Fernworthy Reservoir, Tors and Stone RowsDartmoor · 6.67 miles · Moderate

A walk with a few obstacles

I set off at 9.24am from a car park opposite Fernworthy Reservoir, just as the rain started. Dartmoor clearly wanted to make sure my waterproofs were paying their way.

Fortunately, the shower had passed by the time I reached the water’s edge. I was amazed at how low the reservoir was for late October. The old stone bridge, normally hidden well beneath the water, was clearly visible—a fascinating and unexpected sight.

Following the round-reservoir path, I made my way towards the dam before taking the track out onto open moorland. A steady climb brought me to Thornworthy Tor, where a keen, cold wind provided plenty of encouragement to keep moving. After a quick water break and photographs, I continued through gorse, grass and the occasional bog towards Frenchbeer Rock.

From there, a well-defined path led to Middle Tor. Dark clouds were gathering, and another soaking looked imminent. With unusually good timing, I found a sheltered spot just before a heavy shower arrived.

That was my cue for a cuppa and something to eat. For the next 15 minutes, I watched the rain pouring down while remaining comfortably sheltered—not a drop on me. A small victory over the Dartmoor weather, and one worth celebrating with tea.

Once the shower had passed, I continued to Kestor Rock, flanked by horses and ponies. The sunshine had returned, but the wind still had a definite late-October bite.

I headed downhill to Batworthy Corner, then onwards to the two double stone rows before climbing towards Three Boys Standing Stone. Ancient stones and changing skies made for plenty of reasons to pause and take photographs.

With Fernworthy Forest back in sight, I began finding my way towards the reservoir path. This looked straightforward enough. Dartmoor, however, had other ideas.

Two stiles, boggy, marshy ground, a river crossing and a shuffle beneath a very large fallen tree later, I finally rejoined the path. What I had imagined would be a simple return had become a modest obstacle course. All that was missing was someone at the finish with a stopwatch.

The reservoir path brought me back to the car at 12.17pm, rounding off 2 hours 53 minutes, including stops, of tors, prehistoric stones, unexpected sights and a little improvised woodland gymnastics.

For another outing in this area, read my Bellever Forest to Fernworthy walk.