Dartmoor Way, High Moorland Link – Part 2 – Hexworthy to Tavistock

Dartmoor Way – High Moor Link Part 2 route map

This vista is looking across the top (east end) of the openworks (beamworks) at Gobbett Mine. These beamworks are described by OS in 1988 as : “A huge ragged linear trench extends for 330 metres along the south side of the Hexworthy – Sherberton road between SX6469 7282 and SX6500 7277.

To the south of the openworks, heading for the road which can be seen in the upper-middle part of the picture

Gobbett Tunnel, which was constructed in 1929 by Paignton Urban District Council to carry water from the small Swincombe reservoir about 2km upstream through to Venford Reservoir beyond Hexworthy. Eric Hemery in High Dartmoor (page 367) states that this tunnel “…..was the result of extending an adit of Gobbett Mine”. The only evidence of a direct link between this tunnel and ‘tin’ can be found in the Dartmoor Tinworking Research Group (DTRG), Newletter 16 (January 1999) where it was recorded that : “Mr Gilbert Warne of Princetown, DTRG’s honorary member, gave up his job at Golden Dagger Tin Mine for better pay driving the tunnel at Gobbett”. Looking at late 19th century and early 20th century maps, they do not show any adit or tin working at this location, therefore this evidence and that from DTRG (Dr Tom Greeves) suggests that Eric Hemery may have been incorrect on this occasion.

Site of Gobbett Mine Cottages

Part of Gobbett Mine. Tin mining at Gobbett revived in the 19th century; records exist for the years 1836-74 of three successive companies: Dartmoor United Tin Mines, Dartmoor Consols, and Swincombe Vale. Two 24 feet waterwheels are recorded 1836-40, one for pumping and one for ore stamping. One of these was described as in a “feeble state” in 1874 (citing Hamilton Jenkin, 1974, 97-99). The picture shows the area where water was fed over two leat embankments to the aforementioned waterwheels

Wheelpit at Gobbett Mine, which was used as part of the ore crushing (stamping) process

Next to the track is Gobbett Tinners Mill, which is very unique for Dartmoor, insofar as it has crazing mill stones, mortar stones and mould stones showing that during its operational life it had a triple purpose (ie grinding, knocking and smelting). It is believed that the site was partially robbed in the 19th century when the buildings at Gobbett Mine, 180m away, were constructed.

View from the Tinners’ Mill looking back to Gobbett Mine

Heading west along the road in the Swincombe Valley

First sighting of John Bishop’s House across the river

Fairy Bridge spanning the Swincombe

The Swincombe at Fairy Bridge

John Bishop’s House. There were two small buildings shown here on the 19th century Tithe Map surrounded by four small fields. The Tithe Apportionment states this was : ‘Tenement near Swincombe’ and lists Field Number 1222 as ‘Cot House and Garden. It is also known as Lower Swincombe Farm or Swincombe Ford Cottage. It was built circa 1827 and John Bishop (a drystone wall mason) moved in in the mid 1840’s

On 13th December 1986, John Bishop’s House undertook stabilisation works. The works involved the door and windows to the front elevation. The work was conducted by the DNPA’s masons.

Looking south from John Bishop’s House towards Deep Swincombe

Outbuilding, possible linhay at Upper Swincombe Farm. SX63975 72560

Upper Swincombe farm. Consisting a roofless 19th century byre with a further roofless barn/byre and store building close by. The photograph shows a more “modern” (now demolished) farmhouse which had been built in 1913. All the buildings apparently built over earlier structures depicted in 1818 as lodges of Tor Royal estate belonging to Sir Thomas Tyrwhitt.

An impressive gatepost (originally a pair), which marked the eastern boundary of Tyrwhitt’s Tor Royal estate at SX63966 72564. The buildings were once used as a fishing retreat.

Another outbuilding of Upper Swincombe farm. SX63924 72559

West of Upper Swincombe farm along the Tavistock-Ashburton packhorse track

Gateposts on the Tavistock-Ashburton packhorse track

Looking south west towards ‘The Boiler’ on the Swincombe

Leaving the Upper Swincombe farm enclosures. On one of the gateposts is a ‘T’ and ‘A’ inscription relating to the Tavistock-Ashburton packhorse track. This guide stone (gatepost) is mentioned in Worth’s DARTMOOR on page 397. Dr. David C. Prowse wrote: “In 1911, or perhaps earlier, my father, the late Col. A. B. Prowse, ………….also found another post in the series acting as a gatepost in the Swincombe Farm enclosures”. The track here was once called a ‘Green Road’.

Entering onto open moorland. The mast at North Hessary now visible

From the track leading in the direction of Princetown. Sweeping vistas to the north, including Higher White Tor, Longaford Tor and Beardown Tors

More views from the track towards Bellever Tor

The track can get a little squelchy in places

Views to Prince Hall and beyond

Sheep dog trials next to Prince Hall

Bellever Tor taking centre stage

Concrete construction at the ‘divides’, where the power plant for the Brimpts / Princetown aerial ropeway was located. The east wall of the concrete base points in the general direction of Swincombe Meet whilst the north west wall indicates that the ropeway / cableway followed a course around the lower north slopes of Royal Hill. The author believes that the observation regarding the east wall, provides evidence that the ropeway would have passed to the north of Sherbeton and onto Little Newtake Plantation / Outer Newtake Plantation (over Swincombe Meet) and not to the south of Sherbeton and onto Snider Planation. More information can be found here: The West Dart Aerial Ropeway – (aka The Brimpts to Princetown Aerial Ropeway) – Dartmoor Explorations

The track leading to Conchie Road

Conchie Road was constructed by Conscientious Objectors between 1917-1919, who were held at the prison. This was considered work of ‘National Importance’. There were plans to turn Royal Hill into farmland and construct two farms here

‘Crock of Gold’ ring setting cairn with cist alongside the track at SX61281 73067

Hello beautiful

Note the large tag, which possibly is being used as part of fenceless grazing in the area

Zoomed in view of South Hessary

Benchmark with rivet / bolt. It can be located at SX60721 73242

Close up of the rivet / bolt

Descending Conchie Road towards Bull Park

Tor Royal is a small Dartmoor mansion built between 1785-1798 by Sir Thomas Tyrwhitt, as his private home and estate farmhouse.

Torgate House

Approaching Bull Park

The gateway at start of Conchie Road

Conchie Road would have been constructed at around the same time as the aerial ropeway near here. One wonders if there was a connection between the two constructions?

Leaving Conchie Road

Bull Park. The author knows the owner, who told him that ‘horns’ came from a Beefeater Restaurant

Bull Park

Malcolm Waite, the occupant of Bull Park showing a picture of the Plume of Feathers Football team from early 1990’s. Malcolm was a sponsor of the team and is in the front row (far left) with the author being front row (second from right)

Staddle Stones at Bull Park

In the front garden at Bull Park are three blocks with iron rings embedded. They were recovered from a hedgerow nearby. But what were they for? Possibly to chain prisoners to ?

The curators at Dartmoor Prison (via Simon Dell) confirm these are actually anchors for large tarpaulins when work parties went out on the moor and needed shelter from the elements

Leaving Bull Park enroute to Princetown via Bachelors Hall area

This unusual construction is a short distance (downhill) from Devonport Leat. The author speculates that this might have been a loading platform. It looks like the construction is from two periods. Firstly, it was a drystone construction, which appears to have been added to with a substantial facing of concrete. It is located at SX60009 73577.

Devonport Leat was constructed from 1795-1802 to supply water to Plymouth Dock (known as Devonport after 1824).

Devonport Leat takes water from the West Dart, the Cowsic and the Blackabrook rivers to the north of Princetown and was over 43 kilometres in length. Today, the leat feeds water into Burrator Reservoir

Bachelor’s Hall, is owned by the Duchy of Cornwall and was previously used as a youth hostel for many years, until it was leased to the Athena Trust in 2019 and completely refurbished. It was originally built by Sir Thomas Tyrwhitt. It was once used for naphtha extraction

The track alongside Bachelor’s Hall Tin Mine leading to Princetown

Back of New London, a group of eight cottages which were originally constructed as industrial housing for tin miners. They were built between 1872-3 and were originally inhabited by workers employed at Whiteworks Mine.

Approaching Princetown

The remains of the G.W.R. level crossing gate adjacent to “Sunnyside”. ‘Sonny’ Williams (an old farm hand) helped one Val Forder (sometime tenant of Sunnyside when a Duchy Farm) to transport the said gate from its original working position at Dousland (Prowses Crossing)

Prowses Crossing second life was as a ‘cattle crush’.

One of two drinking fountains in Princetown. This one is on the main road leading out of Princetown towards Two Bridges next to Oakery Crescent. There is a plaque which reads: THIS FOUNTAIN IS ERECTED / IN GRATEFUL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT / OF THE BENEFITS RECEIVED / FROM THE LIFE-GIVING AIR / OF PRINCETOWN. And below it reads: T.R. 1908, D.C. / THE GIFT OF / R.H. HOOKER ESQ. On top of fountain is a small granite cross.

Former Methodist Chapel and The United Church of Princetown from 19th Century. Taken from Devon Historic Environment (ref: MDV117219) : “When the Church of St Michael closed in 1994, a Methodist / Anglican Ecumenical Partnership was created and the white building to the rear of the chapel is The United Church of Princetown. This building was originally a Family Centre and an overnight hostel for Dartmoor prisoners’ relations who had travelled a long distance to visit inmates”.

Plume of Feathers, thought to be the oldest building in Princetown, dating to 1785. It was likely built shortly after Thomas Tyrwhitt started construction of Tor Royal

Jubilee Lamp from 1887 commemorating the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria, which was celebrated on 20th and 21st June that year

The Duchy Hotel, now a Visitor Centre, which once hosted Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (April 1901), where he wrote part of ‘The Hound of the Baskervilles’ having been inspired by Foxtor Mires which would later become his ‘Great Grimpen Mire’.

The Plume of Feathers, Duchy Hotel and Jubilee Lamp

Princetown Green with the war memorial granite cross on a four tiered plinth bearing the names of those who were killed during the First and Second World Wars.

On the war memorial, the top two tiers are square, the lower two octangonal. Behind is the Old Police Station Cafe. On the green are two GWR Boundary Markers from 1896

Just after the car park, heading west out of Princetown is the Electricity Generating Station on Station Cottages Road. The building was designed in 1923 by Richardson & Gill, the Duchy architects and constructed in 1924. It was used until 1947, when Princetown was connected to the National Grid.

Next to the path leading out of Princetown is this rather unassuming building is the only one which remains from the Railway Station site. Thought to be stables, it was built sometime before 1926 but the date is uncertain

One of three “PCWW 1932” inscribed stones located around a small marshy area of the River Meavy headwaters erected when the land was acquired from the Duchy of Cornwall.

Local resident on the site of the former Railway Station

All aboard, following the track bed of the Princetown Branch line. This was originally the Plymouth and Dartmoor tramway (completed 1823 to Kings Tor and extended to Princetown in 1826) which was not the success. Other than granite from the quarries, by 1840 traffic had dwindled considerably. Helen Harris (in Industrial Archaeology of Dartmoor (1968)), records: “The section above Yelverton was sold, reconstructed to standard gauge and reopened as the Princetown Railway in 1883. Traffic in the early years of the line was mainly prison-related; re-opened for convicts in 1850. Aside from the convenience to residents, the main use was for tourists and as it failed to pay its way, the railway was shut down in (March) 1956. The rails were removed in 1957 and the station at Princetown largely dismantled”.

Lineman’s (or platelayers’) Hut ruins alongside the track

PCWW 1917 stone alongside the track, denoting Burrator reservoir watershed. Although the reservoir was constructed by 1898, the watershed lands were owned by others, in the main Sir Henry Lopes of Maristow. The area of the watershed was 5300 acres. The selling of the watershed lands to the Plymouth City Water Works took place in 1916, 1919 and 1932 led to the erection of the granite boundary markers.

Another PCWW 1917 marker (one of 57). More information can be found here:Plymouth Corporation Water Works (PCWW) granite boundary posts and cast iron markers – Dartmoor Explorations

Bridge over the upper reaches of Yes Tor Brook

Looking back across the bridge in the direction of Princetown

Yes Tor Brook Valley, with views of the lower level of railway track bed (after its route around Kings Tor). Ingra Tor beyond

Railway track bed with Swell Tor quarries beyond

Site of Kings Tor Halt, next to track which leads to Foggintor Quarry)

70. Path to link to lower section of Princetown Railway

The Dartmoor Way follows a ‘short cut’ track between the higher and lower levels of the old railway track bed

Another set of platelayer’s hut foundations – near Yes Tor Brook

‘Yestor’ Farmstead is so named on 19th and early 20th century maps but is labelled as ‘Easter Green’ on the 19th century Tithe Map (as plot 459). The farm was first documented in 1795 in the Land Tax List when Edward J. Peek was chargeable and appears to have been abandoned in the 1860’s, with the last tenants being John Turner (agricultural labourer) and John Sloman (quarry labourer), who are mentioned in the 1861 census.

Crossing Yes Tor Brook

Bridge over the railway track bed between Yes Tor Brook and Ingra Tor. The substantial bridge appears to have been built purely as an animal crossing

Swell Tor Quarries are believed to have began working around the time of the opening of Plymouth to Dartmoor Railway (officially opened on 26th September 1823). Three years earlier, an agreement was signed on 21st September 1820 when William Johnson and his business partner Brice were granted a long lease for the granite of Walkhampton Common from Sir Massey Lopes. The railway was horse drawn and terminated at Kings Tor (from Sutton Pool). The railway carried lime, coal, timber and other items in the northerly direction and granite in the southerly direction. Work continued at Swelltor until the First World War in 1914, when around 90 men were employed. Production declined in the early 20th century and the workings closed, although they were briefly reopened in 1937 when waste granite was taken for use by the Devon County Council as road metal. Swelltor finally closed in 1938.

The iconic Vixen Tor across the Walkham Valley

Ingra Tor and Quarry. On 21st September 1820, following an earlier dispute with the Duchy of Cornwall over lands at Walkhampton Common, Sir Massey Lopes granted a lease relating ‘to the granite thereon’ to the Plymouth and Dartmoor Railway Company, which the company then assigned to Messrs Johnson and Brice. In Carrington’s Dartmoor, it is recorded that Messrs Johnson and Brice were already working King’s Tor Quarry and they were charged to bring ‘this handsome and durable material into rapid and extensive circulation’. It is believed that Ingra Tor Quarry was initially worked not long after the signing of the lease, albeit a description by Bray (1836) suggests it may have been a lot later. The quarry had a new lease of life in the 20th century, when quarrymen used the two crane bases within the quarry from 1936 to 1941, along with a building near the railway line. This was following the issuing of a new lease from the Maristow Estate to cut kerbstone, granite setts and road metal from the surface stone lying around. The customer was Devon County Council. Intriguingly, it was at this time Ingra Tor Halt was constructed for the quarrymen and was opened on 2nd March 1936. The halt enabled transportation of men and materials to the quarry.

The Dartmoor Way passes through this gate just before Ingra Tor

This memorial is on the north spoil heap on the north side of the railway line near Ingra Tor Halt. It is rather conspicuous and appears to have been placed here circa 2020 by or for ‘GRS & JMS’

The Inscription reads:
I will lift up my eyes to the hills
From whence cometh help
My help cometh from the Lord
Psalm 121 v 1-2 GRS & JMS 2020

Criptor Farm from the track leading down from Ingra Tor Halt. There was a Longhouse here which is now a farm building. It dates from 16th or possible 17th century date but was altered in late 19th / early 20th century.

Ingra Tor from near Criptor Farm

Staple Tors and Roos Tor

Looking east from direction followed – the Track to Routrundle is on right, track to Criptor Farm is straight on

Lane to Criptor Cross – there is a benchmark on the gatepost. Ref: B.M. 0753.3,

Criptor Cross

Criptor Cross – lane leading to Routrundle, Criptor Farm and Ingra Tor

Eggworthy Farm and Eggworthy House from lane leading down to Walkham from Criptor Cross

Ward Bridge “C” (County) Stone East is one of two associated with the Bridge and can be found at SX54290 72010. Bridges either constructed by the county, or taken over and therefore maintained by them and sited within the county of Devon would have had a set of two ‘C’ stones erected on either side of the bridge. Both “C” stones at Ward Bridge are still extant.

Ward bridge, over the river Walkham. The original bridge had resisted floods for 300 years, before the county bridge authority widened it and by doing so weakened the foundations. During an extra-ordinary flood in July, 1890 the newly widened bridge got carried it away. The present new bridge had to be built as a result

West side of Ward Bridge and uphill there is a benchmark (on gatepost) which can be found at SX54154 72072

The Ward Bridge “C” (County) Stone west can be found at SX54139 72064

Woodtown Lodge

Lane between Woodtown and Stonycroft

View from lane across to Stonycroft

Stonycroft

VR Letterbox with a Benchmark to the left of box. The lane leads to ‘Coachman’s Cottage’.

Squeeze stile on the outskirts of Sampford Spiney

The Old National School, Sampford Spiney. Built circa late 16th century as a church house, it was extended and converted into school in 1888 and extended again in 1899; It was converted into house in late 20th century.

Hall farmstead dates to at least the Medieval period.

Hounds. These kennels are on western edge of Sampford Spiney

Sampford Spiney Parish (SSP) Boundary marker to the west of the hamlet of Sampford Spiney

The road leading away from Sampford Spiney in the direction of Plasterdown

Sampford Tor (right) and Pew Tor (left)

Close up of Pew Tor

Road junction to Moortown – Pew Tor on the horizon

Staggered junction at Warrens Cross.

Warrens Cross – the author nailed the Dartmoor Way signs to the post in August 2019

View from Warrens Cross to Cox Tor (left) and Staple Tors (right)

Warren’s Cross is believed to have been on the route of the Tavistock – Ashburton Packhorse track. Next to the crossroads by a drystone wall is a buried ‘TA’ stone

Dave Brewer records this as being a “small piece of rectangular section on the northern side of the wall at Warren’s Cross, having the incised letters ‘TA’ on the exposed face – thought of as being part of an old guide stone”. It is interesting that the ‘T’ and the ‘A’ are on the same side of this stone. Digging down a bit further might well reveal that there is also a ‘V’ making ‘TAV’ for Tavistock?

Road from Warrens Cross leading across Whitchurch Down

Whitchurch Down with the ‘Pimple’ on the mid-horizon and the Cornish hills in the haze on the far horizon

Dartmoor Way sign on Whitchurch Down – another one nailed up by the author in August 2019

Locals on Whitchurch Down

A Tavistock/Whitchurch Parish Boundary Marker at SX49705 73303, dated for the millenium. At this point the Dartmoor Way heads north west up to ‘The Pimple’

Dartmoor Way signpost showing the way to the ‘Pimple’

Having a snooze in the afternoon sunshine near the ‘Pimple’

The ‘Pimple’ on Whitchurch Down is a folly

The ‘Pimple’ was designed in 1914, by Sir Edwin Lutyens, for the Duke of Bedford and was built over the entrance to and on top of a reservoir

Leading down to Tavistock from the ‘Pimple’ – this sheep was blocking the way

In the 19th century, Whitchurch Down was divided between the parishes of Whitchurch and Tavistock on a (more or less straight) line which ran from the cricket ground in the west to Furzy Bridge on Taviton Brook in the east. The land to the north of that line belonged to Tavistock and the land to the south of the land to Whitchurch. This boundary was (and still is) marked by a series of boundary stones inscribed with a “T” on one side and a “W” on another side. The boundary stone shown in the picture is located next to the wall at the corner of what once was an field (now part of the Down Road development). The boundary stone is located at SX49030 73602

Leaving Whitchurch Down near the end of Stage 8 (and High Moorland Link Stage 2). Good to see the Dartmoor Way signs the author put up in 2019 still in position

Dartmoor Way signpost in Down Road

Fuelled by Eccles Cakes and Jail Ale, the completion of the 12 Dartmoor Way Stages (210km or 131 miles in old money). Thanks to my walking buddy for the laughs and cheesy jokes

Its Official – the certificate

Dartmoor Way, High Moorland Link – Part 2 – Hexworthy to Tavistock

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Dartmoor Way, High Moor Link – Part 1 – Dart Bridge to Hexworthy

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Dartmoor Way – Stage 9 – Tavistock to Shaugh Bridge

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