A collection of walks, discoveries, insights and pictures of exploring Dartmoor National Park
February 19, 2020
SHEEPSTOR WARREN
Steve Grigg and Frank Collinson
SHEEPSTOR WARREN an exploration…………R.G Haynes wrote a booklet in 1970, describing Vermin Traps on Dartmoor. He stated “There is no documentary evidence to show that this warren ever existed. However, Sheepstor adjoins Ditsworthy warren; it has 3 vermin traps on its summit, 6 buries on its north and west slopes, and a ruined dwelling house and enclosure on its lower west face, watered by a spring” . With this inspiration we explored and managed to find all three VTs, the warren house plus 9 magnificent buries (pillow mounds), albeit there are said to be more. Its is a lovely circumnavigation of the Tor from the Arboretum car park (even on a grey winters day).
This post also includes the record of where Pixie’s Cave is (as shown on modern OS Maps) and how to navigate the entrance to get inside.
Sketch map of the features around Sheepstor WarrenPillow Mound #1 – SX56290 68510Pillow Mound #1 – SX56290 68510Pillow Mound #2 – SX56286 68355Pillow Mound #2 – SX56286 68355Pillow Mound #3 – SX56249 68258. Looks like it was built into an ancient reave.Pillow Mound #3 – SX56249 68258. Looks like it was built into an ancient reave.Pillow Mound #4 – SX56346 68216. Sheepstor in the gloom behind.Pillow Mound #4 – SX56346 68216.Pillow Mound #5 – SX56232 68177. Near Maiden Tor.Pillow Mound #5 – SX56232 68177. Near Maiden Tor.Pillow Mound #6 – SX56264 68127. Near Maiden Tor.Pillow Mound #6 – SX56264 68127. Near Maiden Tor.Pillow Mound #7 – SX56277 68095. View down to Sheepstor village.Pillow Mound #8 – SX56373 68091Pillow Mound #8 – SX56373 68091Warren House complex – SX56438 68023Warren House complex – SX56438 68023Warren House complex – SX56438 68023Warren House complex – SX56438 68023Warren House complex – SX56438 68023Warren House complex – SX56438 68023Pillow Mound #9 – SX56531 67989Pillow Mound #9 – SX56531 67989Vermin trap #1 – SX56643 68121, just below the climbers “wall” on SheepstorVermin trap #1 – SX56643 68121, just below the climbers “wall” on SheepstorVermin trap #2 – SX56596 68134, near the summit on SheepstorVermin trap #2 – SX56596 68134, near the summit on SheepstorVermin trap #3 – SX56550 68197, near the summit on SheepstorVermin trap #3 – SX56550 68197, near the summit on SheepstorSite of Pixie’s or Piskie’s Cave. The cave is in the clitter somewhere….not for the faint-hearted with the slippery rocks and very narrow entrance. The author first went inside the cave in the 1980’s and is pleased to say he can still manage to get in !The cave, deep in the clitter.Closer viewUnder these rocks at SX56606 68047The narrow entrance. I’d advocate feet first !Geocache found insideInside is quite dryGetting a 6ft 2in person inside the cave.HelloThe geocacheSide passage, you could easily lay down in here if you were a Parliamentarian (John Elford) !Getting out, mind your headHelloNow, if I turn sideways..…I can lever myself out
