This week I finally went out to Beardown Man to see the great Menhir the weather was good for such a walk, clear with good clouds and not too hot. I went via Beardown Tors and Lydford Tor, out to Devil’s Tor which is where the great Menhir stands. As this was a recce I just took my X-T2s, no film this trip.
Beardown Man, Devil’s Tor in the background.
Beardown Tors.
Having parked at the car park at the top of the track at Holming Beam I set off down the hill to the footbridge that crosses the Cowsick River.
There is a good view of the Cowsick Valley and Lydford Tor.
Having crossed the river I headed up to Beardown Tors.
You need to be careful and check the Military Firing Times on the MoD website;
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dartmoor-firing-programme
as most of this walk is inside the Range Danger Area therefore not accessible if the range is firing. There are red and white poles to let you know the edge of the danger area, here I am just about to cross into the danger area and head to Lydford Tor (the range was not active).
From Beardown Tors there is a quite prominent track that leads up to Lydford Tor.
Once I had reached the forward slopes of Lydford Tor I looked back towards Beardown Tors which are very prominent, one has a flagpole on it (far left of frame) and if the red flag is flying it means the range is active and you are not allowed to cross the danger area line.
Lydford Tor is small but has some nice rock formations.
Once past Lydford Tor there is a dry stone wall to cross before heading for Devil’s Tor and the Beardown Man. Although the wall is fenced there are Stiles for easy crossing.
Once over the wall looking back I could see the prominent Beardown Tors beyond Lydford Tor.
Looking across the valley I could see Littaford and Longaford Tors plus Higher White Tor.
It wasn’t long before I could see the Southern edge of Devil’s Tor.
Keeping watch on the forward slopes were 3 Sheep.
They were keeping a close eye on me but kindly posed for a photo.
I cleared the forward slopes and got my first sight of the great Menhir beside the crest of Devil's Tor with Fur Tor in the distance.
It stands about 9 feet high, I shot it from all angles.
The top of Devil’s Tor is very small, just the one rock formation.
I went back to the more southern edge where the Sheep had been and had lunch. I was quite surprised to be able to see Haytor Rocks, Saddle Tor and Rippon Tor in the distance to the East.
After lunch I set off back to the car park via Lydford Tor again enjoying the convenience of that Stile.
I then aimed for Beardown Tors again but stayed on the lower slopes.
From there it was a steady descent back to the footbridge, however, as I looked back I saw the weather turning and chasing me back.
I managed to out run the weather and got to the footbridge well before any rain caught me, from here it was a short walk up the hill to the car park.
That’s all for this week folks, as always, comments welcome.
Tags: Dartmoor Photowalk Beardown Man Beardown Tors Lydford Tor Devil's Tor
Search for all the latest photography gear and services.
©2023 ePHOTOzine | Top
Calibrate so you can see 16 different shades:
