A short but satisfying walk from New Bridge, encompassing a lovely stretch of the River Dart and a scenic tor.
A night and most of a day of ceaseless rain had left the River Dart so flooded that even locals shook their heads in wonder, claiming never to have seen the like – and this was July!
As the clouds started to lift a little later in the day, we decided to venture out on a short walk from New Bridge, which allowed us to enjoy the dramatic rushing waters of the Dart. We were not the only ones: the kayakers were also out in force.
They were actually sliding down into the river on the access steps at the start of our walk. Following in their wake, we had to tiptoe high around the left bank to avoid the flood, until ducking under the bridge we gained firmer ground.
It was indeed an impressive sight, the water swirling around trees and rushing away in a foaming tannic torrent. We followed a good track downstream until it rose around a cliff and then flattened out again through grassy meadows.
The Dart is a popular wild swimming river but anyone attempting it in these conditions would be swept away rapidly.
The track emerged onto a road, but first we had to remove shoes and socks to wade through the water, reminding me of New Zealand coastal walks where we had once done the same, though the English water was nowhere near as cold.
A chatty dog walker paused as we dried our feet and pointed out the way to Leigh Tor. The path actually continued on the other side of the road and wound up through gnarly trees and fresh green growth to a small rocky outcrop.
Unlike many of the tors on Dartmoor, Leigh Tor is largely surrounded by forest. However, where there were views they were spectacular, a fecund land of rolling hills, forested slopes and grazing sheep.
Continuing on, we crossed two roads in quick succession, the route emerging onto open heathland which was rapidly being consumed by ferns. Ponies grazed in the grassy confines of an old quarry which was obviously a popular hidden wild campsite, though still enjoying a wide ranging view.
Soon our path led down to a quiet, narrow road and we wound our way back to the New Bridge car park between high mossy walls. We cut back to the river for the final stretch and upon reaching the bridge were surprised to find that the level had already dropped considerably.
NOTES
From pinns.co.uk ‘Popular New Bridge Walks’ No. 3 / 2.1 miles. Map Outdoor Leisure 28 (Dartmoor). There is a large car park at New Bridge. Grid reference: 50°31′24.22″N 03°49′12.07″W
Directions:
From the large Car Park take the footpath signed ‘Deeper Marsh (Spitchwick) on left bank.
Pass under the bridge and follow a delightful footpath along the river through wooded areas and meadows. When the river path meets the road , cross over.
Continue on a footpath climbing steadily to Leigh Tor.
Continue west to a car park then cross a lane and follow a footpath for about 100 m.
Where it joins a country lane either turn left or cross over onto a grass path and turn left at the next junction then rejoin lane.
Follow quiet lane back to the main car park.
