A collection of walks, discoveries, insights and pictures of exploring Dartmoor National Park
July 10, 2020
EAST MILL (OP6) INCLINE TARGET RAILWAY
Steve Grigg and Frank Collinson
East Mill (OP6) Incline Target Railway, the first of five target railways which can be visited in one day. The others are at Row Tor (x1) and Black Down (x3). This one is from c1895 and has a long curvi-linear cutting. It is approx 1km long. More information can be found here:
The tramway shown on a turn of the century map, pre ring road. The north end of the tramway terminates at Skit Bottom, just south of East Okement Farm. The south end terminates at OP6, which used to be a carrier shed prior to being converted into an OP.North end of the tramway. Lots of old sleepers and other debris here East Okement trees visible top right. SX60380 90821Looking south from the north terminal point of the tramway. Looking across the tinners workings at Skit Bottom towards, Oke Tor and Steeperton TorAn old rail at the north terminalA pair of rails at north terminalA connecting plate of some description at north terminal.An L shaped construction near the north terminal, looks like an early OP or butt. It has corrugated elements in it. Its former use is unknown. SX60416 90733The tramway is easily followedMoving in a southerly direction.Crossing the ring road (known by the military as the circular road), which continues onto OP15 at Okement Hill. This point is at SX60345 90414Rails from the tramway were on a 20 inch gauge. These were at SX60336 90403The tramway cutting getting deeperThe tramway adjacent to the ring road.Nearing the southern point of the tramway, a local resident looks on.Looking at the final hairpin in the tramway.The rocks by the tramway cutting are outside OP6The carrier shed (OP6).Inside OP6Corrugated iron ceiling has seen better daysCloser inspection shows concrete lines above the corrugated ironA panned out view of OP6, showing East Okement Farm (trees), which is the northern end. Also in the picture is Winter Tor and Belstone Tors.
