From railway history to open moor
The Granite Way provided an easy beginning, but the route soon exchanged smooth tarmac for boggy ground, steep valleys and the unmistakable winter character of Dartmoor.
Setting out from Okehampton
I began at 9.00am from Okehampton Railway Station and joined the Granite Way, a well-maintained tarmac trail shared by walkers and cyclists. The route follows the former railway line, with reminders of its industrial past still clearly visible.
After approximately 2.5 miles, I reached Meldon Viaduct. Built in 1874, the impressive wrought-iron structure now provides a superb viewpoint across the valley. The Meldon Reservoir overflow could be seen in the distance, with High Willhays rising beyond it.
Leaving the Granite Way
At around the four-mile point, I left the Granite Way near Prewley Farm and followed a grassy cross-country trail towards Sourton Tor. The change from smooth tarmac to open moorland immediately gave the walk a very different character.
The climb to the 440-metre summit was steady but manageable. At the top, I stopped for a cuppa and a snack while enjoying wide views across North Dartmoor, with Meldon Reservoir nestled in the valley below.
Corn Ridge and Branscombe’s Loaf
From Sourton Tor, I continued across the open moor towards Corn Ridge and Branscombe’s Loaf, which stands at approximately 537 metres. The ascent became more demanding as the ground grew increasingly boggy.
Patches of light snow and frozen puddles remained from the winter weather, adding an extra challenge—and a useful reminder that apparently solid ground on Dartmoor occasionally has other ideas.
Down to Shelstone Tor
The next stage involved descending into a steep valley towards Shelstone Tor. Some sections were particularly sharp, so I occasionally followed a longer, winding line to avoid the steepest ground. At the tor, I stopped for another break and enjoyed hot soup and something to eat. With the temperature dropping, the warm soup was especially welcome.
Meldon Reservoir and the return
From Shelstone Tor, I descended steeply to the West Okement River. After crossing the bridge, I followed a path beside Meldon Reservoir for around three-quarters of a mile before climbing steadily onto Longstone Hill.
The route then descended towards Red-a-Ven Brook, where stepping stones provided the crossing. A final incline beside the wall near Black Down brought Okehampton Camp into view. A public footpath passes through the camp, offering an unusual final section before rejoining the last half-mile of the Granite Way.
I arrived back at Okehampton Railway Station at approximately 2.20pm, having completed around 12 miles.
