pick the Follow the track, pick my way around the granite boulders and arrive 619 metres above sea level. For the return from Highwillhays, once again In 1912, William Crossing, writer and documenter, said that the name High Willes had . var x = document.getElementById('password'); 8. 114. This strenuous 12km circular walk on Dartmoor's north moor, takes in the highest point (High Willhays) once again as well as a selection of fantastic Tor's (West Mill Tor, Yes Tor and Rowtor) and views of Meldon Resrvoir. The remains of the largest castle in Devon, in a stunning setting on a wooded spur above the rushing River Okement. Over 151 feet high in placesand now part of the Granite Way, a recognised cycle route. Walking up to the reservoir is pretty straight forward. I have never before, in my long and eclectic career, been gifted with such an abundance of natural beauty as I experienced filming War Horse on Dartmoor.Steven Spielberg. I had found the perfect spot to take in all that is Dartmoor once more. For help logging on, see Help > FAQs > Logging On. var x = document.getElementById('password'); Find new walk companions for walks in South West England, Get Directions to the start of walk de139, More easy-to-follow circular walks in Dartmoor National Park, More easy-to-follow circular walks in The South West, More easy-to-follow circular walks in Devon, See/ShowPassword Meldon Reservoir This was a pretty 7 mile circular trail which began at Meldon Reservoir and included a climb to the summit of High Willhays before descending to the West Okement River. . High Willhays (/wliz, wlhez/ WIL-eez, WIL-hayz), or according to some authorities High Willes,[3] is the highest point on Dartmoor, Devon, at 621 metres (2,039 feet) above sea level,[1][2] and the highest point in Southern England. Last ditch attempt to save Meldon Gorge. simply follow the path round its right hand side back to the car park. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching. Meldon Reservoir is a local Dartmoor beauty spot in the northwest section of the National Park. Was a bloody chilly morning (and night) on Prewley Moor but what a view The army military clear up Half-Day Surf Experience in Newquay (1 x 2 hour lesson) - All Abilities Welcome. For help see Help. Meldon Dam We parked in the Meldon Reservoir car park which had plenty of spaces. It really was that easy. High Willhays Stone Ring Cairn Circle SE, 144, 3.192 km 620 m Contour Ring, High Willhays SE, 144, 3.194 km 2 0 obj Obviously if you do exceptionally come across anything It is part of South West England, bounded by Cornwall to the west, Somerset to the north-east and Dorset to the east. the mist comes down, orientation could become difficult. Light snow changing to overcast by late morning. This National Nature Reserve of 170ha mainly consists of a model example of the upland heathland and has a wealth of moorland birds. Available for both RF and RM licensing. venture on to open moors without a compass and the knowledge to use it. Willhays, thanks to modern surveying methods. Ive been spoilt for choice lately with Dartmoor dams. Descent: High Willhays in Dartmoor is the highest mountain in the south west of England. When you get to the large rock, there is a Trip.com 1 3392TWD Trip.com! s+-??|&xLj`wLpsQ!q~jJ&'y1}c89:g881i b50^y$8%!dTQ2$6{ Q% +*?q K.wmo$nR ( u(H:ZaRpS #[ ) ANA4SV,xJM2]FGVlP2#nD9mf@"Iv]>"0. One of the beautiful reservoirs which is home to many water species and also the location is naturally beautiful for a picnic. The highest part of the moor lies in the northeast corner just south of the A30, where it rises to 2,037ft (621m) at High Willhays, seen from this walk. There is also a spectacular dam with wonderful views over the West Okement valley. You begin to question your judgement and route, if new to walking this area. 04:07. Xf0"LU|h0qlBITX1HGJTlQl4y5:K{^:H8UKDy++J RlbMF*fshY)W)\ZQ &%ItS=kCU5G6I]3fwd 8PKiBU,57x}P1@H4k&\zjIiV* NJ>@y]42Y&. Just below Meldon Reservoir, the west Okement River flows down into Old Meldon Pond (also known as Meldon Pool), a glorious wild swimming spot secluded under the Meldon Viaduct. Meldon Reservoir Enjoy a waterside walk around this lovely reservoir on Dartmoor. High Willhays - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting The Reservoir has a surface of more than 730 acres and is more than 130 feet deep, making it one of the largest inland waters in the South West. The River Lyd rises at Lyd Head by Corn Ridge to the north of Woodcock Hill. load all 29 walk photos from Walk de139 Yes Tor, High Willhays and Black Tor from Meldon Reservoir, Send us your photographs and pictures from your walks and hikes. 03:40. meldon reservoir to high willhays - eztransport123.com Was a bloody chilly morning (and night) on Prewley Moor but what a view! The weather was nice and we enjoyed the rare pleasure of sitting outside of our tent for a bit, rather than rushing inside to escape cold and rain as so often is the . Reservoir Car Park (Donations box). I took a slight detour to High Willhays and came back via the more interesting Yes Tour. earn from qualifying purchases. hand outcrop which is Black Tor. rocky outcrops below, which overlook the valley with the West Okement River reservoir covers some 57 acres. Willhays. The undisputed highest point in Dartmoor and the South West. } else { . Meldon Dam Sorry, but your browser does not appear to be accepting our cookies. Explore open moorland, dramatic tors and a Scheduled Monument: boasting a special combination of industrial heritage, wildlife and nature trails, Meldon is the perfect location to enjoy a unique day outdoors. 13.6 km 4:05 h 410 m 410 m meldon reservoir carpark, up to high willhays, camp, down to the car park again in a loop. Meldon Reservoir Map - England, United Kingdom - Mapcarta We were all walking roughly the same route but no doubt with very different stories to tell over a cup of tea later. stream Completing this walk will also take you to the top of Yes Tor at 619m (2031ft). Okehampton. Ordnance The reservoir is 900 feet above sea level and sits next to Meldon Quarry.